Can the Wala' transfer sequence result in mutual allegiance between two parties, as seen when a former slave's patron is subsequently freed by that former slave?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Walā' (Patronage)

Book 33 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is permissible for the Wala' sequence to become reciprocal. If a slave is freed by a non-Muslim who then embraces Islam, and later the original master is captured and freed by the first freed slave, then both individuals become patrons to each other, one above and one below, and they inherit from each other through this mutual Wala'. This is permissible because just as kinship ties can result in mutual inheritance based on lineage, so too can Wala' establish mutual rights.