What is the obligation regarding the division of time between a man and his female slaves (Imā'āt)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
A man is not obligated to divide his time among his female slaves (milk yamin). If he has wives and female slaves, he may enter upon the slaves as he wills, having as much or as little enjoyment as he desires, and he may equalize them or favor some over others. This is evidenced by the saying of Allah the Exalted: {But if you fear that you will not be able to deal justly, then [marry only] one, or those your right hands possess} [Quran 4:3]. Furthermore, the Prophet, peace be upon him, possessed Mary the Copt and Rayhanah, yet he did not divide time between them. This is because the female slave has no inherent right to enjoyment; hence, she does not have the option to seek divorce due to the master's impotence or castration, nor is a specific period of potential divorce (iila') established for her. However, if she requires marriage, he must provide for her chastity either through intercourse, marriage, or sale.