Is there a difference in the required time allocation between a free woman (hurra) and a female slave (ammah) upon initial marriage?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
The ruling concerning a female slave is the same as that for a free woman in this regard. The basis for this is the general statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him: 'For the virgin, seven, and for the previously married, three.' Furthermore, this initial period is intended to foster intimacy and remove bashfulness, needs which are equal for both free women and slaves, similar to the ruling on financial maintenance (nafaqah).
Supporting text
Scholars affiliated with the Shafi'i school present three views: one aligning with the main opinion, a second placing the female slave on the same footing as a free woman in all divisions, and a third suggesting four days for a virgin female slave and two for a previously married one, as a completion for a portion of a night.