Is a manumitted slave (Mukatab) subject to retaliation (Qisas) for the killing of another slave?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Wounds
Primary text
The Mukatab is subject to retaliation for killing a permanent slave (Qinn), a Mukatab, a slave designated for manumission upon death (Mudabbir), or a slave mother (Umm Walad). Similarly, the Mudabbir and Umm Walad are subject to retaliation for killing any of the aforementioned categories, including the Mukatab. This ruling is based on the general application of the verse, "And a slave for a slave" (Quran 2:178). Evidence confirming the Mukatab remains a slave until full payment is made is the Prophet's statement: "The Mukatab is a slave as long as he owes a dirham." This applies whether the Mukatab has paid part of his manumission sum or not, and whether he possesses the means to pay or not, unless one holds the view that he becomes free upon acquiring the means to pay, in which case he is not killed by retaliation for a free slave.
Supporting text
If a Mukatab has paid three-quarters of his manumission amount, some scholars rule that he is not killed by retaliation, as he is then considered free. Those who do not rule him free until the entire manumission amount is paid permit his execution by retaliation for a slave.