Is it obligatory for a non-Muslim master to pay Zakat al-Fitr for his Muslim slave?
Chapter on Zakat al-Fitr
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
There is an opinion attributed to Ahmad, and chosen by Al-Qadi, that the non-Muslim master must pay Sadaqat al-Fitr for his Muslim slave. The justification rests on the fact that the slave is among those eligible for purification, thus payment is required just as it would be if the master were a Muslim. Furthermore, the phrase in the Hadith, 'from the Muslims,' can be interpreted as referring to the one for whom it is paid, especially since if a Muslim owned a non-Muslim slave, payment would not be due. The mention of every slave and child in the Hadith indicates intent regarding the recipient, not the payer.
Supporting text
The prevailing opinion among scholars, including Ibn al-Mundhir's report of consensus among those whose views are known, states that Sadaqat al-Fitr is not due upon the non-Muslim (Dhimmi) for his Muslim slave. This is based on the Hadith stating it is due 'from the Muslims,' and because Zakat al-Fitr is a form of Zakah, which is not obligatory upon a non-Muslim, similar to Zakah on wealth. Ibn Aqil suggested that it might not be obligatory.