Is Zakat al-Fitr obligatory for a master concerning a runaway slave (aabiq)?
Chapter on Zakat al-Fitr
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory for the master regarding his runaway slave. Scholars such as Al-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, and Ibn al-Mundhir mandated its payment. This ruling is based on the slave being the master's property, for which Zakat al-Fitr is due, supporting the view that Zakat al-Fitr follows maintenance, which is due for the aabiq upon his return.
Supporting text
The obligation is questioned by those who state that since the master is not obliged to provide maintenance for the runaway slave, the Zakat al-Fitr is not due, drawing an analogy with a defiant wife.