What is the required expiation for a slave (Abd) who commits Zihar?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Zihar
Primary text
The expiation for a slave who commits Zihar is valid through fasting, requiring two consecutive months, based on the verse concerning those without means: {Then, whoever cannot find [the means], then two consecutive months of fasting} [Quran 58:4]. Since a slave cannot free a servant, he is treated like a free person who is indigent, and is in a worse position. The apparent position of Al-Kharqi indicates that only fasting suffices, regardless of whether the master permits expiation through manumission.
Supporting text
A narration attributed to Ahmad permits expiation by payment if the master allows it, which is the position of Al-Awza'i and Abu Thawr, because the master's permission grants him the capacity to pay. On this basis, expiation by feeding is also permissible if fasting is impossible. There are two views regarding whether manumission is permitted: one view, attributed to Malik, denies it because manumission entails legal ties of allegiance, authority, and inheritance, which a slave does not possess. The second view permits manumission, held by Al-Awza'i and chosen by Abu Bakr, as the objective is removing ownership and enabling self-possession, and the secondary legal implications do not invalidate the primary purpose.