Barirah came (to `Aisha) and said, "I have made a contract of emancipation with my masters for nine
Uqiyas (of gold) to be paid in yearly installments. Therefore, I seek your help." `Aisha said, "If your
masters agree, I will pay them the sum at once and free you on condition that your Wala' will be for
me." Barirah went to her masters but they refused that offer. She (came back) and said, "I presented to
them the offer but they refused, unless the Wala' was for them." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) heard of that and
asked me about it, and I told him about it. On that he said, "Buy and manumit her and stipulate that
the Wala' should be for you, as Wala' is for the liberator." `Aisha added, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) then got up
amongst the people, Glorified and Praised Allah, and said, 'Then after: What about some people who
impose conditions which are not present in Allah's Laws? So, any condition which is not present in
Allah's Laws is invalid even if they were one-hundred conditions. Allah's ordinance is the truth, and
Allah's condition is stronger and more solid. Why do some men from you say, O so-and-so! manumit
the slave but the Wala will be for me? Verily, the Wala is for the liberator."
Narrated by Narrated Aisha:
Context
In this narration, Aisha recounts an incident involving Barirah, a slave woman who sought help to secure her freedom. Aisha offers to buy Barirah's freedom on the condition that she would become her client. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) supports this arrangement, emphasizing that the right of 'Wala' (guardianship) belongs to the one who frees a slave. This situation illustrates the importance of compassion and justice in the treatment of others, especially those in servitude.
Modern Application
Today, this hadith encourages us to support those seeking freedom from oppressive situations, whether through advocacy, legal assistance, or social support. It reminds us of the importance of standing up for justice and helping others achieve their rights.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Manumission of Slaves because it discusses the process of freeing a slave and the rights associated with that act.
But let them who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allah enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess - then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allah is [to them], after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful.
And those who pronounce thihar from their wives and then [wish to] go back on what they said - then [there must be] the freeing of a slave before they touch one another. That is what you are admonished thereby; and Allah is Acquainted with what you do.
He said, "Indeed, I wish to wed you one of these, my two daughters, on [the condition] that you serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten, it will be [as a favor] from you. And I do not wish to put you in difficulty. You will find me, if Allah wills, from among the righteous."
And [remember, O Muhammad], when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, "Keep your wife and fear Allah," while you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished.
And whoever among you cannot [find] the means to marry free, believing women, then [he may marry] from those whom your right hands possess of believing slave girls. And Allah is most knowing about your faith. You [believers] are of one another. So marry them with the permission of their people and give them their due compensation according to what is acceptable. [They should be] chaste, neither [of] those who commit unlawful intercourse randomly nor those who take [secret] lovers. But once they are sheltered in marriage, if they should commit adultery, then for them is half the punishment for free [unmarried] women. This [allowance] is for him among you who fears sin, but to be patient is better for you. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.