27/12. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1503e — Freedom Without Overburdening
One who frees his share in a slave
Hadith About Freeing a Slave Without Overburdening Him
Sahih Muslim : 1503e
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1503e
وَحَدَّثَنِي عَمْرٌو النَّاقِدُ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِي عَرُوبَةَ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنِ النَّضْرِ بْنِ أَنَسٍ، عَنْ بَشِيرِ بْنِ نَهِيكٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " مَنْ أَعْتَقَ شَقِيصًا لَهُ فِي عَبْدٍ فَخَلاَصُهُ فِي مَالِهِ إِنْ كَانَ لَهُ مَالٌ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ مَالٌ اسْتُسْعِيَ الْعَبْدُ غَيْرَ مَشْقُوقٍ عَلَيْهِ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) as saying: He who emancipates his portion in a slave, full emancipation may be secured for him out of his property (if he has money) if he has enough property to meet (the required expenses), but if he has not enough property, the slave should be put to extra labour (in order to earn money for buying his freedom), but he should not be overburdened.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1503eIn-book reference : Book 27, Hadith 80USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 15, Hadith 4110
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1503e
This Hadith explains what happens when someone frees his portion in a slave. If he has enough property, full freedom is secured from that property. If he does not have enough property, the slave is asked to work toward buying the remaining freedom, but he must not be overburdened. This makes the Hadith highly relevant for searches like hadith about freeing slaves, slave should not be overburdened, and Sahih Muslim 1503e. The text balances two matters: completing freedom and avoiding hardship. It does not allow the situation to become a reason for harsh treatment. Even when work is mentioned, the Hadith clearly says it should be without making things too hard for him.
What we learn from this hadith
- Full emancipation is secured from the owner's property when he has enough wealth.
- If there is not enough property, work may be used to secure the remaining freedom.
- The slave must not be overburdened in that process.
- The Hadith joins responsibility with care for human limits.
