As Salaamu ‘Alaykum wa Rahmatallahi wa Barakatuhu, May this letter find you while you are in the highest state of Iman. Amin. Sir, you were referred to me a person who can either give, or has excellent sources for fatwas. I am an African American Sunni “revert” muslim, who Fears Allah. Alhamdulillah, I have been muslim for almost 10 years now; I am 31 years old. I a writing to you to gain clarity on an issue; maybe you can assist, Insha’ Allah. I have been told by several muslims that it is possible for someone to “sell” themselves into slavery, even if it is for a short period of time (say 3-4 years.) I was told that this could be so that their “master/owner” would pay off their debts, shelter them, feed them, and then they would have the opportunity to do whatever was part of their contract (i.e. cook/build a house, or whatever services were agreed to) in order to be freed. Is this claim legitimate? Why or why not? Is it permissible now? Additionally, could a slave in this respect be treated in the same way as those who were caught/sold due to Jihad? In other words, could their male muslim owners have sex with them too? I appreciate any and all advise that you could give me in this area. Shukron Jazillan. Sincerely, Abu Bakr
It is not possible for a person to voluntarily become a slave. A legitimate
slave is he who is taken captive as a prisoner of war by a muslim army.
Hence, the information given to you to sell yourself as a slave is
incorrect. If a person has a debt he should seek an employment and pay the
debt from his income.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.