Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Ata reports that a man freed his slave in such a way that no one would have authority over him. So, when he died and left behind wealth, Hazrat Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked about this. He said: “Indeed, the people of Islam do not leave (someone) free (without responsibility); indeed, it was the people of ignorance who used to leave (someone) free. You are his mawla and more entitled to him than other people. Otherwise, bring his wealth to me—there are many heirs here, meaning the Bayt al-Mal (public treasury).”