Source: Fatawa Ilmiyyah (Tawdih al-Ahkam)
What is the difference between a wife and a slave woman? Is it permissible to call one’s wife a “slave”?
Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
Shariah has established a clear distinction between a wife and a slave woman, and there are notable differences in certain rulings. Because of these differences, it is neither appropriate nor correct to call a wife a “slave.”
➊ Requirements of Marriage
➋ Division of Time
➌ Withdrawal (‘azl)
➍ Inheritance
It is neither Islamically correct nor morally appropriate to call a wife a “slave.”
A wife should be addressed with respect and honor, using words befitting her status, and the term “slave” should be avoided.
This is what I hold to be correct, and Allah knows best.
Question
What is the difference between a wife and a slave woman? Is it permissible to call one’s wife a “slave”?
Answer
Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
Shariah has established a clear distinction between a wife and a slave woman, and there are notable differences in certain rulings. Because of these differences, it is neither appropriate nor correct to call a wife a “slave.”
Key Differences Between a Wife and a Slave Woman
➊ Requirements of Marriage
- Wife: The marriage contract requires certain conditions:
- A formal contract (‘aqd)
- Payment of mahr (dowry)
- Presence of witnesses
- Consent of the wali (guardian)
- Slave Woman: These conditions are not required for the owner to have relations with her.
➋ Division of Time
- Wife: If a man has more than one wife, he must divide nights between them equally to maintain justice.
- Slave Woman: No such division is required; the owner may have relations with her at any time.
➌ Withdrawal (‘azl)
- Wife: Withdrawal during intercourse requires the wife’s permission.
- Slave Woman: The owner may perform withdrawal without her permission.
➍ Inheritance
- Wife: She inherits from her husband after his death.
- Slave Woman: She does not inherit from her owner; the relationship is based on ownership, not marriage.
Conclusion
It is neither Islamically correct nor morally appropriate to call a wife a “slave.”
- The word wife reflects dignity, love, and respect.
- The word slave implies bondage and humiliation.
A wife should be addressed with respect and honor, using words befitting her status, and the term “slave” should be avoided.
This is what I hold to be correct, and Allah knows best.
