Chapter on the Contract of Manumission (Mukataba)

Mu'awiyah ibn Wahb narrated from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, regarding a mukatab (a slave under a contract of emancipation) who entered into the contract on behalf of himself and his wealth. He had a female slave and was under a condition that he should not marry. He then freed the female slave and married her. Imam عليه السلام said: "He is not allowed to make changes to his wealth except for basic sustenance, and his marriage is invalid and rejected." It was asked: "What if his master knew about the marriage and remained silent without objecting?" Imam عليه السلام said: "If the master remained silent after knowing, then he has approved it." It was further asked: "If the mukatab was later emancipated, should he renew the marriage contract or continue based on the initial contract?" Imam عليه السلام said: "He may continue based on the initial marriage."