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Is the statement attributed to Imam Al-Razi, and corroborated by Al-Tabari, which prohibits a man from having intercourse with his female slave before marrying her, considered a valid opinion?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Muhammad Asad erred in understanding the words of the exegetes regarding the interpretation of verse 24 of Surat An-Nisa (The Women), where he confined "those whom your right hands possess" to marriage. This is an interpretation not held by any scholar. Rather, the intent of the verse is to prohibit marriage with married women, "except those whom your right hands possess" through captivity. These women become lawful for those who capture them after istibra' (ensuring no pregnancy), even if they were married in their home countries. This is what Al-Tabari, Al-Razi, and Al-Shanqeeti affirmed, and it is indicated by the occasion of revelation mentioned in Sahih Muslim. The article pointed out that Muhammad Asad's translation of the Qur'an contains many errors and esoteric interpretations.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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