Tafsir of the Prohibition of Slave Girl Prostitution Earnings

This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 5348 establishes a fundamental Islamic prohibition against exploiting women through prostitution, regardless of their social status. The Prophet's (ﷺ) prohibition demonstrates Islam's protection of human dignity.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Bukhari places this hadith in the "Book of Divorce" to emphasize that sexual relations are only permissible within legitimate marital bonds. The prohibition applies even to slave girls, whose masters might otherwise claim such earnings.

Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain that this prohibition protects women's honor and prevents the normalization of illicit sexual relations in society. The earnings from such acts are considered impure (haram) wealth.

This ruling forms part of Islam's comprehensive approach to eliminating prostitution and safeguarding public morality. It establishes that no human being can be treated as a mere instrument for sexual pleasure and financial gain.

Legal Implications

The prohibition extends beyond slave girls to all forms of prostitution in contemporary contexts. Scholars unanimously agree that money earned through prostitution is unlawful and cannot be used for lawful purposes.

This hadith also implies the responsibility of guardians and society to provide legitimate means of sustenance for those under their care, rather than exploiting them through immoral means.