Barira came to me and said: My family (owners) have made contract with me (for granting freedom) for nine 'uqiyas (of silver) payable in nine years, one 'uqiya every year. Help me (in making this payment). I said to her: If your family so desires, I am prepared to make them the full payment in one instalment, and thus secure freedom for you, but the right of inheritance will vest in me, if I do so. She (Barira) made a mention of that to her family, but they refused (except) on the condition that the right of inheritance would vest in them. She came to me and made mention of if She ('A'isha) said: I scolded her. She (Barira) said: By Allah, it is not possible (they will never agree to it). And as she was saying it, Allah's messenger (ﷺ) heard, and he asked me, I informed him and he said: Buy her and emancipate her, and let the right of inherit- ance vest in them, for they cannot claim it (rightfully) since the right of inherritance vests with one who emancipates (the slave; therefore, these people have no right to lay such false claims). And I did so. She ('A'isha) said: Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) delivered a sermon in the evening. He extolled Allah and praised Him with what He deserves, and then said afterwards,: What has happened to the people that they lay down conditions which are not found in the Book of Allah? And the condition which is not found in the Book of Allah is invalid, even if its number is one hundred. The Book of Allah is more true (than any other deed) and the condition laid down by Allah is more binding (than any other condition). What has happened to the people among you that someone among you says:" Emancipate so and so, but the right of inheritance vests in me"? Verily, the right of inheritance vests in one who emancipates.
The Book of Emancipating Slaves - Sahih Muslim 1504 d
This narration from the Mother of the Believers 'Ā'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) contains profound legal wisdom regarding the emancipation of slaves and the invalidity of conditions contrary to Islamic law.
Commentary on the Contract of Emancipation
The case of Barira demonstrates the Islamic legal principle of kitābah, where a slave contracts with their owner for freedom through installment payments. The Prophet's intervention established that the right of inheritance (walā') naturally belongs to the emancipator, not the original owners.
Invalidity of Un-Islamic Conditions
The Prophet's sermon powerfully declares that any condition not found in Allah's Book is void, regardless of how numerous such conditions may be. This establishes the supremacy of divine law over human agreements and customs.
Legal Wisdom for Future Generations
This hadith serves as a permanent legal precedent, teaching Muslims that while emancipation is highly meritorious, it must be conducted according to Islamic principles. The walā' (right of inheritance) follows the act of emancipation itself, not contractual stipulations contrary to sacred law.