His statement, “Muslim,” excludes a disbeliever: a disbeliever may not marry a Muslim slave woman under any circumstances. Thus, the two implied meanings differ in their legal ruling.

His statement, “a Muslim slave woman”: he stipulates that she must be Muslim. The apparent meaning of his words is that, even if she is from the People of the Scripture, she is not lawful for a Muslim.

His statement, “unless he fears the hardship of celibacy”: al-ʿanat means hardship, while “celibacy” means being unmarried. Thus, an unmarried person is one who is not married, whether male or female.

His statement, “because of a need for sexual gratification or service”: if he fears the hardship of celibacy, whether because he needs service or sexual gratification, then he may marry a slave woman, as Allah the Exalted says:

“This is for those of you who fear hardship.” [Al-Nisaʾ 4:25]

His statement, “and is unable to afford a free woman or the price of a slave woman”: ṭawl means the bridal gift; that is, he is unable to afford the bridal gift for a free woman or the price of a slave woman.

These, then, are three conditions:

First: the slave woman must be Muslim.

Second: he must fear the hardship of celibacy.

Third: he must be unable to afford the bridal gift for a free woman or the price of a slave woman.

The proof is in His saying, Exalted is He:

“And whoever among you cannot afford to marry free believing women, then let him marry believing slave women from among those whom your right hands possess,”

until He says:

“This is for those of you who fear hardship. But to be patient is better for you.” [Al-Nisaʾ 4:25]