of their possible meanings, unless evidence indicates that something other than obligation is intended, such as recommendation, permission, prohibition, astonishment or supplication, for all these meanings may be expressed in the imperative form. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says:
“When you have left the state of consecration, then hunt.” [al-Mā’idah: 2]
And He, Most High, says:
“When the prayer has been concluded, disperse throughout the land.” [al-Jumu‘ah: 10]
These are commands intended to convey permission. He also says:
“If relatives, orphans and the needy are present at the division of the estate, give them something from it.” [al-Nisā’: 8]
This is a command intended as recommendation and guidance. He also says:
“Worship whatever you wish besides Him.” [al-Zumar: 15]
This is a command intended to convey prohibition. Likewise, He, Most High, says to Iblīs:
“Rally against them your cavalry and infantry, share in their wealth and children, and make them promises.” [al-Isrā’: 64]
He, Most High, also says:
“How clearly they will hear and see!” [Maryam: 38]
This is in the imperative form, but astonishment is intended. He, Most High, also says:
“Guide us to the straight path.” [al-Fātihah: 6]
This is in the imperative form, but entreaty and petition are intended, since a person’s command can be directed only to someone beneath him.
Section
The evidence that Allah Most High intends recommendation, rather than obligation, in His words:
“Grant them a contract of emancipation if you know there is good in them.” [al-Nūr: 33]
is the consensus of the Muslim community that no one is obliged either to free his slave or to sell him. Contractual manumission must be either manumission or a sale in which the slave purchases himself from his master. It is closer to manumission: the master frees the slave without seizing his property, although he was entitled to seize it without freeing him. There is also consensus that a slave’s owner is not obliged to permit him to engage in trade, whereas a manumission contract entails the master’s permission for him to do so. Further evidence