Chapter: The grave prohibition of a slave’s running away from his master
1768 – Jarir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Any slave who runs away—his covenant of protection is dissolved.” Reported by Muslim.
1769 – He likewise reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “When a slave runs away, none of his prayers will be accepted.” Muslim also collected it, and in another wording: “he has committed disbelief.”
[Commentary]
The author, may Allah have mercy on him, says in Riyad al-Salihin: Chapter on the severe warning against a slave’s running away from his master. The term “slave” means a person in bondage, and his ibāq (running away) refers to his fleeing from his owner. A slave is owned by his master in both person and benefit, so when he absconds he deprives his master of both.
The texts threaten three punishments for this act—may Allah protect us:
- The covenant of protection is lifted from him, as stated in the hadith of Jarir (may Allah be pleased with him).
- He is described as a disbeliever, though this is not disbelief that removes one from the fold of Islam.
- His prayers are not accepted.
Thus, if a slave runs away from his master and then performs the prayer—