Peace brother Joseph,
I would like to get a better understanding of the verse 23:6 .
23:6 (Picktall) Save from their wives or the (slaves) that their right hands possess, for then they are not blameworthy,
23:6 (Y. Ali) Except with those joined to them in the marriage bond, or (the captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (in their case) they are free from blame,
23:6 (Asad) [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: [3] for then, behold, they are free of all blame,
This is in the context of permissible category of sex also defines what constitutes adultery(zina) according to Quran
• 23:5 (Asad) and who are mindful of their chastity,
• 23:5 (Y. Ali) Who abstain from sex,
• 23:5 (Picktall) And who guard their modesty
Now as I know from your following article you mentioned the different meaning of the idiom "those that your right hands possess" also sex is prohibited without marriage.
http://quransmessage.com/articles/sex%20with%20slave%20girls%20FM3.htm So what should be the proper meaning of this idiom in the context of 23:6 which gives the permission of sex with mates (azwajihim ) OR "those that your right hands possess". It does not mention explicitly that it required to marry these category of "those that your right hands possess" .
This verse is often quoted by people wrongly translating the idiom "those that your right hands possess" as slaves also to point out that Quran is actually permitting to have sex with slave girls without marriage.
I have found some explanation of this verse regarding what should be the proper meaning of "those that your right hands possess" in this context. For example as follows it says this category was concubines before revelation of Quran so it was not required to marry them after revelation of Quran. How appropriate is this explanation ? Also does this applies to modern day?
Edip-Layth - End Note 1 (23:6)
It refers to those who were concubines before the revelation that prohibited slavery and gave them freedom. Though the Quran prohibited slavery for muslims, at that time, slavery and wars were the reality of the polytheistic world. Prohibited relationships that started before the revelation of the Quran, were not asked to be voided, since that would create bigger psychological, economic and social problems. In other words, the laws of the Quran in the sphere of marriage relationships was not applied retroactively (4:22-23). Also, see 4:3,25; 90:1-20.