By Nadirah Angail At the risk of being misunderstood, I’ll say this: A beard and…
How Islam Treats Slaves?
Sometimes Non Believers say that Islam promotes slavery and they present various Quranic verses and Ahadith about the good treatment of slaves to support them. This is very misleading and demands that the concept of slavery in Islam be studied in detail.
The concept of slavery in Islam and particularly at the time of our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was very different from the Western concept of slavery. Western concept of slavery is related to racism and the colour of skin. It is brutal in nature. According to the Western concept, slaves are treated like animals; they are not fed properly and their work load is terrible.
In contrast, the concept of slavery in Islam is not related to racism or colour of skin. In fact, according to the International law of that time, all prisoners of war were made slaves; irrespective of their skin colour, their status or nationality. But Islam laid great stress on good treatment of slaves.
In contrast, the concept of slavery in Islam is not related to racism or colour of skin. In fact, according to the International law of that time, all prisoners of war were made slaves; irrespective of their skin colour, their status or nationality. But Islam laid great stress on good treatment of slaves.
“Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful “ [1]
Narrated by Al-Ma’rur
“At Ar-Rabadha I met Abu Dhar who was wearing a cloak, and his slave, too, was wearing a similar one. I asked about the reason for it. He replied, “I abused a person by calling his mother with bad names.” The Prophet said to me, ‘O Abu Dhar! Did you abuse him by calling his mother with bad names You still have some characteristics of ignorance. Your slaves are your brothers and Allah has put them under your command. So whoever has a brother under his command should feed him of what he eats and dress him of what he wears. Do not ask them (slaves) to do things beyond their capacity (power) and if you do so, then help them.’ “ [2]
Subhan Allah! Our Prophet (SAW) has taught us to treat the slaves as our equals. Also, Our Prophet (SAW) encouraged freeing of slaves. For example,
Narrated by Asma’ bint Abu Bakr
“The Prophet ordered us to free slaves at the time of solar eclipses.” [3]
In the Quran, freeing a slave is called the righteous way.
“And what will make you know the path that is steep? (4)
(It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.)” [4]
With such clear instructions on good treatment of slaves and encouragement to free the slaves, how can Islam be labeled as a religion promoting slavery?
References:
[1] Surah An Nisa 4: verse 36
[2] Narrated by Bukhari,Volume 1, Book 2, Number 29
[3] Narrated by Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 46, Number 695
[4] Surah Al-Balad 90: Verses 12, 13
About the Author
Eaalim Travel is enthusiastic about imparting knowledge about the perfect example and life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and in doing so the idea is to create a deep love as well as connection with our Prophet ﷺ.
