Dr Morrow’s Research on Islam and Slavery Dispels the Myth That Islam Supports Slavery
By Ghulam Ghaus
Siddiqi, New Age Islam
6 July 2024
Islam Not Only
Refrained from Promoting Slavery but Also Emphasized the Humane Treatment of
Slaves. The Faith Encouraged Believers to Free Slaves as an Act of Benevolence,
With Promises of Abundant Rewards for Those Who Liberated Them. Unfortunately,
A Pervasive Misconception Suggests That Islam Condones Slavery, Citing
Selective Interpretations of the Quran and Hadith. In Contrast, These Revered
Texts Actually Advocate for The Emancipation of Slaves, A Practice Exemplified
by The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) And His Companions Who Actively
Liberated Individuals from Bondage. For A Deeper Understanding of Islam's
Stance On Slavery, I Recommend Exploring Dr John Andrew Morrow's
Well-Researched Book On This Topic. Through Scholarly Insights and Historical
Analysis, One Can Gain a More Nuanced Perspective On How Islam Deals with The
Concept of Slavery, Emphasizing Its Underlying Principles of Compassion,
Justice, And Freedom.
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Islam and Slavery
Author: John Andrew Morrow
Pages:
298
Language: English
Release Date:
October 1, 2023
Copyright:
2024
ISBN:
9781680536379 Hardcover
Price:
$99.95
Trim Size: 6x9
Publisher: Academica Press, 1727 Massachusetts
Avenue, NW, Suite 507, Washington, DC 20036
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Islam and Slavery, a ground-breaking book by Dr John Andrew Morrow, convincingly
dispels common misconceptions about the belief that Islam and the Qurānic
teachings support or condone the system of slavery. The book painstakingly
dismantles the historical fallacy and intentional misrepresentation that have
long been used to justify and perpetuate the heinous institution of slavery
under the guise of Islamic legitimacy by methodically presenting a plethora of
well-researched evidence and persuasive arguments.
Moreover,
Dr. Morrow adeptly shines a light on the exemplary endeavours of Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) aimed at constructing a society that champions
egalitarian principles, values reason, upholds justice, champions freedom, and
nurtures a spirit of equality among its adherents. The book offers a nuanced,
balanced, and profoundly enlightening analysis that explores the complex
historical, religious, and socio-cultural foundations that have shaped
attitudes towards slavery within the Islamic world. It does this by thoroughly
examining the complex relationship between Islam and slavery.
This book
is a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in understanding
the intricate interplay between Islamic history, particularly the Qur'an, and
the issue of slavery, offering a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of
this critical aspect of Islamic history and its profound implications.
This book
has garnered substantial praise from a wide array of prominent individuals
within the academic and activist communities. Noteworthy figures include Biram
Dah Abeid, a Mauritanian politician known for his staunch advocacy against
slavery, Dr Chouki El Hamel, a distinguished Professor of History at Arizona
State University specializing in African and Islamic history, and Dr Khaled
Abou El Fadl, a respected Distinguished Professor of Law at UCLA renowned for
his scholarship on Islamic law and human rights.
These
esteemed scholars and human rights activists have lauded Morrow's significant
contributions to the understanding of the intricate dynamics between Islam and
slavery. Their endorsements underscore the importance of Morrow's
ground-breaking work in shedding light on a nuanced and often misunderstood
aspect of Islamic history. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis,
Morrow has succeeded in inviting critical discourse and scholarly debate on the
profound impact of the legacy of slavery on Islamic societies.
Mr Sultan Shahin, Founding Editor of New Age
Islam,
conscientiously articulates his views on the book penned by Dr Morrow in his
compelling analysis. The tome, "Islam
and Slavery," is a testament to academic rigour and precision,
upholding the highest standards in the realm of scholarly discourse. This
comprehensive work emerges as a vital addition to the English-language literary
landscape, addressing a significant void in contemporary discussions
surrounding Islam and its historical intersections with slavery. Dr Morrow
meticulously traces the evolution of Islam from its pure origins to its
subsequent co-option by individuals who sought to exploit the religion for
personal gain rather than propagate its core principles of tranquilly,
autonomy, and harmony among diverse communities. Through a meticulous
examination of historical contexts and textual evidence, the author elucidates
how power-hungry factions manipulated scriptures, including the Qur'an, to
further their own vested interests. This insidious distortion of Islamic
teachings paved the way for what came to be termed the 'Islamic conquests,'
marred by a trail of inhumanity and injustices that reverberate through time.
One of the
most pernicious outcomes of this hijacking of Islam was the sanctioning of
slavery, a practice antithetical to the egalitarian spirit of the Qur'an, which
unequivocally condemns such exploitation of human beings. Dr Morrow's incisive
exploration reveals the stark contrast between the altruistic essence of Islam
and the distorted interpretations propagated by opportunistic usurpers. By
shedding light on this tumultuous period in Islamic history, the book not only
serves as a scholarly appraisal but also as a poignant reminder of the enduring
legacy of those who perverted the noble teachings of the faith for personal
gain.
In his
detailed analysis, Morrow deftly dispels the myth that the Qur’an condones
slavery by emphasizing the significant Islamic stance against the enslavement
of individuals, which is seen as a grave sin within the Islamic faith. Through
his research, Morrow delves into the intricate portrayal within the Qur’an of
the ongoing battle against oppressive societal structures, drawing poignant
parallels to the iconic struggle of Hazrat Moses (peace be upon him) against
the tyrannical Pharaoh. By extrapolating from historical narratives, Morrow
presents a compelling argument depicting how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him) and his devoted companions valiantly combated the oppressive tribal
conventions of their time.
Furthermore,
he eloquently advocates for the principles of freedom and equality, underlying
the core values that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his
companions fervently championed. Through his thoughtful reflections, Morrow
sheds light on the profound significance of resisting injustice and upholding
the dignity of all individuals within the context of Islamic teachings.
Dr Morrow's
insightful book explores the intricate and hotly debated issue of concubinage
in the Islamic world. By shedding light on this contentious topic, Morrow
carefully articulates that historically, concubinage often entailed the
exploitation of enslaved women for their sexual servitude. One of the major
contributions of Morrow's work is his challenge to the common assumption that
slavery is an integral aspect of Islamic doctrine. He draws attention to the
exemplary actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who not only freed
numerous slaves but also actively advocated for the protection and rights of
these individuals.
Dr Morrow
persuasively shows that the core principles of Islam support freedom and oppose
any kind of captivity or exploitation of others through a careful study of
Islamic texts. Overall, Morrow's book promotes a message of compassion,
fairness, and equality within the Islamic faith and serves as a potent reminder
of Islam's intrinsic emphasis on emancipation and the inherent dignity of every
human being.
Dr Morrow
explores in great detail the complex dynamics of the historical meeting point
between Islam and the institution of slavery. Through a meticulous analysis,
the author disproves common misconceptions and discloses the actual religious teachings
regarding slavery.
Dr Morrow's
book offers a gripping narrative that dispels misconceptions and presents a
novel viewpoint on the sometimes misinterpreted connection between Islam and
slavery by deftly navigating through the complexities of this subject. The
comprehensive nature of his exploration invites readers to reflect on the
multifaceted aspects of this issue and encourages a deeper understanding of the
historical context and teachings that have shaped this complicated discourse.
Overall, Morrow's work serves as a valuable contribution to the scholarly
discussions surrounding Islam and slavery, offering a nuanced and
thought-provoking portrayal that sheds light on this significant aspect of
Islamic history.
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A
regular columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a
classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in
English-Arabic-Urdu translation.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/books-documents/morrow-research-slavery-myth-slavery/d/132644
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