How Did Islam Abolish Slavery?
By Ghulam Ghaus
Siddiqi, New Age Islam
13 July
2024
Islam Abolished Slavery Through a Multifaceted
Approach That Encompassed Religious Teachings, Social Reforms, And Ethical
Principles. Islamic Teachings Emphasize the Importance Of Treating All
Individuals With Dignity And Respect, Regardless Of Their Social Status. The
Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) And His Companions (Sahaba) Set A Powerful Example
By Freeing Numerous Slaves And Promoting Their Rights Within Society.
Additionally, Islamic Jurisprudence Introduced Specific Guidelines For The
Humane Treatment Of Slaves, Such As Encouraging Their Manumission As A Form Of
Atonement For Certain Sins And Advocating For Fair Labour Practices.
Main Points:
1.
Prevalence of Slavery in Pre-Islamic
Arabia
2.
Slavery Status and Treatment in
Pre-Islamic Arabia
3.
Islam's Approach to Slavery
Abolishing: Islam took a gradual approach towards emancipating slaves.
4.
The Quran emphasizes treating slaves
with kindness and fairness, freeing of slaves, encouraging slave owners to
liberate their slaves willingly or by allowing a third party to purchase and
release them from servitude.
5.
The Quran 39:29 refers to both
master and slave, highlighting equality.
6.
Slave's legal status differs from
free, with half the punishment for crimes.
7.
Muslims interpret the Quran as
gradually phasing out slavery, emphasizing freeing slaves and treating them
with kindness and respect.
8.
The credit for the proper abolition
of slavery goes to Islam, demonstrating how compassion and justice can triumph
over oppression and exploitation.
-----
Slavery was
a common practice in pre-Islamic Arabia and surrounding lands, playing a
significant role in the economic, social, and political structures of the time.
Slave labour was essential for various industries such as agriculture,
construction, and domestic service. Slaves were considered property, with their
owners having complete control over their lives. Islam, like many other
civilizations, also grappled with the institution of slavery. However, unlike
other civilizations, Islam took significant steps towards abolishing slavery in
a humane and systematic manner.
The
prevalence of slavery in pre-Islamic Arabia can be traced back to the region's
tribal society, where warfare, raids, and conquests were common. Captured enemy
combatants and civilians were often enslaved as spoils of war. Additionally,
debt bondage was another means through which individuals became slaves, as
people would sell themselves or family members into slavery to repay debts.
The status
of slaves in pre-Islamic Arabia was one of extreme subjugation and
exploitation. They had no rights and were subject to the whims of their owners.
Slaves could be bought, sold, gifted, or inherited like any other commodity.
Physical abuse and mistreatment of slaves were not uncommon, as they were seen
as inferior beings without dignity or worth.
Despite the
harsh conditions faced by slaves, there were instances where they could earn
their freedom through various means such as fulfilling their obligations, or
being granted manumission by their owners. However, freedom did not necessarily
guarantee social acceptance or equality, as former slaves often faced
discrimination and marginalization in society.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also Read:
Dr Morrow’s Research on Islam and Slavery Dispels the
Myth That Islam Supports Slavery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
practice of slavery continued even after the advent of Islam in the region.
However, Islamic teachings sought to improve the treatment of slaves and
gradually abolish the institution altogether. Islam encouraged the humane
treatment of slaves, advocating for their rights and emphasizing the importance
of freeing them as an act of benevolence and atonement for sins.
We wonder,
first of all, why Islam did not abolish slavery right away. One of the main challenges Islam faced in
abolishing slavery was the fact that it was deeply entrenched in the economy of
the time. Slaves were an essential part of the labour force, and their labour
contributed significantly to the wealth of many powerful individuals and
societies. Additionally, the sudden abolition of slavery would have led to
economic upheaval and social unrest.
Islam,
recognizing the complexities of the situation, took a gradual approach towards
abolishing slavery. Instead of outright banning slavery, Islam encouraged the
emancipation of slaves through various means. One of the ways in which Islam
promoted the release of slaves was by providing rewards for those who freed
slaves. This incentivized people to free their slaves and helped facilitate the
process of emancipation.
One of the
key principles emphasized in the Quran in relation to slavery is the importance
of treating slaves with kindness and fairness. In Surah An-Nisa (4:36), it
states, "Worship Allah and associate
nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy,
the near neighbour, the neighbour farther away, the companion at your side, the
traveller, and those whom your right hands possess." This verse highlights
the need for benevolent treatment of slaves, encouraging Muslims to extend
kindness and compassion towards them.
One of the
key principles found in the Quran is the call for the manumission, or freeing,
of slaves. This is emphasized in various verses, highlighting the importance of
freeing those who are enslaved. This act of generosity and compassion is seen
as a way to right a wrong and to provide those who are enslaved with the
opportunity to live freely and independently.
In Surah
Al-Baqarah (2:177), it states, "Righteousness
is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true]
righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the
Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives,
orphans, the needy, the traveller, those who ask [for help], and for freeing
slaves." This verse underscores the importance of freeing slaves as a
means of expressing piety and righteousness.
The Quran
emphasizes the importance of abolishing slavery through various means. One way
it suggests this should be done is by encouraging slave owners to liberate
their slaves willingly or by allowing a third party to purchase and release
them from servitude [The Quran, 4:92]. This act of manumission is viewed as a
noble gesture in the Quran, serving as a form of benevolence and a way of
seeking forgiveness for one's transgressions [2:177]. For a more detailed
approach, Quran 24:33 introduces a contractual arrangement where slaves are
given the opportunity to buy their freedom in incremental payments.
Furthermore,
the Quran promotes a sense of communal responsibility by urging believers to
assist slaves in fulfilling these manumission contracts. This ethos of
collective support is further reinforced by highlighting the use of zakat, one
of the five pillars of Islam, to provide financial aid for the emancipation of
slaves [9:60].
In various
verses within the Quran, such as verse 4:92, there is a notable emphasis on the
act of freeing a slave as atonement, portraying it as a significant element of
spiritual redemption. This notion is further reiterated in verse 5:90, where
freeing a slave is specifically highlighted as an effective form of expiation
for breaking an oath, emphasizing the pivotal role this action plays in seeking
forgiveness and rectifying one's commitments.
Moreover,
in the comprehensive discussion found in verses 90:8-18, the Quran goes even
further to assert that freeing the enslaved is the higher path, emphasizing the
moral and ethical significance of liberating individuals from enslavement.
These
distinct verses collectively underscore the Quran's profound advocacy for the
liberation of human beings from physical bondage, positioning it as a paramount
act within the framework of fulfilling religious duties, seeking repentance for
transgressions, and attaining divine favour.
In addition
to calling for the freedom of slaves, the Quran also prescribes kindness
towards them. Slaves are to be treated with respect and dignity, and
mistreatment or abuse of any kind is prohibited. This emphasis on treating
slaves well underscores the importance of recognizing the humanity and worth of
all individuals, regardless of their social status.
In Surah
Al-Baqarah (2:221), it states, "And
they who break their contracts after their confirmation and cut that which
Allah has ordered to be joined and cause corruption on earth. It is those who
are the losers." This verse condemns the mistreatment of slaves and
underscores the importance of upholding contractual agreements and preserving
social order.
The Quran
contains several verses aimed at regulating slavery and mitigating its negative
impact. These verses emphasize the importance of treating slaves with kindness
and fairness, encouraging their liberation as a virtuous act, and providing
guidelines for their just treatment.
According
to the Quran, slaves are promised eternal life in the Hereafter and are
recognised as morally and spiritually equivalent to free people. Quran 4:25
powerfully illustrates this equality by stating that "the one of you is as
the other" (Ba'dukum Min Ba'din),
drawing a parallel between free people and slaves
Similarly,
the Quran 39:29 employs the same term to refer to both master and slave,
highlighting this fundamental equality. Despite this recognition, the legal
status of slaves differs from that of the free; slaves are considered minors
under the care of their owners. As a result, the consequences for crimes
committed by slaves are distinguishable, with half the punishment applied
compared to that for free persons. This legal distinction, although present, is
perceived as part of the divine order and an expression of God's grace in the
Quranic perspective.
Many Muslim
exegetes and scholars have interpreted the Quran as gradually phasing out slavery,
emphasizing the importance of freeing slaves and treating them with kindness
and respect. This reflects an evolving understanding of the principles of
justice and compassion that are central to Islam, and highlights the ongoing
efforts to address and rectify the injustices of the past.
Furthermore,
Islam implemented laws and regulations that limited the practice of slavery and
protected the rights of slaves. One such law was the prohibition of enslaving
free people, ensuring that no individual could be unjustly enslaved. This law
played a crucial role in preventing the further perpetuation of slavery and
laying the groundwork for its eventual abolition.
Over time,
Islam succeeded in eradicating slavery from its societies, setting an example
for the rest of the world to follow. The Islamic approach to abolishing slavery
was lauded for its compassion and pragmatism, and other civilizations began to
adopt similar strategies in their efforts to end slavery.
In
conclusion, the credit for the proper abolition of slavery goes to Islam. By
encouraging the emancipation of slaves, providing incentives for their release,
and implementing laws to protect the rights of slaves, Islam was able to
abolish slavery in a humane and systematic manner. The world has since followed
suit, adopting the Islamic way as a model for ending the abhorrent practice of
slavery. Islam's approach to abolishing slavery serves as a shining example of
how compassion and justice can triumph over oppression and exploitation.
-----
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. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a
prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing
valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his
regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not
limited to deradicalization strategies, the promotion of moderation within
Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of
combating Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to
challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly
discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth
discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding
religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/abolish-slavery-slave-labour-quran/d/132698
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism