Islam and Slavery

Daanish · **Islam and Slavery -** 02-16-2008

Hello, this is my first post so go easy on me if i make any mistakes.

My question is what does Islam have to say about the horrible act of slavery and slave trading of any sort.

I am a strong believer in equality and freedom for each individual being on this planet (past, present, or future).

Also, what does Islam have to say about racism and hatred towards different cultures.

(Just in case : I'm not implying, blaming or pointing fingers at anyone of any religion or race.)

Daanish

snakelegs · 08:27 PM

don't know about slavery (it was allowed but there were laws regarding it), but here's a quote from the prophet's last sermon that should answer your second question
"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood."

**Al Habeshi** · **Re: Islam and Salvery -** 02-17-2008

Just going to point out that words contain/have connotations or baggage.

Slavery should not be thought of as the same everywhere.

When we think of slavery we thinking of the horrible images seen in the pictures of the black people and their torture. That is what slavery means to some extent to us. But that is only a form of slavery we have unfourtunetly come across in history.

FatimaAsSideqah · **Re: Islam and Salvery -** 02-17-2008

Hello to Daanish.

When Islam was reveled to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), slavery was a worldwide common social phenomenon; it was much older than Islam. Slavery was deeply rooted in every society to the extent that it was impossible to imagine a civilized society without slaves. In spite of this social fact, Islam was the first religion to recognize slavery as a social illness that needed to be addressed. Since slavery was deeply rooted in the society, Islam did not abolish it at once. Rather, Islam treated slavery in the same manner it treated other social illnesses. Islam followed the same methodology of gradual elimination in dealing with this social disease as it did with other social illnesses, for example: the prohibition of alcohol in three steps.

From the early days of the message, Islam declared the equality of all human beings, including slaves; equality in origin, equality in values, equality in destiny. Under this declaration, for the first time ever, slaves became brothers and sisters of their masters in the Islamic Ummah (community). In al-Bukhari, it was reported that the Prophet said:

"Your servants and your slaves are your brothers. Anyone who has slaves should give them from what he eats and wears. He should not charge them with work beyond their capabilities. If you must set them to hard work, in any case, I advise you to help them."

Islam forbade the traditional practice of enslaving free individuals by capturing them and selling them into slavery. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"There are three categories of people against whom I myself shall be a plaintiff on the Day of Judgment. Of those three, one is he who enslaves free men, then sells him and eats this money…"

Sister Fatima

Abu Sayyad · **Re: Islam and Salvery -** 02-17-2008

Check these links:

http://www.islamicboard.com/discover...3-slavery.html (Slavery)
http://www.islamicboard.com/127186-post2.html (Slave Girls)

Keltoi · **Re: Islam and Salvery -** 02-18-2008

Islam as a religion might have frowned upon slavery in word, but Muslims were deeply involved in the slave trade, the same as almost everyone else in the past. It was about money, as most evils are.

**aamirsaab** · **Re: Islam and Salvery -** 02-18-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keltoi

Islam as a religion might have frowned upon slavery in word, but Muslims were deeply involved in the slave trade, the same as almost everyone else in the past. It was about money, as most evils are.

Indeed. Islam actually gave the slaves rights and then went on to later abolish it (it was done through gradual stages)

- Qatada - · 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keltoi

Islam as a religion might have frowned upon slavery in word, but Muslims were deeply involved in the slave trade, the same as almost everyone else in the past. It was about money, as most evils are.

As for the treatment of slaves, let's survey here some of the rules laid down by Islam to ensure a decent and kind treatment for them.

1/ Giving them the same food and clothing as taken by their masters

Abu Dawood reports on the authority of Al-Ma'roor bin Suwaid that he said : "We entered Abu Thar's house at Al-Ribthah [7] and found him dressed in a garment called 'burd', and found his slave dressed in an identical 'burd'. So we said : ' Why don't you, 0 Abu Thar, wear that 'burd' of your slaves so that you may have a full suit, and give him instead a less sumptuous garment ?' He replied : 'I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of God be upon him say :

" Those slaves are your brothers, only God gave you an upper hand over them. So let that who has his brother (i.e. slave) under him give him the same food he himself eats, and the same clothing as he himself wears. The master may not give his brother a task that is beyond his ability. If he does give him such task, let him lend him a hand.".

Sahih Bukhari, Belief, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 29

2/ Recognizing their dignity

Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet of Repentance (i.e. Prophet Muhammad) said :

" Any one who slanders his slave with adultery, and it is a false charge, will receive on the Day of Resurrection the same punishment his slave would have received in the world had the charge been true." [8]

Abdul-Lah bin 'Umar freed a slave of his then picked a twig from the ground and said:

" I shall not receive for freeing him the worth of this in the Hereafter. I heard the Messenger of Allah say : ' If a man hits or beats his slave, his atonement is the freeing of that slave."[9]

3/ A slave is given the lead in religious or mundane matters which he is skilful at.

He can be imam (i.e. to lead the prayer). Aishah had a slave who led her prayer. The believers are even ordered to heed and obey if a slave becomes their ruler, so long as he proves to be better qualified than others.

More info:
http://www.load-islam.com/artical_de...Misconceptions

7 A village in the suburbs of Al-Madinah. 8 Reported by Al-Bukhari. 9 Reported by Muslim and Abu Dawood.

You can also read:

Islam & Slavery
http://www.islamonline.net/fatwaappl...hFatwaID=20686

- Qatada - · **Re: Islam and Salvery -** 02-18-2008

Looking at the first hadith - Prophetic narration, it becomes clear that slaves aren't infact slaves, they're exactly like your brothers. Giving them the same food you eat and the same clothes that you wear, while giving them help in the work that they do for you - this is better than being a servant even in todays times.

Regarding racism, as snakelegs quoted, the final Messenger of God, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said [translation of the meaning]:

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood."

[Sahih Muslim]

Peace.

Keltoi · **Re: Islam and Salvery -** 02-18-2008

Like I said before, the words contained in the Quran don't always equal those words being put into practice. Arabs were very involved with the slave trade, and they weren't treated like a long lost brother either. Granted, most of the activity involving Arab slavers had to do with capture and sale to foreign interests, not necessarily their own personal use.

vpb · **Re: Islam and Salvery -** 02-18-2008

i think there's a mistake on the title. it should be slavery.

rabarbara2008 · **Re: Islam and Salvery -** 02-19-2008

good topic. I really like it to gain knowledge form such interesting discussions. slavery is something we don't think about much these days, so to read about it is refreshing.

**Muezzin** · **Re: Islam and Salvery -** 02-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by vpb

i think there's a mistake on the title. it should be slavery.

Fixed it like a turbo-powered handyman.

good ol' faith · **Re: Islam and Slavery -** 02-20-2008

Well, The bible says something about slavery. Hang on
*gets bible out*

1 Timothy 6:1
All those who are under the yoke of slavery must have unqualified respect for their masters, so that the name of God and our teaching is not brought into disrepute.

Tt 2:9
Slaves must be obedient to their masters in everything, and do what is wanted without argument.

Tt 2:10
And there must be no pilfering.

Tt 2:10
They must show complete honesty at all times...

Tt 2:10
...so that they are a credit in every way to the teaching of God our Saviour.

1 Peter 2:18
Slaves, you should obey your masters respectfully, not only those who are kind and reasonable but also those who are difficult to please.

1 Corinthians 7:21
Even if you have a chance of freedom...

1 Corinthians 7:21
...you should prefer to make full use of your condition as a slave.

I do hope this is relevant.

vpb · **Re: Islam and Slavery -** 02-21-2008

Quote:

Fixed it like a turbo-powered handyman.

CORE DUO ??

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	(#1 (permalink))
Daanish Limited Member Status: Offline Posts: 3 Reputation: 10 Rep Power: 0 Join Date: Feb 2008 Gender: Way of Life: Agnostic	Islam and Slavery - 02-16-2008 Hello, this is my first post so go easy on me if i make any mistakes. My question is what does Islam have to say about the horrible act of slavery and slave trading of any sort. I am a strong believer in equality and freedom for each individual being on this planet (past, present, or future). Also, what does Islam have to say about racism and hatred towards different cultures. (Just in case : I'm not implying, blaming or pointing fingers at anyone of any religion or race.) Daanish

	(#2 (permalink))
snakelegs nusrat fanatic Status: Offline Posts: 6,246 Reputation: 27908 Rep Power: 56 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: California Way of Life: Agnostic	Re: Islam and Salvery - 02-17-2008 don't know about slavery (it was allowed but there were laws regarding it), but here's a quote from the prophet's last sermon that should answer your second question "All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood." __________________ each man thinks of his own fleas as gazelles question authority Last edited by snakelegs; 02-17-2008 at 08:27 PM. Reason: typo

	(#3 (permalink))
Al Habeshi Eesa Abdullah Status: Offline Posts: 5,713 Reputation: 21065 Rep Power: 47 Join Date: Jan 2006 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Islam and Salvery - 02-17-2008 Just going to point out that words contain/have connotations or baggage. Slavery should not be thought of as the same everywhere. When we think of slavery we thinking of the horrible images seen in the pictures of the black people and their torture. That is what slavery means to some extent to us. But that is only a form of slavery we have unfourtunetly come across in history. __________________ إتبعوا ولا تبتدعوا، فقدكفيتم، وكل بدعة ضلالة Follow (the Sunnah) and do not innovate (into it), for verily you have been sufficed. And every innovation is a misguidance. Confused about which religion is true? How can I know? Come and check out some proposed fundamental principles (#1 , #2) to aid you in making a decision.

	(#4 (permalink))
FatimaAsSideqah Servant of Allah Status: Offline Posts: 2,617 Reputation: 6951 Rep Power: 26 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Journey to Akhirah, Insha'Allah! Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Islam and Salvery - 02-17-2008 Hello to Daanish. When Islam was reveled to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), slavery was a worldwide common social phenomenon; it was much older than Islam. Slavery was deeply rooted in every society to the extent that it was impossible to imagine a civilized society without slaves. In spite of this social fact, Islam was the first religion to recognize slavery as a social illness that needed to be addressed. Since slavery was deeply rooted in the society, Islam did not abolish it at once. Rather, Islam treated slavery in the same manner it treated other social illnesses. Islam followed the same methodology of gradual elimination in dealing with this social disease as it did with other social illnesses, for example: the prohibition of alcohol in three steps. From the early days of the message, Islam declared the equality of all human beings, including slaves; equality in origin, equality in values, equality in destiny. Under this declaration, for the first time ever, slaves became brothers and sisters of their masters in the Islamic Ummah (community). In al-Bukhari, it was reported that the Prophet said: "Your servants and your slaves are your brothers. Anyone who has slaves should give them from what he eats and wears. He should not charge them with work beyond their capabilities. If you must set them to hard work, in any case, I advise you to help them." Islam forbade the traditional practice of enslaving free individuals by capturing them and selling them into slavery. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "There are three categories of people against whom I myself shall be a plaintiff on the Day of Judgment. Of those three, one is he who enslaves free men, then sells him and eats this money…" Sister Fatima __________________ In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creation need, He neither eats nor drinks.) He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.

	(#5 (permalink))
Abu Sayyad iwannagetmarried.com Status: Offline Posts: 6,413 Reputation: 37268 Rep Power: 74 Join Date: Mar 2005 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Islam and Salvery - 02-17-2008 Check these links: http://www.islamicboard.com/discover...3-slavery.html (Slavery) http://www.islamicboard.com/127186-post2.html (Slave Girls) __________________ هَلْ جَزَاء الْإِحْسَانِ إِلَّا الْإِحْسَانُ؟ Is there any reward for good other than good? [ar-Rahman: 60] O Allah, Lord of Jibril, Mika'il and Israfil, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, You will judge between Your servants concerning that wherein they differ. Guide me with regard to that wherein there is dispute concerning the truth by Your leave, for You guide whomsoever You will to the straight path. Oh Allah, I seek refuge in You lest I misguide others, or I am misguided by others, lest I cause others to err or I am caused to err, lest I abuse others or be abused, and lest I behave foolishly or meet with the foolishness of others.

	(#6 (permalink))
Keltoi LI Oldskool Status: Offline Posts: 4,779 Reputation: 6518 Rep Power: 25 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oklahoma, USA Gender: Way of Life: Christian	Re: Islam and Salvery - 02-18-2008 Islam as a religion might have frowned upon slavery in word, but Muslims were deeply involved in the slave trade, the same as almost everyone else in the past. It was about money, as most evils are. __________________ "Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not, and a sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is."

	(#9 (permalink))
- Qatada - Ummah Under 1 Banner Status: Offline Posts: 10,241 Reputation: 39931 Rep Power: 79 Join Date: May 2005 Location: ...travelling to the hereafter.. Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Islam and Salvery - 02-18-2008 Looking at the first hadith - Prophetic narration, it becomes clear that slaves aren't infact slaves, they're exactly like your brothers. Giving them the same food you eat and the same clothes that you wear, while giving them help in the work that they do for you - this is better than being a servant even in todays times. Regarding racism, as snakelegs quoted, the final Messenger of God, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said [translation of the meaning]: "All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood." [Sahih Muslim] Peace. __________________ iDawah.com Bringing Dawah back..to the future!

	(#10 (permalink))
Keltoi LI Oldskool Status: Offline Posts: 4,779 Reputation: 6518 Rep Power: 25 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oklahoma, USA Gender: Way of Life: Christian	Re: Islam and Salvery - 02-18-2008 Like I said before, the words contained in the Quran don't always equal those words being put into practice. Arabs were very involved with the slave trade, and they weren't treated like a long lost brother either. Granted, most of the activity involving Arab slavers had to do with capture and sale to foreign interests, not necessarily their own personal use. __________________ "Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not, and a sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is."

	(#11 (permalink))
vpb Ummah Under 1 Banner Status: Offline Posts: 1,993 Reputation: 4400 Rep Power: 24 Join Date: Oct 2005 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Islam and Salvery - 02-18-2008 i think there's a mistake on the title. it should be slavery. __________________ What a Chicken S way out. Don't start fights that you are not willing to finish. Learning about the Tawheed of Allah (swt) is the most important thing for the whole humanity !!!

	(#12 (permalink))
rabarbara2008 LI Senior Member Status: Offline Posts: 111 Reputation: 167 Rep Power: 5 Join Date: Nov 2007 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Islam and Salvery - 02-19-2008 good topic. I really like it to gain knowledge form such interesting discussions. slavery is something we don't think about much these days, so to read about it is refreshing.

	(#14 (permalink))
good ol' faith Limited Member Status: Offline Posts: 9 Reputation: 109 Rep Power: 0 Join Date: Jul 2007 Gender: Way of Life: Christian	Re: Islam and Slavery - 02-20-2008 Well, The bible says something about slavery. Hang on gets bible out 1 Timothy 6:1 All those who are under the yoke of slavery must have unqualified respect for their masters, so that the name of God and our teaching is not brought into disrepute. Tt 2:9 Slaves must be obedient to their masters in everything, and do what is wanted without argument. Tt 2:10 And there must be no pilfering. Tt 2:10 They must show complete honesty at all times... Tt 2:10 ...so that they are a credit in every way to the teaching of God our Saviour. 1 Peter 2:18 Slaves, you should obey your masters respectfully, not only those who are kind and reasonable but also those who are difficult to please. 1 Corinthians 7:21 Even if you have a chance of freedom... 1 Corinthians 7:21 ...you should prefer to make full use of your condition as a slave. I do hope this is relevant.