Slavery
Posted February 19, 2015
on:Islam believes in equality among all people and declares that man is an independent and free creature. Islam eliminated slavery gradually as Islam believes in a gradual change in every important matter. The Quran affirms that God has bestowed upon man the dignity and honor by blessing him with best characteristics and placed him above many of his creations:
Islam declares all men as equals and believes the division of nations and tribes to be for the mutual identification of one another. The one who obeys God is superior to others:
“Mankind, we have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you might get to know one another. The noblest of you in Allah’s sight is the most righteous of you”. (Al-Hujurat 49:113)
As a first order in this regard, the Quran forbade to transform prisoners of wars into slaves. The slavery was uprooted through the law that the Muslims would either just receive ransom (fidya) from the prisoners of war or would free them to please God if ever they overpowered the enemy completely. This verse was revealed even before the first battle was fought at the state of Madina.
“As for those of your slaves who wish for a deed of freedom free them if you find in them any promise and (the state should) bestow on them a part of the riches which Allah has given you”. (Al-Nur 24:33)
After this revelation only those old men and women did not get freedom that were well set in the houses of their masters and used to live as members of their families. With this the Holy Prophet ordered to abolish the rule that the son or the daughter of a slave would continue to be a slave rather it was decreed that the offspring of a slave would be deemed to be free automatically.
This is how Islam abolished slavery and ended its prospects forever
“Would that you know what the elevation is! It is the freeing of a bondsman”. (Al-Balad 90:13)
Hazrat Bilal is one of the best example of how slaves respected and upgraded. he was freed from slavery and given great regard so much so that he was the first to call for azaan—-(the call to pray) He was given this status because of his righteousness and steadfastness. All elite Arabs prayed behind him, who had been a slave for years
I request humbly and sincerely to guide me if I’m misunderstood or missing anything. I’m not a religious scholar but just felt to bring out and clear the misconception
February 19, 2015 at 10:59 AM
Great article as always. Thankyou
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