Slavery and Objections Against Islam
Slavery is among the topics that orientalists have used as a means of criticising Islam. The impression was created that Islam initiated slavery and gave it protection, whereas the reality is that slavery existed before Islam, and it was Islam that gave slaves rights that they did not enjoy in any other society in the world.
The Historical Background of Slavery
Before Islam, various societies had examples of improper treatment of slaves and of oppression and tyranny. Here we present details about slavery in some important societies:
1. Slavery in Rome
◈ The Roman Empire can be called the worst example of slavery:
◈ From 200 BC to 200 AD, between a quarter and a third of the population of Rome and Italy consisted of slaves.
(Keith Bradley, Resisting Slavery in Ancient Rome)
◈ Slaves had no legal or social rights of any kind, and they were regarded as no better than animals.
◈ Slaves existed only for labour or as a display of their owners’ wealth. Physical exploitation, sexual abuse and the harshest punishments were common.
◈ For entertainment, slaves were made to fight wild beasts, and the fight ended in death.
2. Slavery in Ancient Greece
◈ In ancient Greek society, the “Helots” were a permanent class of slaves.
◈ In Athens the number of slaves was far greater than that of citizens, while in Sparta they were treated harshly.
◈ Slaves were made to perform extremely hard labour and had to do everything to please their masters.
3. Slavery in China and Confucian Countries
◈ China was not a society based entirely on slavery, because labourers were generally available at low cost.
◈ Under the influence of Confucian philosophy, slavery was limited, but the full observance of human rights was not upheld.
◈ A system existed of making prisoners of war and criminals into slaves.
(Encyclopedia Britannica)
4. Slavery in Ancient Egypt
◈ In Egypt, the subjects were considered slaves of the Pharaoh, and they were demanded to worship the Pharaoh.
◈ The pyramids of Egypt were built by thousands of slaves, and many of them died in accidents.
◈ Due to poverty, people would sell themselves or their children into slavery.
◈ The Quran mentions the custom of slavery in Egypt in Surah Yusuf.
5. Slavery in Ancient India
◈ According to K.S. Lal, slaves in India were treated better.
◈ Gautama Buddha taught that a heavy burden should not be placed on slaves.
◈ The caste system was a form of slavery, where the “Shudra” were confined to socially low-ranking work.
◈ Transmigration (sins of a previous life) was held to be the cause of slavery.
6. Slavery in Arabia
◈ In Arab society slavery was common, and slaves were regarded as the lowest and most despised class.
◈ Most slaves were brought from Africa and Roman territories.
◈ Owners had full authority to treat slaves in any manner whatsoever, and the sexual exploitation of female slaves was routine.
Islam and the Laws of Slavery
Islam took gradual steps to end the existing system of slavery:
1. Restriction on the Sources of Slavery
◈ Islam abolished all inhuman methods of enslaving people, and kept only the enslavement of prisoners of war, so that a better solution could be found for them within the social system.
2. Protection of the Rights of Slaves
◈ The master was commanded to feed and clothe his slaves with what he himself uses.
◈ Good treatment of slaves, their education and training, and encouragement towards freedom were enjoined.
3. Encouragement to Free Slaves
◈ Freeing slaves was prescribed as an expiation for various sins.
◈ The principle of mukatabah was introduced, under which a slave could pay the price of his freedom in instalments.
◈ Freeing slaves was included among the categories of charity.
Measures for the Freedom of Slaves in Islam
◈ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ himself freed his slaves and also encouraged others to do so.
◈ After wars, practical steps were taken not to make prisoners of war into slaves.
◈ Slaves were purchased from the Bayt al-Mal and freed.
◈ The Rightly Guided Caliphs took practical steps for the freedom of slaves.
The Principle of Gradualism in Ending Slavery
◈ Islam adopted the principle of gradually ending slavery so that social disorder could be avoided.
◈ Slaves were made part of society and their rights were safeguarded.
◈ Marrying female slaves and freeing them was declared a cause of double reward.
Teachings on the Freeing of Slaves in the Quran and Sunnah
Quranic Verses
◈ Freeing slaves was declared a great virtue:
“فَكُّ رَقَبَةٍ”
◈ Equality with slaves:
“فَمَا الَّذِينَ فُضِّلُوا بِرَادِّي رِزْقِهِمْ عَلَى مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُمْ”
◈ Permission for mukatabah:
“فَكَاتِبُوهُمْ إِنْ عَلِمْتُمْ فِيهِمْ خَيْراً”
Hadiths
◈ The reward for freeing a slave:
“Whoever frees a Muslim slave, Allah will free from the Fire a limb of his body for every limb of the slave’s body.”
◈ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ’s keenness for the freedom of slaves:
The Prophet ﷺ greatly encouraged the freeing of slaves and set a practical example himself.
Conclusion
Islam adopted a gradual strategy to end slavery and made slaves an honourable part of society. In contrast to the improper treatment of slaves in other societies of the world, Islam protected their rights and provided opportunities for freedom.
