Women Slavery - Conclusion:
1 – Islam provides a positive, Practical and helpful solution to Women who lose their men in war.
2 – Slave women have similar rights to Wives.
3 – Slave women are not allowed to be Raped because they are our ‘sisters’ in faith or a trust we are responsible over, – they have one man who they are associated with, a relationship which society recognises. This relationship is based on mercy and love.
4 – A Slave woman has different means by which she can find freedom.
5 – There is no limit to how much slaves someone can have – since that will only increase the probability of more slaves being freed in the near future.
6 – Teaching, Freeing and Marrying a slave brings a great deal of reward – hence, Believers’ will strive hard to buy and free, and marry slaves.
Thursday 30 August 2012
The Strong Encouragement from the Quran & Sunnah to Free & Marry your Slave
The Strong Encouragement from the Quran & Sunnah to Free & Marry your Slave:
In the Qur’an, Allah urged the believers to marry the Slave believers;
Encouraging Free people to Marry Slaves Aayaat/verses: al Baqarah 2:221, an-Nur 24:32-33, an-Nisa 4:25.
Narrated Abu Burda’s father:
Allah’s Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said “Three persons will have a double reward: 1. A Person from the people of the scriptures who believed in his prophet (Jesus or Moses) and then believed in the Prophet Muhammad (i .e. has embraced Islam).
2. A slave who discharges his duties to Allah and his master.
3. A master of a woman-slave who teaches her good manners and educates her in the best possible way (the religion) and manumits [frees] her and then marries her.”
Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 1, Book 3 [book of knowledge], Number 97.2. A slave who discharges his duties to Allah and his master.
3. A master of a woman-slave who teaches her good manners and educates her in the best possible way (the religion) and manumits [frees] her and then marries her.”
In the Qur’an, Allah urged the believers to marry the Slave believers;
And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty, and Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
[Quran Surah Nur 24: 32]
Through the revealing of these verses, it is a well-known Fact – that the masses of people of Medinah –at the time of Prophet Muhammad- had freed their slaves in order to Marry them. Encouraging Free people to Marry Slaves Aayaat/verses: al Baqarah 2:221, an-Nur 24:32-33, an-Nisa 4:25.
Why is there no Limit to the Amount of Slave Women?
Why is there no Limit to the Amount of Slave Women?
Islam encouraged cohabitation with slaves as another avenue to liberation for them and their children. This may be particularly significant if it is realized that the slave’s offspring were often the children of wealthy owners who kept slaves for domestic purposes (i.e. for household help.) It is further suggested that, to enhance the cause of liberation, Islam did not limit the number of slaves with whom a master may cohabit because the greater the number – the closer to freedom they become. [see Um al Walad].
By placing no limit – it is increasingly beneficial to the slave women because instead of having to become Prostitutes for earning money or fulfilling their sexual needs, all slave women -effected by war- will have a household in which the male responsible over her will; provide for her, and fulfills all her needs for her (including; food, shelter, clothing, and also fulfill her emotional and intimate needs etc.)
Islam encouraged cohabitation with slaves as another avenue to liberation for them and their children. This may be particularly significant if it is realized that the slave’s offspring were often the children of wealthy owners who kept slaves for domestic purposes (i.e. for household help.) It is further suggested that, to enhance the cause of liberation, Islam did not limit the number of slaves with whom a master may cohabit because the greater the number – the closer to freedom they become. [see Um al Walad].
By placing no limit – it is increasingly beneficial to the slave women because instead of having to become Prostitutes for earning money or fulfilling their sexual needs, all slave women -effected by war- will have a household in which the male responsible over her will; provide for her, and fulfills all her needs for her (including; food, shelter, clothing, and also fulfill her emotional and intimate needs etc.)
Um al Walad (Mother of the Child)
Um al Walad (Mother of the Child):
If a female slave had a child [boy or girl] from the master, she is then honored with the title; “Um al Walad” (mother of the child), and she is then freed after the death of her Owner and provider.
(i.e. Mariyya al Qibtiyya became free at the death of Allah’s Messenger because she had a son called Ibraheem from Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]
If she does not have a child, then she does not be freed, and still remains a slave in the family. However, she could find another means of freeing herself; See: Means of Freedom.
If a female slave had a child [boy or girl] from the master, she is then honored with the title; “Um al Walad” (mother of the child), and she is then freed after the death of her Owner and provider.
(i.e. Mariyya al Qibtiyya became free at the death of Allah’s Messenger because she had a son called Ibraheem from Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]
If she does not have a child, then she does not be freed, and still remains a slave in the family. However, she could find another means of freeing herself; See: Means of Freedom.
Are Slave women allowed to be Raped?
Are Slave women allowed to be Raped?
Based on the huge rights Islam has placed upon Slaves (in which Prophet Muhammad said (meaning); “they [slaves] are your brothers (/sisters) [in faith]..”, and other commands of giving kind treatment to slaves, we wonder whether this argument has any basis.
See: Rights of Slaves in Islam.
We have seen many evidences from the Qur’an and Sunnah (Prophetic teachings) to suggest that bad behaviour to ones slaves is dispraised in Islam, and to honor them is of the best of good actions. Infact, in many cases slaves are to be freed if you give them bad treatment, and in other cases one could be saved on Judgment Day for helping free them.
Therefore for someone to argue that raping slaves is permissible in Islam, the burden of proof is upon the one who claims this to prove that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly allowed it. Otherwise this claim is rejected.
Also see:
Does Islam allow the Rape of Slaves Girls?
http://www.islamic-life.com/forums/quran-hadith-prophet-muhammad/islam-permit-muslim-men-rape-slave-girls-1832
Options instead of Force :
It seems clear from Research that Women would beautify themselves before battle for either of two realities they would have to face;
As we have mentioned already – slaves are a Responsibility who Muslims are required to take care of and cannot abuse. There are more options for the male than just forcing her to have Intimate relations.
Other Options:
What people need to realise is that this is not just an Islamic issue, but a real consequence of war. And that this happens to real people, so people will react differently. However, what Islam continuously commands is Justice and Fair Treatment for those under Muslim care.
Based on the huge rights Islam has placed upon Slaves (in which Prophet Muhammad said (meaning); “they [slaves] are your brothers (/sisters) [in faith]..”, and other commands of giving kind treatment to slaves, we wonder whether this argument has any basis.
See: Rights of Slaves in Islam.
We have seen many evidences from the Qur’an and Sunnah (Prophetic teachings) to suggest that bad behaviour to ones slaves is dispraised in Islam, and to honor them is of the best of good actions. Infact, in many cases slaves are to be freed if you give them bad treatment, and in other cases one could be saved on Judgment Day for helping free them.
Therefore for someone to argue that raping slaves is permissible in Islam, the burden of proof is upon the one who claims this to prove that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly allowed it. Otherwise this claim is rejected.
Also see:
Does Islam allow the Rape of Slaves Girls?
http://www.islamic-life.com/forums/quran-hadith-prophet-muhammad/islam-permit-muslim-men-rape-slave-girls-1832
Options instead of Force :
It seems clear from Research that Women would beautify themselves before battle for either of two realities they would have to face;
1) to Support their Men and ‘Cheer them on’.Could he then force her to have Intimate relations?
2) If their men lost – they would be beautiful and therefore valuable and Expensive for the one who caught her.
As we have mentioned already – slaves are a Responsibility who Muslims are required to take care of and cannot abuse. There are more options for the male than just forcing her to have Intimate relations.
Other Options:
1 – Isn’t it possible that if he saw her unwilling to get along – he could have sold to her to another Muslim for a price?
2 – He could have purchased another slave girl who was willing to have sex with him?
3 – Or he would have waited for her to consent, for by that time he would have treated her very nicely and convinced her that Islam is true and that it was her tribe’s fault for starting the battle, etc. Yes these things are possible.
What people need to realise is that this is not just an Islamic issue, but a real consequence of war. And that this happens to real people, so people will react differently. However, what Islam continuously commands is Justice and Fair Treatment for those under Muslim care.
Islam: Similarities between a Wife and a Slave Woman
Similarities between a Wife and a Slave Woman
They both virtually enjoy similar rights;
1 – Intimate Care:
Allah has permitted Intimate relations (sexual intercourse) with both the Wife and the ‘Right hand slave woman’ for the Muslim male;
2 – Honorable Titles:
Wives are called ‘Zawwaaj’ from the word ‘Zawjah’ = the one you Mix with and are a Partner to.
Slaves are called; MalakaT aYmaanuK = Your Right hand Woman. The ‘Right hand woman ’ signifies that which is ‘blessed’ which supports you.
3 – An Agreement:
Wives: When you marry a Woman – you do a Nikah contract, which establishes that you have taken Guardianship from the woman’s father. (i.e. you will; Care for her, Provide etc.) and as a consequence – she will only have intimate relations with you.
Slaves: When you take a Slave woman – she does not have a Guardian. So no Nikah (transferal of Guardianship) takes place. Instead, when you take a slave, you are ensuring that she will only have intimate relations with you.
It is all a matter of ‘Responsibility.’
4 – Waiting Period:
Wives: When a free woman (wife) is divorced, she has an ‘Iddah [waiting period] of 3 months to see if she is pregnant from the previous husband.
Slaves: When a slave woman is sold, she has an ‘Istibraa’ [waiting period] for 1 month, to see if she is pregnant from her previous owner or not.
If Pregnant: In both cases – the free and slave women do not get married again until they deliver (give birth to) the child. After that they can get married again.
5 – Inheritance for Children from the Father:
Children from both the Wife and the Slave woman are born as Free (and not slaves) and Inherit wealth off the father.
They both virtually enjoy similar rights;
1 – Intimate Care:
Allah has permitted Intimate relations (sexual intercourse) with both the Wife and the ‘Right hand slave woman’ for the Muslim male;
And they who guard their private parts. Except from their wives [aZwaaj] or those their right hands possess [malakaT aYmaan] , for indeed, they will not be blamed – [Surah Mu’minun 23: 5-6]
This would be fair since they are women, both the wife and the ‘Right hand possessed’ [concubine] woman deserve a trustworthy partner who can take care of her in all ways (financially, emotionally, intimately etc.) This is a much better alternative for the ‘right hand woman’ in comparison to a Prison. 2 – Honorable Titles:
Wives are called ‘Zawwaaj’ from the word ‘Zawjah’ = the one you Mix with and are a Partner to.
Slaves are called; MalakaT aYmaanuK = Your Right hand Woman. The ‘Right hand woman ’ signifies that which is ‘blessed’ which supports you.
3 – An Agreement:
Wives: When you marry a Woman – you do a Nikah contract, which establishes that you have taken Guardianship from the woman’s father. (i.e. you will; Care for her, Provide etc.) and as a consequence – she will only have intimate relations with you.
Slaves: When you take a Slave woman – she does not have a Guardian. So no Nikah (transferal of Guardianship) takes place. Instead, when you take a slave, you are ensuring that she will only have intimate relations with you.
It is all a matter of ‘Responsibility.’
4 – Waiting Period:
Wives: When a free woman (wife) is divorced, she has an ‘Iddah [waiting period] of 3 months to see if she is pregnant from the previous husband.
Slaves: When a slave woman is sold, she has an ‘Istibraa’ [waiting period] for 1 month, to see if she is pregnant from her previous owner or not.
If Pregnant: In both cases – the free and slave women do not get married again until they deliver (give birth to) the child. After that they can get married again.
5 – Inheritance for Children from the Father:
Children from both the Wife and the Slave woman are born as Free (and not slaves) and Inherit wealth off the father.
What will happen to the Prisoner Women in Islamic Society after the War?
What will happen to the Prisoner Women in Islamic Society after the War?
Step 1: The Ameer [Leader] of the Believers will gather the Property of the territory after the War has ended (including; the Women, Children and Wealth etc.) & take them back to the Islamic state.
Note: This is the only case in which ‘slave women’ are taken (i.e. through the Ameer and him distributing them in an Islamic state.)
Step 2: The Ameer will fairly Distribute the Wealth (including the Women and Children) amongst the Believers within the Islamic state.
NOTE: If the womans husband is still alive, her marriage will automatically become Annulled [cancelled] once the Believers have returned to the Islamic state.*
Step 3: The woman will become the Property (as a trust) of the Muslim male # who she was distributed to. *
NOTE: Wisdom should be taken by the Ameer in recognising the status of the woman before her slavery when pairing her up with a Muslim. (i.e. the slavery of Safiyyah bint Huyayy to Allah’s Messenger was decided based on her Nobility amongst the Jews, and his nobility amongst his people. [Allah’s Messenger soon freed her and married her.])
*We see that these two steps are taken to ensure that the woman does not have intimate relations with two men at one time. Since that could cause confusion on whom the child belongs to. It also shows that Islam does not encourage Prostitution of slave women as that brings more evils in society.
# Muslim Free women do not have Male Slaves for sexual intercourse. (And would be an insult to her status of being a free woman.)
Step 1: The Ameer [Leader] of the Believers will gather the Property of the territory after the War has ended (including; the Women, Children and Wealth etc.) & take them back to the Islamic state.
Note: This is the only case in which ‘slave women’ are taken (i.e. through the Ameer and him distributing them in an Islamic state.)
Step 2: The Ameer will fairly Distribute the Wealth (including the Women and Children) amongst the Believers within the Islamic state.
NOTE: If the womans husband is still alive, her marriage will automatically become Annulled [cancelled] once the Believers have returned to the Islamic state.*
Step 3: The woman will become the Property (as a trust) of the Muslim male # who she was distributed to. *
NOTE: Wisdom should be taken by the Ameer in recognising the status of the woman before her slavery when pairing her up with a Muslim. (i.e. the slavery of Safiyyah bint Huyayy to Allah’s Messenger was decided based on her Nobility amongst the Jews, and his nobility amongst his people. [Allah’s Messenger soon freed her and married her.])
*We see that these two steps are taken to ensure that the woman does not have intimate relations with two men at one time. Since that could cause confusion on whom the child belongs to. It also shows that Islam does not encourage Prostitution of slave women as that brings more evils in society.
# Muslim Free women do not have Male Slaves for sexual intercourse. (And would be an insult to her status of being a free woman.)
Women Beautify themselves Before War
War is a part of human history and will continue to be so in the future. So when people are in such circumstances, they have to live its reality, whether it is pleasing to them or not. One consequence of war has been that the women have beautified themselves before war begins;
John McClintock said:
This shows us that even if women do not want to lose their husband, a consequence of war is that they may possibly lose him. And if they are going to lose him, they will require safety and prefer to find a rich ‘owner’ from the opposition in order to be safe and secure later on after the war.
This further shows that the women – no matter from what background or time in history – are prepared for the pyschological and physical consequences which will take place after war. They hope for the best, so they prepare for it beforehand. And it is a reality of life they know they have to get used to, they have no other option. This is the evil consequence of war which is an inevitable part of human history.
John McClintock said:
Women who followed their father and husbands to the war put on their finest dresses and ornaments previous to an engagement, in the hope of finding favor in the eyes of their captors in case of a defeat.
(John McClintock, James Strong, “Cyclopædia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature” [Harper & Brothers, 1894], p. 782)
Matthew B. Schwartz said:(John McClintock, James Strong, “Cyclopædia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature” [Harper & Brothers, 1894], p. 782)
Women have always followed armies to do the soldiers’ laundry, to nurse the sick and wounded, and to serve as prostitutes They would often dress in such a way as to attract the soldiers who won the battle . The Bible recognizes the realities of the battle situation in its rules on how to treat female captives, though commentators disagree on some of the details.
The biblical Israelite went to battle as a messenger of God. Yet he could also, of course, be caught up in the raging tide of blood and violence. The Western mind associates prowess, whether military or athletic, with sexual success.
The pretty girls crowd around the hero who scores the winning touchdown, not around the players of the losing team. And it is certainly true in war: the winning hero “attracts” the women.
(Matthew B. Schwartz, Kalman J. Kaplan, “The Fruit of Her Hands: The Psychology of Biblical Women” [Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2007] , pp. 146-147)
This shows us that even if women do not want to lose their husband, a consequence of war is that they may possibly lose him. And if they are going to lose him, they will require safety and prefer to find a rich ‘owner’ from the opposition in order to be safe and secure later on after the war.
This further shows that the women – no matter from what background or time in history – are prepared for the pyschological and physical consequences which will take place after war. They hope for the best, so they prepare for it beforehand. And it is a reality of life they know they have to get used to, they have no other option. This is the evil consequence of war which is an inevitable part of human history.
Practical Islamic Solution
Practical Islamic Solution :
Islam guides mankind to the best Practical teachings, which will ensure the betterment for humans in all situations.
In the scenario of people taking over enemy territory – Muslims will NOT be permitted to Harm (i.e. kill, rape etc.) non-combatants (i.e. women, children, old men etc.) according to the teachings of Islam.
They are deterred from this through 2 ways - (ta'zeer.discretionary) punishment from the Muslim Ameer (leader), and also punishment from God.
Women Slavery: Slavery in Rape, Expulsion, or Prison
Slavery in Rape, Expulsion, or Prison:
A nation who faces war, their men will be killed [in the war], and their women will go through either of these 3 circumstances;
A nation who faces war, their men will be killed [in the war], and their women will go through either of these 3 circumstances;
1 – Imprisonment - because she was part of her people who were at war with the Victor. (she will most likely be raped in prison, and this happens even in the modern world. [search Abu Ghraib prison if in doubt.)
2 - Exhile - because the defeated peoples property has all been taken by the enemy. (so she will have to run to another land, where she will probably also face harm and probably rape . And she will not have a male provider. [if in doubt - study the effects of the Iraq war on Muslim women. (many have had to become prostitutes because their men have been killed) .)
3 - Being a Concubine - this is the best practical solution. She has a Believing male provider , she has similar rights to a wife. She learns about Islam from the Muslims in an Islamic society. She soon earns her freedom [see Um al Walad ]. And the male who is Responsible over her may even; teach her, free her and marry her (since that is twice-fold rewardable for him – as stated in the Qur’an and Ahadith [see surah Nur 24:32 ) [Sahih al Bukhari Vol1,Book3 (Knowledge),#97]
Women Slaves / Concubines - Introduction
Women Slaves / Concubines - Introduction
Introduction:
Allah knew that there would be warfare throughout history, and that the enemy Combatant Men would get killed. This would leave the territory, as well as its Wealth and Property to be captured. There would be women and children amongst them who would be left; without wealth, property or husbands.
The Victors would therefore own all the wealth of the defeated, leaving these women and children to fend for themselves. Or the women could move to unknown territories – through which they could face more hardship.
Instead of leaving them with nothing – Allah put all of them under the authority of the Believers. Along with this, Allah has given the believers’ guidance which will show them the perfect way to treat those caught in war.
Introduction:
Allah knew that there would be warfare throughout history, and that the enemy Combatant Men would get killed. This would leave the territory, as well as its Wealth and Property to be captured. There would be women and children amongst them who would be left; without wealth, property or husbands.
The Victors would therefore own all the wealth of the defeated, leaving these women and children to fend for themselves. Or the women could move to unknown territories – through which they could face more hardship.
Instead of leaving them with nothing – Allah put all of them under the authority of the Believers. Along with this, Allah has given the believers’ guidance which will show them the perfect way to treat those caught in war.
Conclusion of Slavery in Islam
Conclusion:
1 – Islam strongly urges the freedom of slaves. Whether that is through; Releasing them, Marrying them, or Supporting them in buying their freedom.
2 – Slaves have similar rights to free people in their roles in society.
3 – Slaves are called “your Brothers” by Prophet Muhammad, and should be supported with similar; Clothing, Food and Support as your self.
4 – Even Hitting a slave can require an expiation of freeing him (according to the stated Companions of Prophet Muhammad).
Further Reading:
Islamic Slavery: A Comparison between Islamic Slavery & Judo, Christian and Modern Slavery.
1 – Islam strongly urges the freedom of slaves. Whether that is through; Releasing them, Marrying them, or Supporting them in buying their freedom.
2 – Slaves have similar rights to free people in their roles in society.
3 – Slaves are called “your Brothers” by Prophet Muhammad, and should be supported with similar; Clothing, Food and Support as your self.
4 – Even Hitting a slave can require an expiation of freeing him (according to the stated Companions of Prophet Muhammad).
Further Reading:
Islamic Slavery: A Comparison between Islamic Slavery & Judo, Christian and Modern Slavery.
Means for Freedom from Slavery
Means for Freedom:
There are 4 ways a Slave could earn his/her freedom in Islamic slavery;
1 – Al Mudabir: The Master promised freedom for the slave when the Master died.
2 – Al Mukaatab: The slave made contract to free himself when he pays an agreed amount of money to the Master. [see tafsir of Surah Nur 24:33.] This is encouraged, and to help the slave earn their freedom is a huge source of reward for the believer.
3 – Um al Walad: If a female slave had a child [boy or girl] from the master, she is then freed after death of her Master.
(i.e. Mariyya al Qibtiyya became free at the death of Allah’s Messenger because she had a son called Ibraheem from Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]).
4 – Free a slave for Allah’s Pleasure: The slave will be freed by the owner for no cost or favour, except to please Allah and earn His reward. This was strongly encouraged in Islamic history.
There are 4 ways a Slave could earn his/her freedom in Islamic slavery;
1 – Al Mudabir: The Master promised freedom for the slave when the Master died.
2 – Al Mukaatab: The slave made contract to free himself when he pays an agreed amount of money to the Master. [see tafsir of Surah Nur 24:33.] This is encouraged, and to help the slave earn their freedom is a huge source of reward for the believer.
Sahl bin Hunaif narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said; “He who assists a Mujahid (one who fights in Allah’s cause), a debtor who is in distress (being unable to pay his debt), or a slave who made an agreement to buy his freedom, Allah will shade him, with His Shade, on the Day when there will be no shade but His.” [Judgment Day]. [Related by Ahmad, and al Hakim graded it Sahih (Authentic)].
3 – Um al Walad: If a female slave had a child [boy or girl] from the master, she is then freed after death of her Master.
(i.e. Mariyya al Qibtiyya became free at the death of Allah’s Messenger because she had a son called Ibraheem from Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]).
4 – Free a slave for Allah’s Pleasure: The slave will be freed by the owner for no cost or favour, except to please Allah and earn His reward. This was strongly encouraged in Islamic history.
Roles of Slaves in Islamic History:
Roles of Slaves in Islamic History:
When we study Islamic history, we see that Slaves were not always oppressed like we might imagine. Infact, slaves were leaders in many fields, ranging from being Kings to Scholars, to Military Commanders [see: Mamluks] to Ministers, and any other role you can think of in society.
Many great elite scholars of Islam were slaves or freed slaves, and many Kings from the Abbasid dynasty were children of slaves; so many kings of the Abbasid dynasty were; Arab, Persian, African, Greek, etc. – due to their mothers being concubines of the king.
When we study Islamic history, we see that Slaves were not always oppressed like we might imagine. Infact, slaves were leaders in many fields, ranging from being Kings to Scholars, to Military Commanders [see: Mamluks] to Ministers, and any other role you can think of in society.
Many great elite scholars of Islam were slaves or freed slaves, and many Kings from the Abbasid dynasty were children of slaves; so many kings of the Abbasid dynasty were; Arab, Persian, African, Greek, etc. – due to their mothers being concubines of the king.
Rights of Slaves in Islam
Rights of Slaves in Islam:
Although Islam did recognise Slavery’s existence; the Quran and Sunnah (Prophetic teachings) has an extremely Strong emphasis on Freeing slaves.
Narrated Al-Ma’rur:
Hilal b. Yasaf reported that;
Abu Mas’ud al-Badri reported:
Although Islam did recognise Slavery’s existence; the Quran and Sunnah (Prophetic teachings) has an extremely Strong emphasis on Freeing slaves.
Quick Reference:
Freeing Slaves in the Quran, see; Surah al Baqarah 2:177, al-Balad 90:12-13, at-Tawbah 9:60.
Expiations for Certain Sins is to Free a Slave: an-Nisa 4:92, al-Ma’idah 5:92, al Mujadilah 58:3.
Encouraging Free people to Marry Slaves: al Baqarah 2:221, an-Nur 24:32-33, an-Nisa 4:25. [Sahih al Bukhari Vol1,Book3 (Knowledge),#97]
Prophetic Statements
in regard to Slaves and their Rights
:Narrated Al-Ma’rur:
At Ar-Rabadha I met Abu Dhar who was wearing a cloak, and his slave, too, was wearing a similar one. I asked about the reason for it. He replied, “I abused a person by calling his mother with bad names.”
The Prophet said to me, ‘O Abu Dhar! Did you abuse him by calling his mother with bad names You still have some characteristics of ignorance. Your slaves are your brothers and Allah has put them under your command. So whoever has a brother under his command should feed him of what he eats and dress him of what he wears. Do not ask them (slaves) to do things beyond their capacity (power) and if you do so, then help them.’ ”
Sahih al Bukhari Volume 1, Book 2, Number 30.
Hilal b. Yasaf reported that;
a person got angry and slapped his slave-girl. Thereupon Suwaid b. Muqarrin said to him: You could find no other part (to slap) but the prominent part of her face. See I was one of the seven sons of Muqarrin, and we had but only one slave-girl. The youngest of us slapped her, and Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) commanded us to set her free.
Saheeh Muslim Book 015, Number 4082.
Abu Mas’ud al-Badri reported:
“I was beating my slave with a whip when I heard a voice behind me: Understand, Abu Masud; but I did not recognise the voice due to intense anger. He (Abu Mas’ud) reported: As he came near me (I found) that he was the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and he was saying: Bear in mind, Abu Mas’ud; bear in mind. Abu Mas’ud. He (Aba Maslad) said: threw the whip from my hand. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Bear in mind, Abu Mas’ud; verily Allah has more dominance upon you than you have upon your slave. I (then) said: I would never beat my servant in future. [Sahih Muslim Book 015, Number 4086]
It was narrated that; Abdullah Ibn Umar had once beaten a slave-boy of his. Then, he called him and asked him: “Does it hurt you? The boy replied: “No”. Ibn Umar said: “Go you are free” and then picked some sand from the earth and said: “I have no reward in what I have done. I heard Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) say: “Whoever beats or slaps his slave-boy on the face should manumit [free] him as an atonement.”
Sahih Muslim: Al-Iman book, chapter about company of slaves, atonement for whoever slaps a slave (1657), Abu Dawoud (5168), Ahmad (5051)
Is Slavery suitable today?
As has been explained in the ‘What is Slavery’ question, we have seen that slavery is existent today in the Modern era – although in a Corporation and Financial sense. But the question arises, is ‘Past slavery’ still suitable for today’s standards according to Islam?
An Islamic Perspective:
Islam did not introduce slavery to the world, but it recognised it as a Reality which would be existent within the world, in the Past and also in the Future. Due to continuous conflict within the world – slavery would continue – as one group of people would overpower another, and take the defeated as slaves.
Islam did not clearly forbid Slavery, otherwise – Muslims could potentially be Enslaved in war, yet what alternative would they have when they were Victors?
This is what Islam did, and as a result – achieved a great deal of success in the past, and similarly – it would do so in the future if such application did occur.
An Islamic Perspective:
Islam did not introduce slavery to the world, but it recognised it as a Reality which would be existent within the world, in the Past and also in the Future. Due to continuous conflict within the world – slavery would continue – as one group of people would overpower another, and take the defeated as slaves.
Islam did not clearly forbid Slavery, otherwise – Muslims could potentially be Enslaved in war, yet what alternative would they have when they were Victors?
- They could not always Release those who fought them for free while losing their own people in Slavery to the enemy.
- They could not always Kill the enemy – otherwise – the enemy may be more hostile, and similarly kill the Muslim prisoners.
- They could not always Ransom the prisoners – otherwise – a rich enemy may always wage war and always expect freedom for their people through paying Ransom money.
- They could not always Imprison the enemy – otherwise – it would be a financial burden with no benefit to the Muslims.
However, they could Enslave the prisoners – while giving them a great deal of rights – and exposing them to the beauty of a society implementing Islamic teachings.This is what Islam did, and as a result – achieved a great deal of success in the past, and similarly – it would do so in the future if such application did occur.
Why Slavery?
The Victors in war throughout nation and history (those who overpower) would either Kill the opposition, or Imprison them. Imprisoning them would keep the people alive, through which they could either be Sold to other nations, or Enslaved.
Some Advantages of Enslaving the defeated would include;
Some Advantages of Enslaving the defeated would include;
- Skills Benefit: The defeated knowing the area well and using their skills of that Land to benefit the Victor. (I.e. they may be farmers who grow food for the Victor.)
- Ideological Victory: The Victor may want to share his Teachings to the people of this new land, and that may have been his main intent when taking over that area.
- Increase in Men: The people of this new territory could support the Victor’s causes.
Since imprisoning and sustaining huge numbers in prison cells for a Permanent time period was almost impossible and very expensive without much benefit to the Victor – Slavery was the best alternative. Through Slavery (‘free imprisonment’), the Advantages listed earlier could take place for the Victor.
Past & Present Day Slavery
Past Slavery: In previous Ages (many centuries/millennia into the past), Slavery involved the defeated people to serve the people who had overpowered them. They could not buy their own freedom easily because the victor had taken all their wealth and property through empowerment.
Present: Present day slavery is similar to slavery of the Past, except it isn’t as apparent and clear.
Present Day Slavery: After the Colonial Period (i.e. West taking over East), many nations were taken over and their vast resources fell into the hands of the Occupiers. Major Commercial Companies from these Colonialist, and more technologically advanced nations have had a tight grip on the huge quantity of Wealth and Resources of these less technologically advanced nations. Along with this, the value of the less technologically advanced nations Currency is kept at a low value rate purposely.
The people in these nations will work hard day and night, and only get a small wage which can sustain them for the basic necessities. (i.e. 1 Rupee in Pakistan is valued at around 1cent in the USA.) A person may get only a few Rupees of a hard day’s work. Any trading these Low value currency nations do with the High valued currency nations (i.e. £ Pounds sterling/Dollar $) will give little wealth back to the poor of that nation.
This is the type of Modern Slavery in the world today. They do not know which individual they are enslaved to, but they are enslaved to the Corporation Company who gives them the basic necessities wage – so long as they keep working and providing for their Owner. If they do not work for this Owner, they will lose out on trade, or they will merely trade within their own country – which will also bring low income – due to the low value of the Currency within their nation.
Present: Present day slavery is similar to slavery of the Past, except it isn’t as apparent and clear.
Present Day Slavery: After the Colonial Period (i.e. West taking over East), many nations were taken over and their vast resources fell into the hands of the Occupiers. Major Commercial Companies from these Colonialist, and more technologically advanced nations have had a tight grip on the huge quantity of Wealth and Resources of these less technologically advanced nations. Along with this, the value of the less technologically advanced nations Currency is kept at a low value rate purposely.
The people in these nations will work hard day and night, and only get a small wage which can sustain them for the basic necessities. (i.e. 1 Rupee in Pakistan is valued at around 1cent in the USA.) A person may get only a few Rupees of a hard day’s work. Any trading these Low value currency nations do with the High valued currency nations (i.e. £ Pounds sterling/Dollar $) will give little wealth back to the poor of that nation.
This is the type of Modern Slavery in the world today. They do not know which individual they are enslaved to, but they are enslaved to the Corporation Company who gives them the basic necessities wage – so long as they keep working and providing for their Owner. If they do not work for this Owner, they will lose out on trade, or they will merely trade within their own country – which will also bring low income – due to the low value of the Currency within their nation.
Islamic View on Slavery - Introduction
Slavery has occurred throughout history, in which one group of people have defeated and overpowered another group of people. As a result of this – the People of the Defeated group have either been;
- Killed, or
- Imprisoned (within a Prison, or outside a Prison and kept as Slaves.)
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