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.
