Beyond the Myths: Tracing the True History of Slavery in Islam

Almost every society in history has used slavery, from pre-Islamic Arabia to ancient Egypt and Rome. But the tale of slavery in Islam is a complicated, multifaceted one that needs to be viewed through social, religious, and historical prisms. Islamic beliefs aimed to gradually reform, regulate, and eventually abolish slavery rather than endorsing it as an institution that would never be abolished.

This blog explores the Islamic view of slavery, its historical development, and the lessons that contemporary cultures might learn from it.

Slavery in Pre-Islamic Arabia

Slavery was a common and ingrained aspect of Arabian civilization prior to the arrival of Islam in the 7th century. Tribal conflicts, debt repayment, or the purchase and sale of slaves in public marketplaces were the methods used to capture slaves. They were frequently the targets of cruel treatment and lacked legal protection and rights.

Introduction of Islam: Reforms, Not Revolution

Slavery was an established social structure in Mecca when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ started receiving revelations. Instead of immediately outlawing slavery, the Qur’an and Hadith started enacting moral changes that provided a step-by-step route to ultimate freedom.

Key Teachings from the Qur’an:

• Treating slaves with kindness:

“And serve Allah… and do good to… those whom your right hands possess…” (Qur’an 4:36)

• Encouraging manumission (freeing of slaves):

However, he hasn’t tried the Ascent. What will tell you what the Ascent is? [It is] a slave being set free. (Qur’an 90:11–13)

• Freeing slaves as expiation for sins:

In order to make up for breaking fasts, making false oaths, or unintentional homicide, the Qur’an suggests releasing slaves (Surah Al-Mujadila 58:3, Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:89).

Prophet Muhammad’s Approach to Slavery

In addition to advocating for improved treatment of slaves, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also exemplified it in action:

• Among the numerous slaves he freed were Zayd ibn Harithah, who went on to become a well-known friend and military commander.

• Urged his supporters to view slaves as members of their family by saying:

“They are your brothers. Feed them with what you eat and clothe them with what you wear.” (Sahih Bukhari)

In a society where slaves were formerly viewed as property with no rights, this moral elevation of slaves in Islam was revolutionary.

The Rights of Slaves Under Islamic Law

Compared to other historical systems, Islamic legislation on slavery was significantly different. Slavery was strictly regulated even though it was not openly prohibited:

• Slaves had the ability to marry, acquire property, and pursue freedom.

• Slave owners were required to treat their charges with kindness and were not allowed to mistreat or overwork them.

• Slaves were able to purchase their freedom over time through the process of mukaataba, or contractual emancipation.

• According to Qur’an 24:33, female slaves could not be coerced into prostitution.
  

Who Could Become a Slave?

Slavery was not based on race in Islamic history. A person could be forced into slavery by:

• Capture during a valid conflict (under stringent guidelines)

• Having been born into slavery

• Although it was discouraged, buying in the slave market

• Enslavement by choice (in rare instances of great poverty)

Crucially, Islam forbade the enslavement of free people, especially Muslims and protected minorities (Dhimmi).

Slavery in the Islamic Golden Age

Slavery persisted under the Abbasid Caliphate (8th–13th centuries), although its moral and legal bounds were clearly established. Households, the military, and the government all contained slaves. Many were well-educated, talented, and influential members of society.

Among the prominent slave figures in Islamic history are:

• Former Ethiopian slave Bilal ibn Rabah was the first muezzin of Islam.

• The Mamluks were military slaves who eventually became the rulers of Egypt.

• Slavic slaves known as Saqaliba worked in Al-Andalus as officials or soldiers.
  

Gradual Abolition and Modern Views

By the 19th and 20th centuries, Muslim-majority nations were under pressure to formally abolish slavery due to the emergence of contemporary nation-states and international anti-slavery campaigns.

• In 1847, the Ottoman Empire outlawed the slave trade.

• In the 1960s, slavery was officially outlawed in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

• In 1981, Mauritania became the final nation with a majority of Muslims to formally outlaw slavery.

Since slavery’s conditions and justifications are no longer valid, most contemporary Islamic scholars concur that it is no longer acceptable. Scholars highlight the Quran’s emphasis on equality and emancipation, pointing to universal human dignity as a fundamental principle.

Misconceptions and Extremist Misuse

It’s important to remember that contemporary extreme organizations have made an effort to bring slavery back to life by using antiquated theories. Muslim institutions and thinkers have unanimously denounced these acts.

Islamic texts are distorted by organizations such as ISIS in order to defend violations of human rights. Global indignation has resulted from this, reinforcing the necessity for an ethical, contextual understanding of Islamic beliefs.

Lessons from Islamic Teachings Today

Despite the fact that slavery is now prohibited in almost all nations, human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation are nonetheless examples of modern slavery. Islamic principles that upheld human dignity, justice, and manumission are still very much in place today.

Muslims are expected to:

• Encourage initiatives to end modern-day slavery

• Promote economic equity and justice.

• Respect everyone’s human dignity, irrespective of their background, race, or class.

In conclusion

Islam’s history of slavery is a path of moral improvement, ethical behavior, and social development rather than a defense or condemnation. Islam’s approach to slavery was based on compassion, steady advancement, and the ultimate objective of human liberty, from its beginnings in pre-Islamic Arabia to its eradication in the contemporary age.

We are reminded of Islam’s emphasis on justice, equality, and freedom when we consider these teachings; these principles still serve as a roadmap for our quest for a more compassionate society.