Islam’s Influence on Slavery in World History

The subject of slavery and Islam has long been debated, often misunderstood or misrepresented. While slavery existed in nearly every ancient civilization—Greek, Roman, Persian, African, and beyond—Islam’s emergence in 7th-century Arabia brought forth revolutionary reforms to this deeply rooted institution. Far from promoting slavery, Islam aimed to transform it, regulate it, and ultimately eliminate it gradually through moral and legal reforms.

Slavery Before Islam

Before Islam, slavery was an unchecked system of abuse and exploitation. Slaves were treated as property without rights, often subjected to inhumane treatment, no legal protections, and lifelong servitude. Wars, debt, birth, or kidnapping were common means of enslavement.

• Slaves had no social status or protection.
• Women slaves were particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation.
• Masters could torture, kill, or sell their slaves without consequence.

The Qur’anic Approach to Slavery

The Qur’an acknowledged the presence of slavery in society but laid down ethical and legal reforms that improved the conditions of slaves and encouraged their freedom.

1. Emphasis on Kindness and Justice:
   • “…and do good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:36)
2. Freeing Slaves as a Virtue:
   • “But he has not attempted the steep path. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the steep path? It is the freeing of a slave…” (Surah Al-Balad, 90:11-13)
3. Atonement through Emancipation:
   • Freeing a slave was prescribed as expiation for several sins, such as breaking an oath, accidental killing, and during the month of Ramadan if one broke the fast deliberately. (Surah Al-Mujadila, 58:3; Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:89)

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s Treatment of Slaves

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ set a personal example of humane treatment and encouraged the freeing of slaves throughout his life:

• He freed many of his own slaves, such as Zayd ibn Harithah, who became like a son to him.
• He said: “Your slaves are your brothers. Feed them with what you eat and clothe them with what you wear…” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2545)
• He prohibited calling them “slaves” and encouraged the use of terms like “my brother” or “my helper.” (Sahih Muslim, 1661)

The Example of Hazrat Zayd ibn Harithah (RA)

Hazrat Zayd (RA) was a freed slave who became one of the most beloved companions of the Prophet ﷺ. After being freed by the Prophet, he was adopted as his son before adoption laws were clarified. Zayd was known as “Zayd ibn Muhammad” for a time due to this close bond. The Qur’an later instructed to retain the biological lineage:

• “Call them by (the names of) their fathers: that is more just in the sight of Allah.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:5)

Zayd was given leadership roles, even commanding the Muslim army in the Battle of Mu’tah. This shows how Islam elevated the social status of former slaves purely on merit and character.

The Character of Hazrat Bilal ibn Rabah (RA)

Hazrat Bilal (RA), an Ethiopian slave, embraced Islam in its early days and suffered brutal torture at the hands of his master for declaring the oneness of Allah. Yet he remained steadfast, repeating “Ahad, Ahad” (One, One).

The Prophet ﷺ purchased and freed Bilal through Abu Bakr (RA). He was later appointed as the first muezzin (caller to prayer) of Islam. His beautiful voice echoed across Madinah, and his noble rank was affirmed by the Prophet ﷺ himself, who once said:

• “I heard your footsteps in Paradise ahead of me.” (Sahih Muslim, 2458)

Hazrat Bilal (RA) became a symbol of equality, piety, and courage, honored in both this world and the next.

Honor and Protection of Female Slaves in Islam

Female slaves were the most vulnerable in pre-Islamic times. Islam gave them dignity and protected their rights.

• They could not be forced into prostitution or abused.
  • “Do not compel your slave girls to prostitution… if they seek chastity.” (Surah An-Nur, 24:33)
• They were entitled to respectful treatment and could marry free men or be freed by their masters.
• Many companions of the Prophet married freed female slaves, further elevating their status.

Islam acknowledged their humanity, granted them legal rights, and laid a path for their freedom and integration into society with honor.

Legal Reforms in Islamic Law (Shariah)

1. No New Slavery through Debt: Islam banned enslaving people due to unpaid debts.
2. Regulated Captives of War: Islam only allowed slavery through warfare, and even then promoted ransom, exchange, or release as better alternatives.
3. Slave Rights:
   • Slaves had the right to earn and own property.
   • They could seek their freedom through a contract known as mukatabah.
   • Mistreatment of slaves was prohibited and punishable.

Islamic Path to Gradual Abolition

Unlike sudden abolition, which was not feasible in the economic and social structure of 7th-century Arabia, Islam paved the way for gradual elimination by:

• Making manumission a virtue and an act of piety.
• Mandating the freeing of slaves for many major and minor offenses.
• Encouraging marriage with slaves to raise their status.

Comparison with Western Slavery

While Islam encouraged freeing slaves and treated them as humans with dignity, Western slavery—especially during the transatlantic slave trade—was brutal, commercialized, and racially motivated. Millions were kidnapped, chained, and dehumanized for generations.

• Islam never racialized slavery.
• Slaves in Islamic societies could become scholars, generals, and even rulers (e.g., Mamluks).

Conclusion

Islam did not create slavery; it inherited a global norm and applied consistent ethical and legal reform to humanize and reduce it. By promoting manumission, recognizing the humanity of slaves, and establishing rights for them, Islam laid the foundation for a future where slavery would become obsolete.

This subject demands a balanced, contextual understanding, free of bias. Islam’s legacy in the regulation—and gradual elimination—of slavery is one of mercy, justice, and reform, in line with its overarching moral vision.

May Allah grant us understanding and fairness in studying our history. Ameen.