The Issue of Slavery: From Historical Oppression to Islamic Justice — An Analytical Study

Abstract

This research highlights that Islam curtailed the practice of slavery, closed its doors, and provided existing slaves with dignity, education, and the path to freedom, promoting the principles of equality, justice, and compassion. The concept of slavery in Islam is based on reform, gradual change, and human rights. Islam protected prisoners from the torment of imprisonment by integrating them into society and granting them rights such as food, clothing, shelter, education, marriage, and the possibility of freedom. A gradual strategy was adopted to end slavery so as not to disrupt the social order. Emancipation of slaves was encouraged as a virtuous act, an act of worship, charity, and expiation for sins. Islamic injunctions such as mukataba (contract of emancipation), zihar, unintentional murder, and broken oaths included freeing slaves as a means of atonement. The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and his companions set practical examples in emancipating slaves, with thousands being set free during their time. There is a clear distinction between Islamic and Western slavery: while the West used slavery for racial and economic exploitation, Islam approached it as a humane, ethical, and rehabilitative institution.