Slavery in Islam

Islam was a revolutionary religion- it gives equal rights to all humans, took special care of women, removed barriers between creations and the Creator, etc. making laws that was needed for a harmonious society. I always wondered why Islam did not abolish slavery, I am yet to find an answer but Islamic concept of slavery was quite different than what was prevalent in the Americas and Europe.

Muslims were encouraged to free their slaves and there are numerous stories of companions and other followers freed their slaves on many occasions. Also something unique was the concept of a slave winning his freedom. A slave in Muslim society can ask to be emancipated and upon terms agreed upon by his master and himself/herself the slave can win his freedom.


... And such of your slaves as seek a writing (of emancipation), give them such writing, if you find that there is good and honesty in them. And give them something (yourselves) out of the wealth of Allâh which He has bestowed upon you. ... [Al-Noor:33]



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