Slavery in the Qurʾān: Teachings and Interpretations

Slavery in the Qurʾān: Teachings and Interpretations

Etymology and Translations

Slavery (رِقّ, Riq): The Arabic term used in the Qurʾān for slavery is “رِق” (Riq). In Turkish, it is translated as “Kölelik.”

Qurʾānic Teachings on Slavery

Permission and Regulation

1. Cohabitation with Female Slaves: The Qurʾān permits Muslims to cohabit with their female slaves. Specifically,

   • Sūrah an-Nisā’ 4:3: “Then marry what seems good to you of women, by twos, or threes, or fours, and if ye fear that ye cannot be equitable, then only one, or what your right hands possess.”
   • Sūrah an-Nisā’ 4:29: “Take of what your right hands possess of young women.”
   • Sūrah al-Ahzāb 33:49: “O prophet! verily We make lawful for thee wives to whom thou hast given their hire (dowry), and what thy right hand possesses out of the booty God hath granted thee.”

2. Marriage and Possession of Slaves: Muslims may take possession of married women if they are slaves.

   • Sūrah an-Nisā’ 4:24: “Unlawful for you are … married women, save such as your right hands possess.” (Al-Jalālān comments: it is lawful for Muslims to cohabit with women taken captive, even if their husbands are alive in Dār al-Harb - the abode of war.)

3. Rules of Decorum: Slavery modifies the rules of decorum for Muslims in the presence of their female slaves, akin to their wives.

   • Sūrah al-Mu’minūn 23:5: “Those who are strict in the rules of decorum, except for their wives, or what their right hands possess.”
   • See also Sūrah al-Ma’ārij 70:29.

4. Metaphor for Helplessness: The helpless status of slaves in relation to their masters mirrors the helplessness of false gods compared to the Creator.

   • Sūrah an-Naḥl 16:77: “God has struck out a parable, an owned slave, able to do nothing, and one provided with a good provision, and one who expends therefrom in alms secretly and openly, shall they be held equal? Praise be to God, most of them do not know!”
   • See also Sūrah ar-Rūm 30:27.

Ethical Considerations and Emancipation

5. Kindness Towards Slaves: Muslims are encouraged to treat their slaves with kindness.

   • Sūrah an-Nisā’ 4:36: “Serve God and do not associate aught with Him, and show kindness to your parents and to kindred … and to that which your right hands possess.”

6. Emancipation of Slaves: When slaves seek their freedom and can afford it, Muslims should facilitate this process.

   • Sūrah an-Nūr 24:33: “And such of those whom your right hands possess as crave a writing (i.e. a document of freedom), write it out for them if ye know any good in them, and give them of the wealth of God which He has given you. And do not compel your slave-girls to prostitution if they desire to keep continent.”

Theological and Social Context

• Divine Allegory and Social Responsibility: The Qurʾānic view of slavery also serves as a divine allegory, illustrating essential theological lessons about the nature of servitude and freedom from idolatry. Additionally, it underlines the importance of ethical treatment and gradual emancipation in the context of the time.

Further Reading

1. “Slavery and Islam” by Jonathan A.C. Brown: This book offers an in-depth analysis of how Islamic teachings and historical practices addressed slavery.
2. “The Qur’an and Its Interpreters” by Mahmoud Ayoub: Includes a detailed commentary on Qurʾānic verses related to social practices, including slavery.
3. “Understanding the Qur’an: Themes and Style” by Muhammad Abdel Haleem: Provides context and interpretation of the thematic approach in the Qurʾān, including issues related to human rights and slavery.

Takeaways and Conclusion

• The Qurʾānic teachings on slavery reflect a complex interplay between acceptance of existing social norms and the introduction of ethical guidelines aimed at improving the conditions of slaves.
• While the Qur’an concedes certain rights over slaves to their masters, it also emphasizes kindness, proper treatment, and avenues for emancipation.
• Understanding these teachings requires a contextual approach, recognizing the historical and social backdrop against which they were revealed.

The teachings on slavery in the Qurʾān illustrate both continuity and reform, providing regulations for an existing institution while advocating for greater kindness and ultimate freedom for slaves. These debates contribute to the broader reflections on human rights and Islamic ethics.

Note: The structure and references help provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of the subject with necessary context, promoting further study and ethical contemplation.