Slavery in Islam
Etymology
The term “slavery” in Arabic is translated as رِقّ (riqq) or عُبُودِيَّة (ʿubūdiyya). In Turkish, it is translated as kölelik. These terms have historical, legal, and socio-cultural connotations within Islamic civilization.
Historical Context
Slavery was a common institution in many pre-Islamic societies across the Mediterranean basin, Africa, and Asia. The dawn of Islam in the 7th century introduced measures aimed at regulating and mitigating the harsh conditions associated with slavery. The Islamic doctrine viewed slavery as a pre-existing societal ill and set forth stipulations to alleviate the plight of those in bondage.
Islamic Legal Framework
Islamic law, or Sharia, provided specific guidelines on slavery:
- Prohibition of Enslaving Muslims: Enslaving someone who follows Islam or a protected non-Muslim under a Muslim rule (known as dhimmi) was unequivocally forbidden.
- Sources of Slaves: The primary sources of slaves were war captives and the children of those already enslaved.
- Rights of Slaves: Slaves had certain rights, including humane treatment, the ability to earn a living, and eventual pathways to freedom.
- Manumission: The act of freeing slaves (**عِتْق ؛ (ʿitq) was highly encouraged, regarded as an act of piety, expiation for sins, and a meritorious deed.
Modern Perspective
By the mid-20th century, the practice of slavery had become virtually extinct in the heartlands of the Islamic world, reflecting broader global trends. Nevertheless, post-colonial conflicts and ongoing warfare have led to the re-emergence of slavery in certain areas, particularly in regions like Sudan and Somalia.
Takeaways
- Historical Pervasiveness: Slavery was widespread across pre-Islamic and early Islamic societies.
- Islamic Regulations: Early Islam established specific frameworks to regulate and improve the conditions of slaves.
- Ethical Mandate: Manumission and the protection of slaves’ rights were hallmarks of Islamic ethics.
- Modern Abolition: The near-eradication of slavery in the central Islamic lands correlates with modern anti-slavery movements, although isolated cases persist due to regional unrest.
Conclusion
Islamic teachings on slavery highlight a progressive trajectory intending to alleviate and ultimately eradicate the practice, aligning with a broader humanitarian impulse evident in Islamic jurisprudence. While historical practices reflected their time, continuing issues spotlight the need for increased global and local efforts toward ending all forms of modern slavery.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Slavery and Islam” by Jonathan A.C. Brown
- “Race and Slavery in the Middle East” by Bernard Lewis
- “Servants of Allah: African Muslims Enslaved in the Americas” by Sylviane A. Diouf
- “Islam in History and Society” by Malek Bennabi
These texts offer deeper insights into the complexities of slavery within the Islamic context, historical evolution, and modern implications.
