Islam and Slavery — Page 16
16. The same incident has been related by Ibn Omar, who adds that if anybody beats a slave and then sets him free, he deserves no reward for this act, for Islam prescribes the setting free of a slave as punishment for beating and the undergoing of a prescribed punishment can have no reward. (1). Thus one form of compulsory emancipation instituted by the Holy Prophet was that he laid down the emancipation of slaves as a punishment for beating. 2. Ibn Omar relates as follows: The Holy Prophet used to say, “If anyone happens to come in possession of a slave who is a relation of his, such a slave shall automatically become free. " (2) 3. Ibn Omar and Abu Huraira relate as follows:The Holy Prophet said, "If a man is a co-partner in the possession of a slave and he declares that slave to be free in his own part, he is bound to pay to the other partners and secure complete freedom for him. If, however, he has not the means to do so, even then the slave shall be set practically free, so that he may earn money for payment. to his other masters and secure complete freedom for himself; and for this purpose he will be provided with every facility. " (3) 4. It is on record that some of the slaves of the. Meccan idolaters fled from Mecca and sought refuge wit 1 the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of God be upon him), whereupon the idolaters asked for their return (1) Ibid. (2) Ibn Majah, Kitab Al-Itq. (3) Bukhari, Kitab Al-Itq.