Islam and Slavery — Page 21
21. From this saying of the Holy Prophet it seems that the. Mukatabal being a prelude to the emancipation of slaves was regarded with great favour by God, Who imposed it as a veritable duty on Himself to vouchsafe special help to the slave who would gird up his loins to get himself emancipated. . This movement for the emancipation of slaves was not confined to individuals, but the State was also required to devote a part of the public funds to the cause of the freedom of slaves. The Quran says:"Zakat is meant for the poor, the needy and those who collect them, and for those new converts whose hearts are to be conciliated, and for the emancipation of slaves and for the debtors and for the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarer. This is an ordinance from Allah; surely Allah is most Knowing and Wise. " (1). According to this verse, it is the duty of an Islamic. State to spend a part of the Zakat for the liberation of mer and women from the bondage of slavery. (1) 9:60.