Islam and Slavery — Page 28
ALL DOORS OF ADVANCEMENT WERE OPEN TO. THE EMANCIPATED SLAVES. IT has already been pointed out that the slaves were emancipated when it was known that they had become fit for freedom both from the viewpoint of their morals and habits and of their competence to earn independent livelihood. . Now we wish to show that the slaves whom the Muslims set at liberty, after satisfying themselves as to their fitness for freedom, actually became useful citizens, and they were treated with the same honour and respect as other respectable members of the society. The Holy. Prophet in order to remedy the old aversion to slaves showed even greater regard for the capable persons among freed slaves than for others. For instance, on several occasions he put his freed slave, Zaid, and his son Usama at the head of military expeditions while many of his most eminent and high-placed companions served under them, and when when some of the thoughtless people. under the influence of their old ideas, took exception to this, he was greatly displeased and said, "You have taken exception to the leadership of Usama and before this you also took exception to the leadership of his father Zaid. But, by God, just as Zaid was fit for leadership and was one of those whom I most loved and trusted, similarly, his son Usama is fit for leadership and is one of the most beloved and trusted of men to me. " (1) (1) Bukhari, Kitab Fazail,