Islam and Slavery — Page 20
20 ing else may be determined by the following tradition. Yahya bin Kasir relates :"The Holy Prophet used to say that the words of the. Quran, 'Make a contract of Mukatabat with them if you find them to be fit for some work or trade so that after being set free, they may not become a burden upon society. ' (1). This meant that the contract of Mukatabat became obligatory in the case of such slaves as were capable of doing some work or engaging in some trade or were able to learn it quickly. . The explanation of the Quranic words as given by the. Holy Prophet in the above-mentioned tradition, makes it clear that the real object of the Islamic teachings about the existing slaves was to improve their condition and make them fit for liberty so that they might be gradually emancipated as they grew fit for emancipation. . As the system of Mukatabat formed the foundationstone for the liberation of slaves, it has been highly commended in Islam. Thus Abu Huraira relates that the. Holy Prophet used to say, "There are three classes of persons whom Allah has made it binding on Himself to help: Firstly; the slave who has been given the writ of. Mukatabat and is striving to pay up the money; secondly, the person who marries in order to preserve his or her chastity; thirdly, the person who strives strenuously in the cause of Allah. ” (²) " (1) Abu Daud as quoted by Ibn Kasir under the verse relating to. Mukatabat. (2) Tirmizi and Nasai and Ibn Majah as quoted by Mishkat in Kitab. Al-Nikah.