The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 188
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 188 and the Founder of Islām. Hence, it should be known, that in this regard two methods have been employed by Islām; firstly, the ‘recommendatory method’ and secondly, the ‘coercive method. ’ By the united effects of both these practices, the liberation movement was given strength. First we take up the recommendatory method. In the very beginning, when the Holy Prophet sa initially made his claim and he still resided in Makkah, the following divine revelation was sent down: Meaning, “O Messenger! Are you aware of a religious precept, which may be likened to a great ascent upon a mountain, by which a person is able to climb to the heights of divine nearness? If you are unaware, then We tell you that it is the freeing of a slave. ” 1 Then, He states:. . . . . . . Meaning, “True virtue in the estimation of God is that an individual believes in God, spends in His cause for love of Him, on the kindred, and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and for freeing slaves. ” 2 It is narrated in a Ḥadīth : ُ عَن ْ اَبِی ْ ھُرَیْرَة َ عَن ِ النَّبِی ِّ صَلَّی اللّٰه ُ عَلَیْه ِ وَسَلَّم َ قَال َ مَن ْ اُعْتَق َ رَقَبَة ً مُسْلِمَة ً اَعْتَق َ اللّٰه ِ بِكُل ِّ عُضْو ٍ مِنْه ُ عُضْوًا مِن َ النَّار Meaning, “Abū Hurairah ra relates that the Holy Prophet sa would say, ‘Such a Muslim who frees a slave, would be granted complete salvation by Allāh the Exalted from hell. ” 3 1 Al-Balad (90:13-14) 2 Al-Baqarah (2:178) 3 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābu Kaffārātil-Īmān, Bābu Qaulillāhi Ta‘ālā Aw Taḥrīru Raqabah. . . . . , Ḥadīth No. 6715