Muhammad (saw) – The Perfect Man — Page 734
CHAPTER 29 The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa 'skind Treatment of the Slaves 734 "The custom of slavery existed since the beginning of human society and it is present even today. The condition of slaves is comparatively better in the Muslim homes whether they are civilized or nomadic people. To compare the slavery practised in the eastern countries to slavery in America a hundred years ago would be unjustified. Excellent sentiments of sympathy are found in the traditions of the Prophet. He said, "Do not say, this is my slave, say it is my son and do not say, she is my maid, say it is my daughter. " If these incidents are analysed historically, then it would become clear that the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa reformed this system in an excellent way. Before Islam a person was in danger of losing his freedom in the event of non-payment of his debt, but after Islam no Muslim could make a free man, a slave. The Holy Prophet Muhammad sa not only limited slavery, he issued laws about it and appealed to the Muslims that they should continue to strive in this field till every slave was freed. " 28 1 S ir atun Nabawiyyah by Ibne Hish a m, vol. 2, p. 288 &Majma‘uz Zaw a ’id by Haitham i , vol. 6, p. 86. 2 Bukh ari Kit ab ul Jih a d, Bab Kaswatu lil Asara. 3 Musnad A hm ad bin H ambal, vol. 1, p. 383. 4 S ir atun Nabawiyyah by Ibne Hish a m, vol. 2, p. 304. 5 Tabaq a tul Kubra by Ibn Sa‘d, vol. 2, p. 22. 6 The life of Mahomet BySir William Muir Vol. 1, page. 242. 7 Mu h ammadA Biography of Prophat by KarenArmstrong page 180. 8 Bukh a r i Kit a bul Magh a z i , B a b Ghazwah Hunain.