Understanding Islam — Page 181
179 Slaves are your brothers whom Allah has put under your control, so feed them with the same food that you eat, clothe them with the same clothes you wear, and do not burden them with so much that they are overwhelmed; if you do [need to] burden them, then help them. 19 In addition, Prophet Muhammad sa strictly forbade ill-treatment of slaves as illustrated by the following narration: Ab ū Mas‘ ū d ra said, “I was beating a slave of mine when I heard a voice behind me, ‘Know, Ab ū Mas‘ ū d ra , that Allah is able to call you to account for this slave’. I turned around and there was the Messenger of Allah sa. I said, ‘Messenger of Allah sa , he is free for the sake of Allah!’ He said, ‘If you had not done that, the Fire would have touched you (or the Fire would have burned you)’. ” 20 He also said: If anyone slaps or beats his slave, the atonement due from him [for this act] is to set him free. 21