Understanding Islam — Page 166
SLAVERY AND PRISONERS OF WAR 164 were a great number of slaves that were already a part of the society where Islam began. In fact, Islam condemned slavery in unequivocal terms and prohibited all forms of making slaves except in a very restricted sense, during war. According to Islam, it is sinful to take away the liberty of a person by kidnapping him or her or by any other means, with the exception of soldiers during a battle. All human beings as such are equal in the sight of God and enjoy equal human rights. Islamic teaching on this point is quite clear, unequivocal and emphatic. The Holy Quran for instance enjoins the Muslims to treat the slaves kindly: And worship Allah and associate naught with Him, and show kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and to the neighbour that is a kinsman and the neighbour that is a stranger, and the companion by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hands possess (i. e. slaves). Surely, Allah loves not the proud and the boastful. 1 Emphasizing the same, Prophet Muhammad sa said: Slaves are your brothers whom Allah has put under your control, so feed them with the same food that you eat,