The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 177
V Conduct of the Holy Prophet sa with Slaves and His Teachings on the Issue of Slavery Issue of Slavery and the Holy Prophet sa War possesses a fundamental relationship with the issue of slavery and Badr was the first formal war to have taken place between the disbelievers and Muslims. For this reason, in mentioning the battle of Badr, the question naturally arises as to what teaching the Holy Prophet sa gave with respect to the issue of slavery and what practice he employed in this regard. Hence, prior to moving forward it would not be inappropriate to write a brief note on the issue of slavery. However, this issue is extremely vast and very sensitive. Furthermore, in order to comment upon this issue one is compelled to take up many other discussions, for which there is not sufficient room here. Moreover, in my capacity as a historian, I cannot overly involve myself in such academic discussions. Therefore, on this occasion, I shall only cast a brief glance upon this issue from a fundamental perspective; and even in this regard, I shall confine myself only to such issues as relate directly to the teachings of the Holy Prophet sa and his practice. First and foremost it should be understood that as elaborated upon in Encyclopedia Brittannica, slavery actually began in the world as a result of war. Initially, the manner in which people were forced into slavery was through the aftermath of war between two tribes, two nations, or two countries. As a