The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 202
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 202 not a single slave came under his possession who was not set free. As such, it is this very fact, which the following narration alludes to: ِ م َ اَخِی ْ جُوَیْرِیَّة َ بِنْت َّ ی اللّٰه ُ عَلَیْه ِ وَسَل َّ عَن ْ عَمْرِو بْن ِ الْحَارِث ِ خَتَن ِ رَسُوْل ِ اللّٰه ِ صَل م َ عِنْد َ مَوْتِه ٖ دِرْھَمًا وَلَا دِیْنَارًا َّ ی اللّٰه ُ عَلَیْه ِ وَسَل َّ الْحَارِث ِ قَال َ مَا تَرَك َ رَسُوْل ُ اللّٰه ِ صَل ً وَلَا عَبْدًا وَلَا اَمَة Meaning, “‘Amr bin Al-Ḥārith, who was the biological brother of Ummul- Mu’minīn, Juwairiyah ra and the brother-in-law of the Holy Prophet sa relates that upon the demise of the Holy Prophet sa , he did not leave behind a single Dirham, Dinar, slave or bond-woman. ” 1 Therefore, this teaching which has been prescribed by Islām in relation to slaves was not merely the embellishment of paper. Rather, this teaching became a necessary part of Islāmic culture and civilization, and the Islāmic way of living. Moreover, both individuals and the government keenly acted upon this teaching. All Doors of Advancement were Open to Freed Slaves It has already been mentioned that slaves were granted freedom after the assurance that they were capable of manumission as far as their morals, habits and ability to earn a living was concerned. Now we wish to mention that those slaves, who were freed, did in fact become beneficial citizens and were considered just as honourable and respectful in the Islāmic society as other people. As a matter of fact, it was a practice of the Holy Prophet sa that for the purpose of reforming the ancient views of people, he would be even more mindful of the dignity and honour of slaves and freed slaves than others. Therefore, on many occasions, the Holy Prophet sa appointed his freed slave Zaid bin Ḥārithah ra and his son Usāmah ra as the commander of many military campaigns. Many highly respected and prominant Companions were appointed under them and when ignorant people objected to this action of the Holy Prophet sa , due to their ancient views, he responded: 1 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābul-Waṣāyah, Bābul-Waṣāyah, Ḥadīth No. 2739