The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 217
V - Conduct of the Holy Prophet sa with Slaves and His Teachings on the Issue of Slavery 217 the ancient era, slavery of this nature existed in more or less all the nations of the world. This practice was even greatly prevalent among the Banī Isrā’il, who were the children of Prophets and had been trained by a multitude of Prophets. As a matter of fact, this had been ordered by the Israelite Law itself. 1 Moreover, if one contemplates, this practice was required to a much greater degree by religious communities as compared to other nations during this ancient era. The reason being that, as is the norm, religious dispensations are faced with fierce opposition and other nations stand up to expunge them by force of the sword. Hence, they too are required to employ a practice of slavery, etc. , for the purpose of self-defense and protection. Similarly, a practice of slavery continued among the Christian people as well, which is in actuality a branch of the Banū Isrā’il. 2 As a matter of fact, even now, a custom of slavery is prevalent among the Christian country of Abyssinia, which strictly follows ancient Christian traditions to this day. Rather, perhaps the slavery of this country is harsher than the slavery present in other countries. Similarly, in the ancient Arya nation of India, a custom of slavery existed. Hence, the Shudra caste, etc. , which are found in India even today, are an unpleasant remnant of this very succession of slavery. Therefore, in ancient eras, the custom of slavery was prevalent in more or less all countries and in all nations. This was a natural outcome of the circumstances of those eras and the purpose of this was to suppress persecution and tyranny. Then, it was religious communities who needed this practice most, rather, they were the only ones who truly required it, because they were made prey to the most cruelties. People would stand up to destroy their religion. Slavery of this nature, which was further refined and improved by Islām to the extent that in actuality, it took on a form of mere captivity, was no injustice. The reason being, that a nation who desires to eliminate the religion of others by force of the sword, and is unjust and cruel, and creates unrest by planting the seed of disorder, corruption, murder and plunder in the land, does not then possess the right to freedom; just as a thief, swindler or robber, is not considered as possessing the right to remain outside of prison. It was the Holy Prophet sa and his Companions upon whom these cruelties were inflicted most. Our readers have probably not forgotten that the disbelievers subjected the Muslims to extremely torturous 1 Deuteronomy (20:13-14) 2 Letters of Paul (Ephesians 6:5); 1 Peter (2:18) - In current editions, the word ‘slave’ has been replaced with ‘servant. ’ It is apparent, however, in light of the context that the actual inference is of ‘slaves. ’