THE QUR'AN PROHIBITS SLAVERY

[abdul.samad]

THE QUR'AN PROHIBITS SLAVERY

The Qur'an 47:4   effectively prohibited the  practice of keeping war captives as slaves:

The verse states:

"So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]." (Qur'an 47:4)

This verse outlines the treatment of war captives in clear terms:

1. Release with Grace: Captives may be freed without any compensation, as an act of mercy.

2. Ransom for Release: Captives may also be freed in exchange for compensation, which could be monetary or negotiated terms.

Prohibition of Enslavement in War:

The verse does not provide an option to keep captives as slaves. Instead, it limits the options to either releasing them out of goodwill or accepting ransom for their release. This omission of enslavement as a permissible course of action can be interpreted as a direct prohibition of enslaving war captives.


This is a significant departure from pre-Islamic Arab practices where captives were routinely enslaved. By restricting the options to freedom or ransom, the Qur'an promotes the humane treatment of prisoners and aligns with broader Qur'anic principles of justice and mercy.

Reinforcement Through Other Verses:

1. Equality of Humans:

The Qur'an emphasizes human dignity and equality: "And We have certainly honored the children of Adam..." (Qur'an 17:70)

2. Fakku Rakaba (Freeing the Neck):

The Qur'an frequently highlights the virtue of freeing slaves as an act of righteousness:

"But he has not attempted the steep path. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the steep path? It is the freeing of a slave..." (Qur'an 90:11-13)

3. Breaking Oaths and Emancipation:

The Qur'an prescribes freeing a slave as expiation for breaking oaths, emphasizing accountability and promoting emancipation. For instance:

"Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. Its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people...or freeing a slave." (Qur'an 5:89)

4. Empowering Slaves Seeking Freedom:

The Qur'an advocates for the emancipation of slaves who seek freedom and demonstrates the ability to sustain themselves:

"And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess—then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness..." (Qur'an 24:33)

5. Sadaqah (Charity) Allocated for Liberation:

Zakat (charity) funds are directed towards freeing slaves:

"Zakah expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, and those employed to collect [it], and for bringing hearts together [for Islam], and for freeing captives..." (Qur'an 9:60)

6. Marriage with Enslaved Individuals:

The Qur'an permits marrying slaves under specific conditions, indicating their human dignity and freeing whereby from slavery:

"And marry those among you who are single and those who are fit among your male slaves and female slaves..." (Qur'an 24:32)

7. Exclusive Servitude to Allah alone

"It is not for a human [prophet] that Allah should give him the Scripture, authority, and prophethood, and then he would say to the people, 'Be servants of me instead of Allah.' Rather, [he would say], 'Be pious scholars of the Lord because of what you have taught of the Scripture and because of what you have studied.'" (Qur'an 3:79)

Exclusive servitude to Allah prohibits human enslavement: If even prophets are forbidden from demanding servitude, it implies that no human being has the right to enslave or dominate another, aligning with the Qur'anic principle of equality and freedom..

Conclusion:

The Qur'an's teachings, especially in 47:4, combined with its emphasis on freeing slaves, supporting their emancipation, and affirming human dignity, provide a clear framework against slavery. These principles align with the Qur'anic message of justice, equality, and the liberation of all humans from subjugation, making it evident that the Qur'an prohibits slavery.

[Wakas]

I agree but I think you may find this translation of 47:4 more accurate:
http://www.quran434.com/wife-beating-islam.html#part1
see 17

So, when you encounter those who have rejected/concealed, then put forth /bring about the captives (RiQaB); until when you have subdued/overcome them, then strengthen the bind. Then after either grace/favour or ransom, until the war lays down its burdens. That, and had God willed, surely He would have gained victory Himself from them, but He tests some of you with others. And those who get killed in the cause of God, He will never let their deeds be put to waste.

It details the evidence as to why.

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Also see:
https://misconceptions-about-islam.com/misconception.php?id=29
Conclusion, quote:
As can clearly be seen, taking all of the above verses of The Quran into account, it would lead to a gradual reduction in slave numbers and eventually abolish slavery.

[abdul.samad]

It is appropriate to say, no new slaves were allowed, and gradual release of the existing slaves.

[Wakas]

I'm not sure what you mean because your translation of 47:4 would obviously lead to taking "new slaves".
So perhaps you mean "no new slaves are allowed to be kept" - is that what you mean?


In any case can you clarify if you actually read the first link I provided and you still think your translation of 47:4 is more accurate? I find that hard to believe hence my question.