Does Islam Allow The Practice Of Slavery?! Muhammed Ali

Summary

In this video, a new Muslim convert shares his journey to Islam, describing his background as an African-American raised with Christian values. He expresses his doubts about Christianity, leading him to explore Islam, and eventually take the Shahada. The speaker answers the convert's question regarding the concept of 'Milku al Yamin' (right-hand possession), explaining how captives of war are treated in Islam. The speaker emphasizes that this practice differs from slavery and discusses the humane treatment and eventual freedom offered to captives. The conversation ends with the speaker offering guidance and support to the new Muslim.

Takeaways

• 😊 The speaker welcomes a new Muslim convert who comes from a Christian background and recently took the Shahada.
• 📖 The convert shares their journey to Islam, which began with questions about Christianity and the role of religion in African-American history.
• 🤔 The convert is curious about the Islamic concept of 'Milku al Yamin' (right-hand possession) and raises concerns about whether it involves adultery (Zina).
• 👩‍🏫 The speaker explains that 'Milku al Yamin' refers to captives of war, specifically those who were part of the enemy army, and clarifies that this is distinct from slavery.
• ⚖️ Multiple options exist for dealing with captives of war, including ransoming, exchanging, freeing them, or in some cases, 'Milku al Yamin'—but it is strictly regulated.
• 🍽️ The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized that captives should be treated humanely, fed the same food, and clothed with the same clothes as their captors, with physical harm strictly forbidden.
• 💰 Islam encourages the freeing of captives as a virtuous act, including through Zakat (mandatory alms) and as expiation for sins.
• 🛑 The speaker differentiates 'Milku al Yamin' from the historical Atlantic slave trade, noting that captives are not treated as property and their condition is not hereditary.
• ✋ The speaker highlights that it is forbidden in Islam to enslave free people or sell them, with the Prophet explicitly condemning such practices.
• 🙌 The convert expresses gratitude for the explanation and the speaker congratulates them on their journey to Islam, encouraging them to continue learning.

Q & A

What prompted the speaker to convert to Islam?

The speaker was raised in a Christian household but had questions about Christianity, such as the portrayal of God as a white man and contradictions in the Bible. His curiosity led him to explore Islam further, and after attending a Friday congregation (Jum'a), he felt that Islam was the truth. His natural inclination, or Fitra, led him to take the Shahada (declaration of faith).

What is 'Milku al Yamin' in Islam?

'Milku al Yamin' refers to captives of war, both men and women, who are taken by Muslim forces after a battle. These captives are not slaves in the traditional sense but are placed under the care of those who captured them. They are to be treated with respect, including being fed and clothed the same way as their captors.

How does 'Milku al Yamin' differ from traditional slavery?

Traditional slavery involves forcing someone to work without compensation and treating them as property. In contrast, 'Milku al Yamin' captives must be treated with dignity and are not considered property in the same sense. They have rights, can ransom themselves, and can go free. They cannot be overworked or mistreated.

What options do Muslim leaders have with captives of war?

Muslim leaders can decide between several options for captives: ransoming them, exchanging them for Muslim prisoners, freeing them, executing them if they pose a danger, or treating them as 'Milku al Yamin' (right-hand possession). The leader's decision is based on what is most beneficial for the Muslim community at the time.

Can Muslims take civilians as 'Milku al Yamin'?

No, Muslims cannot take civilians as 'Milku al Yamin'. Only those who are part of the enemy army and participated in the battle can be taken. Civilians who did not fight cannot be taken as captives.

Are captives in 'Milku al Yamin' treated like slaves in terms of inheritance?

No, 'Milku al Yamin' status is not inherited. If a captive has children, those children are not automatically considered captives or slaves. This is different from traditional slavery, where the status could be passed down to offspring.

Is it permissible to have intercourse with a 'Milku al Yamin' captive?

There is a scholarly opinion that limits this to captives who are Jewish or Christian women, but this is a matter of interpretation within Islamic law. Regardless, captives are to be treated with respect and human dignity.

How are 'Milku al Yamin' captives encouraged to gain their freedom?

Islam encourages freeing captives by making it an act of righteousness. Captives can ransom themselves, and Muslims are encouraged to help them financially to gain their freedom. Freeing captives is also a recommended act of charity (Zakat) and a way to expiate sins.

What happens if someone mistreats a 'Milku al Yamin'?

If a person mistreats their 'Milku al Yamin', such as overworking or hitting them, they are required to set them free. The Prophet Muhammad explicitly forbade mistreatment of captives, emphasizing their fair treatment.

What is the significance of freeing 'Milku al Yamin' in Islam?

Freeing 'Milku al Yamin' is seen as a virtuous and rewarding act in Islam. It is recommended in the Quran and Hadiths, and it is one of the ways Muslims can fulfill their obligation to pay Zakat (charity) and expiate sins. The system is designed to ultimately encourage the reduction or elimination of captives over time.