Muslims to treat their slaves with kindness, compassion, and respect - in the Quran

It is true that slavery is illegal and not recognized as a legitimate practice in most countries today. However, there are still instances of modern-day slavery, such as forced labor and human trafficking, that continue to exist in various parts of the world. These practices are a grave violation of human rights and are condemned by Islam and by international law.

The Quran does indeed teach Muslims to treat their slaves (1400 years ago) with kindness, compassion, and respect. While slavery was a common practice during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Quran contains numerous verses that encourage the humane treatment of slaves.

For example, in Quran 4:36, Muslims are instructed to "give to those whom your right hands possess" (i.e., slaves or servants) from the wealth that Allah has provided them. This indicates that slaves should be treated as human beings and provided with adequate food, clothing, and shelter.

In Quran 24:33, Muslims are instructed not to force their slave girls into prostitution and to respect their desire for chastity. This verse emphasizes the importance of treating slaves with dignity and respect, and recognizes their right to bodily autonomy.

Furthermore, Quran 9:60 encourages Muslims to give zakat (charity) to "those whom your right hands possess" (i.e., slaves or servants). This indicates that slaves should be treated as part of the larger community and given the same rights and privileges as other Muslims.

Overall, while the Quran acknowledges the existence of slavery, it encourages Muslims to treat their slaves with kindness, compassion, and respect. The Quranic teachings on slavery were progressive for their time and laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery in Muslim societies.

Quran 4:36 and 24:33:

Quran 4:36 - "And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful."

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's obligations to Allah and to others. It instructs Muslims to worship Allah alone and not to associate any partners with Him. It also instructs Muslims to be kind and generous to their parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy, as well as to their neighbors, both near and far. The verse also emphasizes the importance of treating slaves or servants with kindness and compassion.

The verse teaches Muslims to be mindful of their social and familial obligations and to avoid arrogance and self-delusion. Muslims are encouraged to be humble and to serve others with kindness and compassion, following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Quran 24:33 - "And let those who find not the means for marriage abstain from sexual relations until Allah enriches them from His bounty. 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 and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allah is [to them], after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful."

This verse discusses the treatment of slaves and emphasizes the importance of treating them with kindness and compassion. It instructs Muslims not to force their slave girls into prostitution and to respect their desire for chastity. The verse also encourages Muslims to enter into contracts with their slaves for eventual emancipation, provided that they are treated well and that there is goodness within them. Additionally, the verse instructs Muslims to be patient and forgiving towards their slaves, just as Allah is patient and forgiving towards His servants.

Overall, this verse teaches Muslims to treat their slaves with kindness, compassion, and respect. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the autonomy and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their social status or background.