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General teachings of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him)
Slavery was a common practice almost all over the world, before the time of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). Victorious nations of the time considered the people captured by them, in battle, as a “commodity” – not as human beings – and used them mercilessly for their own advantage.
The Prophet of Islam, Muhammed (peace be upon him) urged and encouraged the people to free the slaves, by declaring the freeing of slaves an act of highest virtue and an act by which sins are forgiven. On the other hand he enjoined on all not to drive them like animals. He explained that their basic needs, like food and clothing should be taken care of in a deserving manner.
He, in fact, laid down the basic rights for them and constantly warned that all will be called to account, in the Hereafter, if they failed in their duty to be just and merciful to the slaves and servants. He emphasised this to such an extent that it is reported that he even highlighted the need to observe due right towards them, whilst he was close to the time of his death. This shows the importance that the Prophet (peace be upon him) attached to this social aspect of our lives.
History records that the entire course of the lives of slaves and servants was transformed, as a result of these teachings, and their human dignity was restored to them. Many of them rose to be great scholars and leaders holding high posts of office. Eventually the whole world was influenced by this guidance and slavery became a thing of the past.
However, we continue to have a system, in almost all societies and communities whereby we employ domestic workers or servants – in some communities they are just simply taken in without remuneration as such. There is a need to ensure that their rights are duly fulfilled and that they are not ill-treated nor should any undue advantage be taken of them. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) extend to all types of workers who are in the service or employ of others.
Kind and merciful treatment
Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) stipulated to all his followers that “Food and clothing are the (fundamental) rights of the servants and they should not be assigned to such tasks which may be beyond their capacity.” These points constituted the fundamental rights of slaves and servants- that one should fulfil their basic need for food and clothing in kindness and should be merciful in assigning any work to them.
On another occasion, the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “They are your brothers (the servants). Allah Almighty has placed them under your authority. So he who has a brother under him should feed him and clothe him as he himself does, and should not take from him any work that is beyond his power. If he does tell him to do such work then he should also join in it – (and help him).” Here the servants have been declared to be the brothers of their masters, and therefore deserve treatment like brothers – are not both of them, servant and master, the children of Adam, after all!
In yet another striking Prophetic statement we find sound guidance – “When your servant prepares food for you and serves it for you – while he has suffered the inconvenience of heat and smoke when cooking – you should ask him to sit down and share the meal. If the food is in a small quantity (and cannot suffice) at least give him a morsel or two there from (at least a little).”
Policy of forgiveness
Furthermore Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) constantly emphasised the need to adopt a policy of forgiveness with servants. This is very clear from the narration of an incident that once took place whereby a person came to him and asked “O Prophet of Allah! To what extent should we forgive the mistakes and faults of our servants?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) remained silent whereupon the man repeated this question.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) again remained silent and when the man asked for a third time, he replied “Seventy times a day.” Evidently the figure, seventy, does not denote the exact number here but it is highlighting the need to overlook and forgive the mistakes and faults of the servants as often as possible. “Forgiving” here means that the punishment should not be inflicted on servants in a spirit of vengeance. But there is no harm, however, if they are taken to task with politeness with a view of their correction – which would actually be for their own good.
It is worthy to note that on the occasion of this incident, the Prophet (peace be upon him) remained silent when the question was asked for the first two times – this should be for the reason that he wanted the questioner to realise the redundancy of his enquiry. To forgive the mistakes of one’s servants is an act of virtue which makes one deserving of Divine mercy and Divine forgiveness – hence one should always be prepared to excuse their faults – as much as possible.
There are Prophetic warnings which are very clear with the message that whoever treats the servant unjustly, revenge will be taken from him on the Day of Judgement.
Loyalty of servants
Whilst enjoining the masters to be fair and generous in their treatment of the servants, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) also emphasised upon the servants their duty to remain faithful to their masters.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “It is a matter of great success and good fortune for a servant that The Almighty raises him from this world (gives him death) in such a state that he is a worshipper of the Creator (a faithful Believer) and he is loyal to his master.”
For further information on Islam please contact: Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars Publications Department, P. O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare.
Tel: 0242-614078 / 614004, Fax: 0242-614003. e-mail: [email protected]
