ENGLISH-THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOCIAL EQUALITY IN THE PROPHETIC ERA: A RESEARCH STUDY

Abstract

Slavery was a phenomenon that was followed in the majority of ancient cultures such as pre-Islamic Arabia where slaves used to be denied the right to basic rights and social dignity. The appearance of Islam taught a revolutionary outlook on equality between people and social justice which slowly changed and undermined the slavery institution. This paper discusses the initiatives that were made in the Prophetic era to end slavery and put in place foundations of social equality in the early Muslim society. The study investigates the ethical and legal reforms presented by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the qualitative interpretation of primary Islamic literature, such as the Quran, the literature on the Hadith, as well as classical Seerah. These reforms involved promotion of emancipation of slaves, setting up legal structures to emancipate slaves and moral responsibility of slaves. The paper also examines major instances of social integration and equality like the roles of Bilal ibn Rabah, Zayd ibn Harithah, and Salman al-Farisi who were accepted by the Muslim fraternity despite their social status. These conclusions show that the Prophetic reforms were meant to change the social system by enhancing human dignity, equality and brotherhood. The research concludes that the Prophetic approach provides valuable information on how gradual abolishment of social injustice and creation of egalitarian community founded on moral and ethical values can be established.