Intermediate
Special Topics
Surah: Al-Baqarah (177)
Merit of Manumission in Islam — Among the Greatest Acts of Piety
وَءَاتَى ٱلۡمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ ذَوِي ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَٱلۡيَتَٰمَىٰ وَٱلۡمَسَٰكِينَ وَفِي ٱلرِّقَابِ
— البقرة الآية 177
Verse: "But righteousness is — believing in Allah, the Last Day, angels, the Book, and the prophets — and giving wealth despite loving it to relatives, orphans, the needy, the wayfarer, those who ask, and for freeing slaves." (2:177)
Slaves (riqab) in the Quran: Mentioned in multiple contexts: piety (here), oath expiation (5:89), zihar expiation (58:3), accidental killing expiation (4:92).
Islam's approach: Gradual systematic restriction — not sudden abolition. Multiple emancipation gates, right to purchase freedom (mukatabah), social bond after emancipation (wala').
Merit: The Prophet said: "Whoever frees a Muslim slave — Allah frees every limb of his from the Fire."
Slaves (riqab) in the Quran: Mentioned in multiple contexts: piety (here), oath expiation (5:89), zihar expiation (58:3), accidental killing expiation (4:92).
Islam's approach: Gradual systematic restriction — not sudden abolition. Multiple emancipation gates, right to purchase freedom (mukatabah), social bond after emancipation (wala').
Merit: The Prophet said: "Whoever frees a Muslim slave — Allah frees every limb of his from the Fire."
Source: Al-Qurtubi (2/233); Sahih Al-Bukhari (2517); Al-Mughni (14/407)
Test Yourself
In how many Quranic contexts is emancipation mentioned and what is its merit?
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