WHICH SLAVES DESERVE EMANCIPATION?

Only a believing slave deserves freedom.  Someone once slapped his maid-slave in anger and then, in contrition, wanted to free her.  When Muhammad was consulted, he said: �Bring her to me.� She was brought.  Muhammad asked her: �Where is Allah?� She replied: �He is in the heaven.� Muhammad asked: �Who am I?� �Thou art the Messenger of Allah,� she answered.  Muhammad gave his verdict: �Grant her freedom, she is a believing woman� (1094).

Thus there is merit in freeing a slave.  �A Muslim who emancipates a Muslim [slave], Allah will save from Fire every limb of his for every limb of the slave, even his private parts for his� (3604).

One could also emancipate a jointly owned slave to the extent of one�s share in him.  For the rest a fair price for the slave was to be fixed, and the slave �will be required to work to pay for his freedom, but must not be overburdened� (3582).

author : ram swarup