This Is Islam Uncovered

Islam’s Stance on Slavery and Concubinage Orthodoxy vs. Modern Ethics

Abstract:
This essay critically examines Islam’s doctrinal stance on slavery and concubinage through the lens of its primary sources — the Qur’an, Hadith, and classical jurisprudence. While many contemporary Muslims seek to distance Islam from these practices, the classical tradition remains clear: both slavery and concubinage are lawful (halal), regulated institutions within Islamic law. Modern reformist attempts to reinterpret or abolish them often result in theological inconsistency and bid‘ah (innovation), creating a sharp conflict between orthodoxy and evolving ethical norms.

Introduction

In an era where human rights and universal dignity are global moral standards, the tension between traditional Islamic teachings and modern ethics becomes starkly visible in the discussion on slavery and concubinage. This essay argues that, based on the Qur’an, authentic Hadith, and classical fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Islam not only permits these practices but enshrines them in its legal structure. Attempts to reinterpret or nullify these rulings, while ethically motivated, often fall outside the boundaries of orthodox Islamic methodology.

The Orthodox Position: Clear and Unapologetic

Qur’anic Foundation

Islam’s foundational text permits slavery and sexual relations with female slaves under specific conditions:

Slavery as a war institution:

“When you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike their necks... then bind them firmly. Afterwards either [set them free] as a favor or by ransom...”
— Surah Muhammad (47:4)
Concubinage as lawful sex:

“[Men are permitted] to be chaste with their wives or those whom their right hands possess...”
— Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:6), also 4:24, 33:50
Manumission encouraged, not mandated:

“And what will make you understand the uphill road? It is the freeing of a slave...”
— Surah Al-Balad (90:12–13)

Nowhere does the Qur’an prohibit or abolish slavery or concubinage.

Prophetic Practice

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ owned slaves (e.g., Zayd ibn Haritha, Bilal ibn Rabah) and concubines (e.g., Maria al-Qibtiyya). He permitted the taking of female captives during warfare, as confirmed in:

Sahih al-Bukhari 5.59.447 — Companions asked about coitus interruptus with captive women.
Sahih Muslim 1602 — Details the Prophet’s relationship with Maria.

His actions established precedent — and his example is considered binding:

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example…”
— Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21)

Classical Jurisprudence

Across all four Sunni schools and the Shia Ja‘fari tradition, jurists meticulously codified slavery:

Al-Shafi‘i’s Al-Umm
Ibn Qudamah’s Al-Mughni
Al-Nawawi’s Al-Majmu‘

These works outline:

Legal acquisition of slaves through jihad
Permissibility of concubinage
Conditions for manumission
Differential legal treatment of slaves vs. free persons

The underlying assumption: these are timeless rulings valid as long as Shari‘ah stands.

Modern Reformist Attempts: Ethically Driven, Theologically Incoherent

Modern Muslim thinkers often argue that slavery and concubinage were context-specific and meant to fade away. They cite broader Islamic values:

Human dignity: (Surah 49:13)
Justice and compassion: (Surah 16:90)
Sharia’s higher objectives (maqasid): justice, mercy, and public interest

However, this ethical reinterpretation faces fatal flaws:

❌ No Abrogation Exists

There is no Qur’anic verse or authentic Hadith abrogating slavery or concubinage. Abrogation (naskh) requires textual evidence (Surah 2:106).

❌ Contradiction of Prophetic Example

If Muhammad ﷺ practiced slavery and concubinage — and his example is binding — denying their validity implies:

The Sunnah is not eternal
Surah 33:21 is limited or metaphorical
The Prophet’s actions can be overridden by modern moral norms

This is incompatible with classical Sunni and Shia theology.

❌ Innovation (Bid‘ah)

The Prophet warned:

“Every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Hellfire.”
— Sahih Muslim 867

Reinterpreting or nullifying clear legal rulings without divine mandate is bid‘ah — a severe charge in orthodox Islam.

The Modern Dilemma: Theology vs. Morality

This leads to an unsolvable dilemma for the average Muslim:

Option 1: Accept Orthodoxy

Slavery and concubinage are lawful if conditions (like jihad) permit
This aligns with the Qur’an and Sunnah, but
It is morally indefensible by modern standards (i.e., sexual slavery, war rape)

Option 2: Reform Sharia

Acknowledge the moral evolution of humanity
Reject certain rulings as no longer applicable
But this undermines the Qur’an’s claim to perfection and completeness (Surah 5:3), and introduces innovation

The Psychological Reality: Silent Compartmentalization

Many Muslims resolve this tension not through scholarship, but through silence:

Avoiding controversial rulings
Focusing on spirituality and ethics
Privately disagreeing, publicly deflecting

This isn’t hypocrisy — it’s cognitive dissonance managed by selective engagement. But it leaves the core contradiction unresolved.

Conclusion: Truth or Comfort — Choose One

The conclusion is inescapable: Islam, as defined by its own sources and jurisprudence, permits slavery and concubinage. These practices are halal under Sharia and were practiced by the Prophet ﷺ himself. Reformist efforts, though ethically appealing, lack scriptural support and violate Islamic legal methodology. Muslims today face a critical choice:

Embrace the full weight of orthodoxy, including its moral costs,
Or reinterpret Islam and risk theological rupture.

What cannot be done — with intellectual honesty — is to claim Islam never permitted slavery or that such rulings no longer exist without engaging in theological innovation.

The texts speak clearly. The choice remains yours.