Dr Morrow’s Research on Islam and Slavery Dispels the Myth That Islam Supports Slavery

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 6 July 2024 Islam Not Only Refrained from Promoting Slavery but Also Emphasized the Humane Treatment of Slaves. The Faith Encouraged Believers to Free Slaves as an Act of Benevolence, With Promises of Abundant Rewards for Those Who Liberated Them. Unfortunately, A Pervasive Misconception Suggests That Islam Condones Slavery, Citing Selective Interpretations of the Quran and Hadith. In Contrast, These Revered Texts Actually Advocate for The Emancipation of Slaves, A Practice Exemplified by The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) And His Companions Who Actively Liberated Individuals from Bondage. For A Deeper Understanding of Islam's Stance On Slavery, I Recommend Exploring Dr John Andrew Morrow's Well-Researched Book On This Topic. Through Scholarly Insights and Historical Analysis, One Can Gain a More Nuanced Perspective On How Islam Deals with The Concept of Slavery, Emphasizing Its Underlying Principles of Compassion, Justice, And Freedom. -------- Islam and Slavery Author: John Andrew Morrow Pages: 298 Language: English Release Date: October 1, 2023 Copyright: 2024 ISBN: 9781680536379 Hardcover Price: $99.95 Trim Size: 6x9 Publisher: Academica Press, 1727 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 507, Washington, DC 20036 ------- Islam and Slavery, a ground-breaking book by Dr John Andrew Morrow, convincingly dispels common misconceptions about the belief that Islam and the Qurānic teachings support or condone the system of slavery. The book painstakingly dismantles the historical fallacy and intentional misrepresentation that have long been used to justify and perpetuate the heinous institution of slavery under the guise of Islamic legitimacy by methodically presenting a plethora of well-researched evidence and persuasive arguments. Moreover, Dr. Morrow adeptly shines a light on the exemplary endeavours of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) aimed at constructing a society that champions egalitarian principles, values reason, upholds justice, champions freedom, and nurtures a spirit of equality among its adherents. The book offers a nuanced, balanced, and profoundly enlightening analysis that explores the complex historical, religious, and socio-cultural foundations that have shaped attitudes towards slavery within the Islamic world. It does this by thoroughly examining the complex relationship between Islam and slavery. This book is a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in understanding the intricate interplay between Islamic history, particularly the Qur'an, and the issue of slavery, offering a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of this critical aspect of Islamic history and its profound implications. This book has garnered substantial praise from a wide array of prominent individuals within the academic and activist communities. Noteworthy figures include Biram Dah Abeid, a Mauritanian politician known for his staunch advocacy against slavery, Dr Chouki El Hamel, a distinguished Professor of History at Arizona State University specializing in African and Islamic history, and Dr Khaled Abou El Fadl, a respected Distinguished Professor of Law at UCLA renowned for his scholarship on Islamic law and human rights. These esteemed scholars and human rights activists have lauded Morrow's significant contributions to the understanding of the intricate dynamics between Islam and slavery. Their endorsements underscore the importance of Morrow's ground-breaking work in shedding light on a nuanced and often misunderstood aspect of Islamic history. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Morrow has succeeded in inviting critical discourse and scholarly debate on the profound impact of the legacy of slavery on Islamic societies. Mr Sultan Shahin, Founding Editor of New Age Islam, conscientiously articulates his views on the book penned by Dr Morrow in his compelling analysis. The tome, "Islam and Slavery," is a testament to academic rigour and precision, upholding the highest standards in the realm of scholarly discourse. This comprehensive work emerges as a vital addition to the English-language literary landscape, addressing a significant void in contemporary discussions surrounding Islam and its historical intersections with slavery. Dr Morrow meticulously traces the evolution of Islam from its pure origins to its subsequent co-option by individuals who sought to exploit the religion for personal gain rather than propagate its core principles of tranquilly, autonomy, and harmony among diverse communities. Through a meticulous examination of historical contexts and textual evidence, the author elucidates how power-hungry factions manipulated scriptures, including the Qur'an, to further their own vested interests. This insidious distortion of Islamic teachings paved the way for what came to be termed the 'Islamic conquests,' marred by a trail of inhumanity and injustices that reverberate through time. One of the most pernicious outcomes of this hijacking of Islam was the sanctioning of slavery, a practice antithetical to the egalitarian spirit of the Qur'an, which unequivocally condemns such exploitation of human beings. Dr Morrow's incisive exploration reveals the stark contrast between the altruistic essence of Islam and the distorted interpretations propagated by opportunistic usurpers. By shedding light on this tumultuous period in Islamic history, the book not only serves as a scholarly appraisal but also as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of those who perverted the noble teachings of the faith for personal gain. In his detailed analysis, Morrow deftly dispels the myth that the Qur’an condones slavery by emphasizing the significant Islamic stance against the enslavement of individuals, which is seen as a grave sin within the Islamic faith. Through his research, Morrow delves into the intricate portrayal within the Qur’an of the ongoing battle against oppressive societal structures, drawing poignant parallels to the iconic struggle of Hazrat Moses (peace be upon him) against the tyrannical Pharaoh. By extrapolating from historical narratives, Morrow presents a compelling argument depicting how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his devoted companions valiantly combated the oppressive tribal conventions of their time. Furthermore, he eloquently advocates for the principles of freedom and equality, underlying the core values that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions fervently championed. Through his thoughtful reflections, Morrow sheds light on the profound significance of resisting injustice and upholding the dignity of all individuals within the context of Islamic teachings. Dr Morrow's insightful book explores the intricate and hotly debated issue of concubinage in the Islamic world. By shedding light on this contentious topic, Morrow carefully articulates that historically, concubinage often entailed the exploitation of enslaved women for their sexual servitude. One of the major contributions of Morrow's work is his challenge to the common assumption that slavery is an integral aspect of Islamic doctrine. He draws attention to the exemplary actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who not only freed numerous slaves but also actively advocated for the protection and rights of these individuals. Dr Morrow persuasively shows that the core principles of Islam support freedom and oppose any kind of captivity or exploitation of others through a careful study of Islamic texts. Overall, Morrow's book promotes a message of compassion, fairness, and equality within the Islamic faith and serves as a potent reminder of Islam's intrinsic emphasis on emancipation and the inherent dignity of every human being. Dr Morrow explores in great detail the complex dynamics of the historical meeting point between Islam and the institution of slavery. Through a meticulous analysis, the author disproves common misconceptions and discloses the actual religious teachings regarding slavery. Dr Morrow's book offers a gripping narrative that dispels misconceptions and presents a novel viewpoint on the sometimes misinterpreted connection between Islam and slavery by deftly navigating through the complexities of this subject. The comprehensive nature of his exploration invites readers to reflect on the multifaceted aspects of this issue and encourages a deeper understanding of the historical context and teachings that have shaped this complicated discourse. Overall, Morrow's work serves as a valuable contribution to the scholarly discussions surrounding Islam and slavery, offering a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal that sheds light on this significant aspect of Islamic history. -------- A regular columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/books-documents/morrow-research-slavery-myth-slavery/d/132644 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism