Manumission, or the act of freeing slaves, is known in Arabic as ʿItq (عتق). It’s a term imbued with profound spiritual and ethical significance in Islam.
Comprehensive Definition
ʿItq (عتق) is the Islamic term for manumission, the act of freeing a slave. It commonly includes a formal process, underscoring both the humanitarian aspects and religious exhortations to end slavery and liberate enslaved individuals.
Etymology
The term ʿItq is derived from the root verb “ʿataqa” (عتق), meaning “to set free” or “to him who is free.” The concept is closely associated with emancipation, liberty, and the notion of elevating human dignity.
Background
In Islamic teachings, the manumission of slaves holds rich spiritual and humane merit. The Qurʾān emphasizes freeing captives and slaves either as an act of expiation for sins or as an exemplary form of charity (sadaqah). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) actively encouraged the manumission of slaves, setting examples through his personal life and endorsing the practice among his followers.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Manumission is a theme resonating through various cultures and traditions:
- In Islamic Tradition: Freeing a slave is considered ennobling and a highly rewarded act.
- In Roman Law: Manumission was a legal process to transition a slave to freedman status.
- In Early American Context: Manumission appeared in the form of letters or formal agreements, particularly in the slavery-ridden southern states pre-Civil War.
Synonyms
- Emancipation
- Liberation
- Anmāʾ
Antonyms
- Enslavement
- Bondage
- Captivity
Related Terms with Definitions
- Ṣadaqah (صدقة): Voluntary charity in Islam recommended as an act of righteousness.
- Kafāra (كفارة): Acts of expiation, often requiring the feeding or freeing of a slave to atone for sins.
- Waʿd (وعد): An act of promise or a vow, often associated with commitments to social justice including releasing slaves.
Exciting Facts
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) directly participated in freeing slaves and advised his followers to engage in ʿItq.
- Many early Muslim scholars emphasized ʿItq as a meritous act equivalent to multiple reforms in societal ethics.
- Notable early Muslim women like Umm al-Fadl were also active in emancipating slaves.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“The example of freeing slaves in Islam gave the nascent Muslim society a high ethical paradigm, merging spiritual reward with palpable humanitarian actions.” – Yusuf Ibn Dawud
References & Literature for Further Study
- Lane, E.W. “Arabic-English Lexicon.”
- Islamic texts on Hadith (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim).
- Rahman, Fazlur. “Islam and Modernity: Transformation of an Intellectual Tradition.”
May these principles of freedom inspire our hearts and actions. For deeper understanding of ʿItq in Islamic sociology, explore the works of renowned scholars and embrace the virtues of liberation and dignity.
— Amina Al-Fahad
