Islam Brought Revolution In Human Relations

Hi Folks

Before the advent of Islam slavery prevailed all over the world. To men in those days, it seemed perfectly normal for the strong and wealthy to have slaves whom they had captured in war or purchased in the market. The Greeks were the leaders of thought in the ancient world. No Greek thinker had ever raised his voice against the institution of slavery. The Quran proclaimed the equality of all men in the sight of God. It struck at the root of slavery by recognizing the moral worth of man as man. However, there were, at the time of the advent of Islam, numerous slaves, both men and women, in Arabia as elsewhere in the world. The Arab economy was based on slavery. To abolish it at one stroke was impracticable. It could not be done without plunging the whole society into confusion. Yet, in every conceivable way, the Quran discouraged slavery and improved the lot of the slaves. The Muslims were urged to be kind and considerate to their slaves. They were told that to emancipate a slave was a meritorious act. They could atone for some of their offences by setting a slave free. Thus the number of slaves was gradually reduced and society was made less dependent on slave labour. The words "whom your right hand possessed" occurring in the Quran are in the past tense and refer to those who had already been enslaved. When they were emancipated through a gradual process, slavery died a natural death. The main source of slaves-men and women-was prisoners in war. The Quran laid down that they should be set free either for a ransom or as a favour (47 : 4). The door for future slavery was thus closed by the Quran for ever. Whatever happened in subsequent history, was the responsibility of the Muslims and not of the Quran.

Islam brought about a revolution in human relations placing master and slave, man and woman, on a footing of equality before God. In Arabia, as in most other countries, man had been accustomed to look on women just for the gratification of his lust. Marriage was a device to prevent men from quarrelling for the possession of desirable women. The Quran raised the status of women in society and made them equal partners of men in the enterprise of living.

Thanks
Nawaz
Religion Islam

Human relationship is truly a matter of great importance!
There is so much we all can do in our torn-up world of today...
while browsing i came across this list of things we could contribute to the less fortunate ones.
http://www.abusedadul...
we can also help with our humble services at any kind of social-work centers near by.

Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless his soul abundantly) was ever concerned to ameliorate the condition of the poorer sections of the community and to raise their status in society.
.... a poor muslim woman used to clean out the Holy Prophet's mosque in Medina. The Prophet did not see her in the mosque for some days and made inquiries concerning her. He was told that she had died. He said: "Why was i not informed when she died? I would have wished to join her funeral prayers", and added, "perchance you did not consider her worthy of consideration as she was poor. This is not right. Direct me to her grave." He then proceeded to her grave and prayed for her. (Bukhari, Kitab al-Salat)
- Life of Muhammad by Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad
http://www.alislam.or...