Doctrine Relevant to Freed Slaves

In this system of the manumission of slaves it was also ensured that even after manumission, freed slaves did not remain completely without support and assistance. Therefore, the Holy Prophet(sa) devised a system whereby a master and his freed slave always remained tied together in a kind of brotherhood. According to the instruction of the Holy Prophet(sa), a master and his freed slave were referred to as the ‘Maulā’ or ‘friend’ and ‘helper’ of one another. This was so that both master and slave kept in mind that they were friends, and in a time of need, they would help each other. It is due to this wisdom that a freed slave and his master were made heirs to one another. In other words, if a slave died without heirs, his previous master would inherit his wealth. Similarly, if a master died without heirs, his freed slave would inherit his wealth. As such, it is related in a Ḥadīth:

Meaning, “‘Ā’ishah(ra) relates that the Holy Prophet(sa) would state, ‘If a freed slave died without heirs, his wealth shall be inherited by his previous master.’1 Ibni ‘Abbās(ra) relates that on one occasion a person died without heirs. Albeit, a freed slave who once belonged to him was alive. The Holy Prophet(sa) granted his inheritance to his freed slave.”2

The foundation of this right of inheritance was not based on monetary or economic reasons. Rather, the actual desire was to maintain a relationship between a master and his freed slave. For this reason, the Holy Prophet(sa) issued the order that this right of inheritance could not be put up for sale or given as a gift, etc., As such, Ibni ‘Umar(ra) relates:

Meaning, “The Holy Prophet(sa) prohibited the buying and selling, or gifting, etc., of the right of inheritance between a freed slave and his master.”3

Then, in order to establish the dignity and honour of freed slaves, it is mentioned in a Ḥadīth:

Meaning, “On one occasion, Salmān(ra), Ṣuhaib(ra) and Bilāl(ra), etc., who were freed slaves, were sitting somewhere. Abū Sufyān(ra) happened to pass by and they said, ‘This enemy of God was saved from the sword of Allāh.’ When Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakr(ra) heard this, he admonished them saying, ‘Is this how you speak of the leader of the Quraish?’ After this, Abū Bakr(ra) presented himself before the Holy Prophet(sa) and related the entire incident. The Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘Abū Bakr! Are you certain that you have not displeased Bilāl, etc.? For in their displeasure is the displeasure of God.’ Abū Bakr(ra) returned to Bilāl(ra), etc., immediately and said, ‘O brothers! I hope you are not displeased at what I said.’ They responded, ‘O brother! We are not displeased. There is nothing to worry about.’”4