All Doors of Advancement were Open to Freed Slaves

It has already been mentioned that slaves were granted freedom after the assurance that they were capable of manumission as far as their morals, habits and ability to earn a living was concerned. Now we wish to mention that those slaves, who were freed, did in fact become beneficial citizens and were considered just as honourable and respectful in the Islāmic society as other people. As a matter of fact, it was a practice of the Holy Prophet(sa) that for the purpose of reforming the ancient views of people, he would be even more mindful of the dignity and honour of slaves and freed slaves than others. Therefore, on many occasions, the Holy Prophet(sa) appointed his freed slave Zaid bin Ḥārithah(ra) and his son Usāmah(ra) as the commander of many military campaigns. Many highly respected and prominant Companions were appointed under them and when ignorant people objected to this action of the Holy Prophet(sa), due to their ancient views, he responded:

Meaning, “You have objected to the appointment of Usāmah(ra) as a commander and prior to this you have also objected to the leadership of his father Zaid(ra). By God! Just as Zaid(ra) was worthy and capable of leadership and was among my most beloved, so too, Usāmah(ra) is worthy of leadership and among my most beloved.”1

Then, what could be greater than the fact that the Holy Prophet(sa) wed the daughter of his biological paternal aunt, Zainab bint Jaḥash(ra) to Zaid bin Ḥārithah(ra). It is a strange miracle that in the entire Holy Qur’ān, if any Companion has been mentioned by name, it is this very Zaid bin Ḥārithah(ra).2 Then, there were many freed slaves who attained a lofty rank in their knowledge and wisdom. As such, Sālim bin Ma‘qal(ra), the freed slave of Abū Ḥudhaifah(ra), was considered to be one of the most distinct scholars from among the Companions. Moreover, Sālim(ra) was also from among the four Companions who were appointed by the Holy Prophet(sa) to teach the Holy Qur’ān.3 Then, as far as honour and respect due to virtue and purity was concerned, Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar(ra) would often say with regards to Bilāl(ra) that he was their chief.4 Then, even after the Companions, various freed slaves attained a very high status in the Islāmic society. As such, ‘Aṭā’ bin Abī Rabāḥ, Mujāhid bin Jubair, Nāfi‘ the freed slave of Ibni ‘Umar(ra) and Mūsā bin ‘Uqbah(ra), are considered to be among the most revered among the Tābi‘īn, before whom very illustrious people would humbly sit as pupils.5