EMANCIPATION OF SLAVES

Arabic Iʿtāq ( اعتاق‎ ). The emancipation of slaves is recommended by the Prophet, but the recommendation applies exclusively to slaves who are of the Muslim faith. He is related to have said: “Whoever frees a Muslim slave God will redeem that person from hell-fire member for member.” ( Mishkāt , book xiii. c. xix.) It is therefore laudable in a man to release his slave or for a woman to free her bond-woman, in order that they may secure freedom in the next world. ( Hidāyah , vol. i. p. 420.)