What Does the Qur’an Say About War Captives, Spoils, and Slavery?

The Qur’an assumes slavery and regulates it. It does not abolish it. War captives may be set free or ransomed. One-fifth of the spoils is assigned to God, the Prophet, and the needy. Men may have sexual relations with their wives and with “those your right hands possess,” the women the book treats as slaves, including married women taken captive. Freeing a slave is urged again and again. The Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Maliki books cited here require a waiting period of one menstrual cycle before intercourse with a newly acquired captive. Her consent is not a condition in those texts. Many Muslim scholars now say slavery may not be revived. Saudi Arabia ended it by decree in 1962, and Mauritania by orders in 1981 and 2007.

Key Points

• Qur’an 47:4CloseSo when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure [their] bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allāh had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allāh - never will He waste their deeds.Qur’an 47:4 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) says to strike necks in battle, then secure bonds, and afterward to show favor or take ransom until the war lays down its burdens.
• Qur’an 8:41CloseAnd know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allāh is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allāh and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion [i.e., decisive encounter] - the day when the two armies met [at Badr]. And Allāh, over all things, is competent.Qur’an 8:41 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source assigns one-fifth of war booty to God, the Messenger, near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the traveler. Qur’an 8:67CloseIt is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he inflicts a massacre [upon Allāh's enemies] in the land. You [i.e., some Muslims] desire the commodities of this world, but Allāh desires [for you] the Hereafter. And Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise.Qur’an 8:67 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says it is not for a prophet to have captives until he inflicts a massacre in the land.
• Qur’an 4:24CloseAnd [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allāh upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that you seek them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. So for whatever you enjoy [of marriage] from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation. And there is no blame upon you for what you mutually agree to beyond the obligation. Indeed, Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.Qur’an 4:24 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source forbids married women except those whom the right hand possesses. Sahih Muslim 1456aClosethe Companions of Allah's Messenger (may peace te upon him) seemed to refrain from having intercourse with captive women because of their husbands being polytheists. Then Allah, Most High, sent down regarding that: " And women already married, except those whom your right hands possess (iv. 24)" (i. e. they were lawful for them when their 'Idda period came to an end).Sahih Muslim 1456a · Abdul Hamid SiddiquiOpen source ties that verse to captive women at Awtas whose husbands were polytheists.
• Qur’an 23:5–6CloseAnd they who guard their private partsQur’an 23:5 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says the believers guard their private parts except from their wives or those their right hands possess, and that they will not be blamed.
• Qur’an 90:13CloseIt is the freeing of a slaveQur’an 90:13 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls the freeing of a slave the steep path. Qur’an 4:92CloseAnd never is it for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake - then the freeing of a believing slave and a compensation payment [diyah] presented to his [i.e., the deceased's] family [is required], unless they give [up their right as] charity. But if he [i.e., the deceased] was from a people at war with you and he was a believer - then [only] the freeing of a believing slave; and if he was from a people with whom you have a treaty - then a compensation payment presented to his family and the freeing of a believing slave. And whoever does not find [one or cannot afford to buy one] - then [instead], a fast for two months consecutively, [seeking] acceptance of repentance from Allāh. And Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.Qur’an 4:92 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source, Qur’an 5:89CloseAllāh will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allāh make clear to you His verses [i.e., revealed law] that you may be grateful.Qur’an 5:89 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source, and Qur’an 9:60CloseZakāh expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islām] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allāh and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allāh. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.Qur’an 9:60 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source make manumission an expiation or a use of zakat.
• Sunan Abi Dawud 2157CloseThere must be no intercourse with pregnant woman till she gives birth to her child or with the one who is not pregnant till she has had one menstrual period.Sunan Abi Dawud 2157 · sunnah.com EnglishOpen source, graded Sahih by al-Albani, forbids intercourse with a pregnant captive until she gives birth, and with a woman who is not pregnant until she has had one menstrual period.
• The fighting verses are set out on What Does Jihad Mean in the Qur’an and Hadith?. This page does not repeat that exegesis. The wider story is The Islamic Conquests (632–1071) and What Is the History of Islam?.

Captives and Spoils

Qur’an 47:4CloseSo when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure [their] bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allāh had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allāh - never will He waste their deeds.Qur’an 47:4 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) gives the sequence of battle, slaughter, bonds, and then favor or ransom. The brackets are the translator’s:

So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure [their] bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allāh had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allāh - never will He waste their deeds.

Qur’an 47:4 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Qur’an 8:67CloseIt is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he inflicts a massacre [upon Allāh's enemies] in the land. You [i.e., some Muslims] desire the commodities of this world, but Allāh desires [for you] the Hereafter. And Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise.Qur’an 8:67 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says it is not for a prophet to have captives of war until he inflicts a massacre in the land. The same verse says some Muslims desired the commodities of this world, while God desires the Hereafter. Qur’an 8:68CloseIf not for a decree from Allāh that preceded, you would have been touched for what you took by a great punishment.Qur’an 8:68 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says that, if not for a prior decree from God, they would have been touched by a great punishment for what they took. Qur’an 8:69CloseSo consume what you have taken of war booty [as being] lawful and good, and fear Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 8:69 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source then says to consume what they have taken of war booty as lawful and good. Qur’an 8:70CloseO Prophet, say to whoever is in your hands of the captives, "If Allāh knows [any] good in your hearts, He will give you [something] better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you; and Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful."Qur’an 8:70 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source has the Prophet speak to whoever is in his hands of the captives: if God knows any good in their hearts, he will give them something better than what was taken and will forgive them.

Qur’an 8:41CloseAnd know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allāh is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allāh and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion [i.e., decisive encounter] - the day when the two armies met [at Badr]. And Allāh, over all things, is competent.Qur’an 8:41 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says that anything obtained of war booty has one-fifth for God, the Messenger, near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the stranded traveler. The verse ties that fifth to the day the two armies met at Badr. The Battle of Badr is that day.

Qur’an 9:5CloseAnd when the inviolable months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakāh, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 9:5 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says, after the inviolable months, to kill the polytheists wherever you find them, and to capture them, besiege them, and sit in wait for them. Qur’an 9:29CloseFight against those who do not believe in Allāh or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allāh and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth [i.e., Islām] from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.Qur’an 9:29 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says to fight those who were given the Scripture until they pay the jizya and are subdued. Both verses are quoted and set beside the limits in Qur’an 2:190CloseFight in the way of Allāh those who fight against you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allāh does not like transgressors.Qur’an 2:190 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source on What Does Jihad Mean in the Qur’an and Hadith?. The poll tax is What Is the Jizya?.

Those Your Right Hands Possess

The English “those your right hands possess” is the phrase Saheeh International uses for the women and men the book treats as held by the owner. This page does not print the Arabic. The phrase is ma malakat aymanukum.

Qur’an 4:24CloseAnd [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allāh upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that you seek them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. So for whatever you enjoy [of marriage] from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation. And there is no blame upon you for what you mutually agree to beyond the obligation. Indeed, Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.Qur’an 4:24 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) puts married women among the prohibited, with one exception:

And [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allāh upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that you seek them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. So for whatever you enjoy [of marriage] from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation. And there is no blame upon you for what you mutually agree to beyond the obligation. Indeed, Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.

Qur’an 4:24 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Pickthall’s 1930 English, which is in the public domain, renders the exception “save those (captives) whom your right hands possess.” The word “captives” is in his parentheses. Saheeh International does not add that word. The hadith below is where Sunni reports attach the verse to women taken in war.

Qur’an 4:3CloseAnd if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hands possess [i.e., slaves]. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].Qur’an 4:3 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says to marry two, three, or four women if one fears being unjust with the orphan girls, and if one fears being unjust, then only one, or those the right hands possess. Qur’an 4:25CloseAnd whoever among you cannot [find] the means to marry free, believing women, then [he may marry] from those whom your right hands possess of believing slave girls. And Allāh is most knowing about your faith. You [believers] are of one another. So marry them with the permission of their people and give them their due compensation [i.e., mahr] according to what is acceptable. [They should be] chaste, neither [of] those who commit unlawful intercourse randomly nor those who take [secret] lovers. But once they are sheltered in marriage, if they should commit adultery, then for them is half the punishment for free [unmarried] women. This [allowance] is for him among you who fears affliction [i.e., sin], but to be patient is better for you. And Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 4:25 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says that a man who cannot marry free believing women may marry believing slave girls, with the permission of their people and with their due compensation. If they commit adultery after they are sheltered in marriage, their punishment is half that of free unmarried women. The verse says to be patient is better.

Qur’an 23:5CloseAnd they who guard their private partsQur’an 23:5 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says they guard their private parts. Qur’an 23:6CloseExcept from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed -Qur’an 23:6 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source excepts their wives or those their right hands possess, “for indeed, they will not be blamed.” Qur’an 70:29–30CloseAnd those who guard their private partsQur’an 70:29 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says the same. The book does not add a further condition of the woman’s consent in these verses.

Qur’an 33:50CloseO Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation and those your right hand possesses from what Allāh has returned to you [of captives] and the daughters of your paternal uncles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and the daughters of your maternal uncles and the daughters of your maternal aunts who emigrated with you and a believing woman if she gives herself to the Prophet [and] if the Prophet wishes to marry her; [this is] only for you, excluding the [other] believers. We certainly know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and those their right hands possess, [but this is for you] in order that there will be upon you no discomfort [i.e., difficulty]. And ever is Allāh Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 33:50 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source makes lawful to the Prophet his wives and “those your right hand possesses from what Allāh has returned to you [of captives].” The same verse says God knows what he has made obligatory on the believers concerning their wives and those their right hands possess, and that this wider permission is for the Prophet so that there will be no discomfort on him. The Qur’an does not give a count of slaves. How Many Wives Did Muhammad Have? is the marriage page. What Happened to the Banu Qurayza? is the siege in which captives were taken.

Qur’an 24:33CloseBut let them who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allāh enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess - then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allāh which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allāh is [to them], after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 24:33 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source tells those who seek a contract of eventual emancipation, from among those the right hands possess, to be given that contract if there is goodness in them, and to be given from the wealth of God. The same verse says not to compel slave girls to prostitution if they desire chastity, in order to seek the temporary interests of worldly life. If someone compels them, God is, after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful.

Captive Women in the Hadith

Bukhari and Muslim are Sunni collections. Which Muslims Accept Which Hadith? is the label on that kind of report. The Qur’an is the book Sunni and Shia Muslims share.

Sunan Abi Dawud 2157CloseThere must be no intercourse with pregnant woman till she gives birth to her child or with the one who is not pregnant till she has had one menstrual period.Sunan Abi Dawud 2157 · sunnah.com EnglishOpen source (sunnah.com English), graded Sahih by al-Albani:

There must be no intercourse with pregnant woman till she gives birth to her child or with the one who is not pregnant till she has had one menstrual period.

Sunan Abi Dawud 2157 · sunnah.com English

Sunni hadith

Sahih Muslim 1456aClosethe Companions of Allah's Messenger (may peace te upon him) seemed to refrain from having intercourse with captive women because of their husbands being polytheists. Then Allah, Most High, sent down regarding that: " And women already married, except those whom your right hands possess (iv. 24)" (i. e. they were lawful for them when their 'Idda period came to an end).Sahih Muslim 1456a · Abdul Hamid SiddiquiOpen source (Abdul Hamid Siddiqui) says the Companions seemed to refrain from intercourse with captive women because their husbands were polytheists. It says God then sent down the verse about women already married, except those whom the right hands possess, and that they were lawful when the waiting period ended. Sunan Abi Dawud 2155CloseSome of the Companions of Apostle of Allaah (ﷺ) were reluctant to have relations with the female captives because of their pagan husbands. So, Allaah the exalted sent down the Qur'anic verse "And all married women (are forbidden) unto you save those (captives) whom your right hand posses." This is to say that they are lawful for them when they complete their waiting period.Sunan Abi Dawud 2155 · sunnah.com EnglishOpen source, also graded Sahih, is the same occasion and the same ruling: lawful when they complete their waiting period.

Sunan Abi Dawud 2156CloseHe saw a woman who was nearing the time when she was to deliver a child. "He said "Perhaps the master has intercourse with her.". They(the people) said "Yes". He said "I am inclined to invoke a curse on him which will enter his grave with him.Sunan Abi Dawud 2156 · sunnah.com EnglishOpen source, graded Sahih, describes a woman near the time of delivery. The Prophet said he was inclined to invoke a curse on the master who had intercourse with her, “which will enter his grave with him.” Sunan Abi Dawud 2158Closeit is not lawful for a man who believes in Allah and the Last Day to have intercourse with a captive woman till she is free from a menstrual courseSunan Abi Dawud 2158 · sunnah.com EnglishOpen source, graded Hasan, is set at Hunayn and says it is not lawful for a man who believes in God and the Last Day to have intercourse with a captive woman until she is free from a menstrual course.

Sahih al-Bukhari 4138CloseWe went out with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) for the Ghazwa of Banu Al-Mustaliq and we received captives from among the Arab captives and we desired women and celibacy became hard on us and we loved to do coitus interruptus.Sahih al-Bukhari 4138 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source (Muhammad Muhsin Khan) is the raid on Banu al-Mustaliq. The narrator says they received captives from among the Arab captives, desired women, found celibacy hard, and loved to practice coitus interruptus, withdrawing before ejaculation. Sahih al-Bukhari 2229CloseWe get female captives as our share of booty, and we are interested in their prices, what is your opinion about coitus interrupt us?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Do you really do that? It is better for you not to do it.Sahih al-Bukhari 2229 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source has them say they get female captives as their share of booty and are “interested in their prices,” and ask about that same act. The Prophet’s reply in that report is, “Do you really do that? It is better for you not to do it”.

Sahih al-Bukhari 2541Closethe Prophet (ﷺ) had suddenly attacked Bani Mustaliq without warning while they were heedless and their cattle were being watered at the places of water. Their fighting men were killed and their women and children were taken as captives; the Prophet (ﷺ) got Juwairiya on that day.Sahih al-Bukhari 2541 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says the Prophet suddenly attacked Banu al-Mustaliq without warning while they were heedless and their cattle were being watered. Their fighting men were killed. Their women and children were taken as captives. The Prophet got Juwairiya on that day.

Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 34, chapter 111CloseIf a slave-girl who is suitable to have sexual relations is given to somebody as a gift, or sold or manumitted, her master should not have sexual intercourse with her before she gets one menstruation so as to be sure of absence of pregnancy, and there is no such necessity for a virgin.Sahih al-Bukhari 34.111 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source reports Ibn Umar’s rule. If a slave-girl who is suitable for sexual relations is given as a gift, or sold, or manumitted, her master should not have intercourse with her before she has one menstruation, so as to be sure she is not pregnant. The same report says there is no such necessity for a virgin.

Women and Children in Battle

Sahih al-Bukhari 3015Closea woman was found killed, so Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) forbade the killing of women and children.Sahih al-Bukhari 3015 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source (Muhammad Muhsin Khan):

a woman was found killed, so Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) forbade the killing of women and children.

Sahih al-Bukhari 3015 · Muhammad Muhsin Khan

Sunni hadith

Sahih al-Bukhari 3014CloseAllah's Messenger (ﷺ) disapproved the killing of women and children.Sahih al-Bukhari 3014 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says he disapproved the killing of women and children. Sahih Muslim 1744aCloseHe disapproved of the killing of women and children.Sahih Muslim 1744a · Abdul Hamid SiddiquiOpen source says he disapproved of the killing of women and children. Sunan Abi Dawud 2669CloseTell Khalid not to kill a woman or a hired servant.Sunan Abi Dawud 2669 · sunnah.com EnglishOpen source, graded Hasan Sahih by al-Albani, says, “Tell Khalid not to kill a woman or a hired servant.” Sahih Muslim 1731aCloseFight in the name of Allah and in the way of Allah. Fight against those who disbelieve in Allah. Make a holy war, do not embezzle the spoils; do not break your pledge; and do not mutilate (the dead) bodies; do not kill the children.Sahih Muslim 1731a · Abdul Hamid SiddiquiOpen source says not to embezzle the spoils, not to break a pledge, not to mutilate the dead, and not to kill the children. The same hadith is quoted on The Islamic Conquests (632–1071), including the demand for the jizya if people refuse Islam.

Muwatta Malik 21.10CloseYou will find a people who claim to have totally given themselves to Allah. Leave them to what they claim to have given themselves. You will find a people who have shaved the middle of their heads, strike what they have shaved with the sword. "I advise you ten things: Do not kill women or children or an aged, infirm person. Do not cut down fruit-bearing trees. Do not destroy an inhabited place.Muwatta Malik 21.10 · sunnah.com EnglishOpen source is Abu Bakr’s charge to Yazid ibn Abi Sufyan. People who claim to have totally given themselves to God are to be left to what they claim. People who have shaved the middle of their heads are to be struck with the sword on what they have shaved. The ten rules that follow, in the English stored from that page, begin: do not kill women or children or an aged, infirm person; do not cut down fruit-bearing trees; do not destroy an inhabited place. The excerpt ends there. Muwatta Malik 21.11CloseDo not mutilate and do not kill childrenMuwatta Malik 21.11 · sunnah.com EnglishOpen source says, “Do not mutilate and do not kill children.”

Sunan Abi Dawud 2614 says not to kill a decrepit old man, a young infant, a child, or a woman. Al-Albani graded that report Da’if, weak. This page does not use it as evidence.

Muhammad Bought and Sold Slaves

Sahih Muslim 1602CloseThen there came his master and demanded him back, whereupon Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) said: Sell him to me. And he bought him for two black slavesSahih Muslim 1602 · Abdul Hamid SiddiquiOpen source (Abdul Hamid Siddiqui) is a runaway whose master demanded him back:

Then there came his master and demanded him back, whereupon Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) said: Sell him to me. And he bought him for two black slaves

Sahih Muslim 1602 · Abdul Hamid Siddiqui

Sunni hadith

Sahih al-Bukhari 2141Closethe Prophet (ﷺ) took the slave and said, "Who will buy this slave from me?"Sahih al-Bukhari 2141 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says the Prophet took a slave and asked who would buy that slave from him. Sahih al-Bukhari 6716CloseNu'aim bin An-Nahham bought him for eight hundred Dirhams.Sahih al-Bukhari 6716 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says Nu’aim bin An-Nahham bought him for eight hundred dirhams. Sahih al-Bukhari 4913Closea black slave of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was (sitting) on the first stepSahih al-Bukhari 4913 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says a black slave of God’s Messenger was sitting on the first step. The reports do not state how many slaves he held. What Are Hadith and Sira? is how these reports were collected.

What the Jurists Required

E. C. Howard’s 1914 English of al-Nawawi, in the section on the waiting period of a slave (pp. 375–377), says:

a woman reduced to slavery in war, though she must abstain from coition with her new master, may permit herself other voluptuous acts

That is the Shafi’i book Minhaj al-Talibin. The same pages set a slave’s waiting period at one menstruation, and a pregnant captive waits until she gives birth.

The Hanafi Hedaya, in Charles Hamilton’s public-domain English, section “Of Istibra,” forbids a man “to touch, or kiss her, or look at her pudenda, in lust, until after her Istibra, or purification from her next ensuing courses.” The reason it gives is the captives of Autass, the same battle called Awtas: the Prophet ordained that no man should have carnal connexion with pregnant women until after their delivery. The Hamilton text is on archive.org.

The Maliki Risala of Ibn Abi Zayd, in Joseph Kenny’s English at section 33.06, says: “The istibrā’ period for a slave concubine who changes ownership is one menstruation. Ownership may change by selling, giving away, capture, or any other way.” The page is the Risala.

In the three books that were opened, the captive is property. Sexual use by the owner is lawful after one cycle, or after delivery if she is pregnant. The Shafi’i text allows other sexual acts before that cycle ends. None of these sentences makes her consent a condition.

Freeing a Slave

Qur’an 90:13CloseIt is the freeing of a slaveQur’an 90:13 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International), in the passage about the steep path:

It is the freeing of a slave

Qur’an 90:13 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Qur’an 2:177CloseRighteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allāh, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakāh; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.Qur’an 2:177 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source counts giving wealth for freeing slaves as part of righteousness, with belief, prayer, and patience. Qur’an 9:60CloseZakāh expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islām] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allāh and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allāh. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.Qur’an 9:60 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source lists the people zakat is for, including freeing captives or slaves. Qur’an 4:92CloseAnd never is it for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake - then the freeing of a believing slave and a compensation payment [diyah] presented to his [i.e., the deceased's] family [is required], unless they give [up their right as] charity. But if he [i.e., the deceased] was from a people at war with you and he was a believer - then [only] the freeing of a believing slave; and if he was from a people with whom you have a treaty - then a compensation payment presented to his family and the freeing of a believing slave. And whoever does not find [one or cannot afford to buy one] - then [instead], a fast for two months consecutively, [seeking] acceptance of repentance from Allāh. And Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.Qur’an 4:92 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source requires the freeing of a believing slave, and a compensation payment, when a believer kills a believer by mistake. Qur’an 58:3CloseAnd those who pronounce ẓihār from their wives and then [wish to] go back on what they said - then [there must be] the freeing of a slave before they touch one another. That is what you are admonished thereby; and Allāh is Aware of what you do.Qur’an 58:3 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source requires the freeing of a slave before a husband and wife touch one another again after a pronouncement that had separated them. Qur’an 5:89CloseAllāh will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allāh make clear to you His verses [i.e., revealed law] that you may be grateful.Qur’an 5:89 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source makes the expiation of a broken oath the feeding of ten needy people, or clothing them, or the freeing of a slave. Qur’an 24:32CloseAnd marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allāh will enrich them from His bounty, and Allāh is all-Encompassing and Knowing.Qur’an 24:32 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says to marry the unmarried and the righteous among male slaves and female slaves.

Sahih al-Bukhari 2544CloseHe who has a slave-girl and educates and treats her nicely and then manumits and marries her, will get a double reward.Sahih al-Bukhari 2544 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says that he who has a slave-girl, educates her, treats her nicely, and then manumits and marries her, will get a double reward. The contract in Qur’an 24:33CloseBut let them who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allāh enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess - then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allāh which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allāh is [to them], after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 24:33 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source and the ban on compelling a slave girl into prostitution sit in the same book as the verses that permit sexual use of a captive.

What Muslim Scholars Say Now

Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah, fatwa 6830, says:

Islam did not abruptly abolish slavery but banned it by degrees to maintain social stability.

The same fatwa says, “Islam allowed the enslavement of those who fought against Muslims in non-Muslim countries including women and children.” It presents a gradual limiting of the sources of slavery. A date it gives for a Berlin treaty of worldwide abolition is doubtful, so it is not repeated here.

IslamQA 94840 quotes al-Shanqiti: “The reason for slavery is kufr and fighting against Allah and His Messenger.” That is a Salafi reading. The page points to release or ransom in Qur’an 47:4CloseSo when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure [their] bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allāh had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allāh - never will He waste their deeds.Qur’an 47:4 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source as something Islam added.

In 2014, more than 120 Muslim scholars wrote that reintroducing slavery is forbidden. SBS reported that letter on 31 December 2015. Bernard Freamon’s 2020 essay also reports it. The letter’s own website is not available, so the wording is taken from those two accounts and is not expanded here.

Freamon writes that the Qur’an and the Sunnah accepted slavery as a fact of life in the seventh century, while imposing humanitarian regulations, and that “Neither source explicitly suggests that there might be, or should be, abolition.” He discusses later legal routes, including consensus and public interest, by which abolition might be argued. The essay is on Comparative Jurist.

State decrees came in the twentieth century. The King Saud Library dates a decree of emancipation to 6 November 1962, 9 Jumada II 1382, under Faisal as acting head of government, with compensation to owners. In Mauritania, an abolition statement in 1980 was followed by Order 81-234 of 9 November 1981. Amnesty International’s 2002 report says that 1981 decree did not criminalize slavery. A criminal law is dated 3 September 2007. Slavery in the Bible, Rome, and Islam sets those decrees beside the biblical laws.

A Ledger of the Texts

The Christian Claim

Luke 4:18CloseThe Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,Luke 4:18 · King James VersionOpen source (King James Version) is Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth, reading Isaiah:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luke 4:18 · King James Version

Jesus is God. That confession is the deity of Christ. Matthew 26:52CloseThen said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.Matthew 26:52 · King James VersionOpen source tells Peter to put the sword back, for all who take the sword shall perish with the sword. The Qur’an and the Sunni hadith regulate captives, spoils, and sexual use of women taken in war. They also praise freeing a slave and forbid killing women and children in the reports quoted above. Does the Bible Support Slavery? is the hard law of Moses, including the texts that are severe. The Islamic Dilemma is the claim that the Qur’an confirms the earlier books and then contradicts them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Verse in the Qur’an Discusses Slavery?

Qur’an 4:24CloseAnd [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allāh upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that you seek them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. So for whatever you enjoy [of marriage] from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation. And there is no blame upon you for what you mutually agree to beyond the obligation. Indeed, Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.Qur’an 4:24 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source, Qur’an 23:6CloseExcept from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed -Qur’an 23:6 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source, Qur’an 33:50CloseO Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation and those your right hand possesses from what Allāh has returned to you [of captives] and the daughters of your paternal uncles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and the daughters of your maternal uncles and the daughters of your maternal aunts who emigrated with you and a believing woman if she gives herself to the Prophet [and] if the Prophet wishes to marry her; [this is] only for you, excluding the [other] believers. We certainly know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and those their right hands possess, [but this is for you] in order that there will be upon you no discomfort [i.e., difficulty]. And ever is Allāh Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 33:50 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source, and Qur’an 24:33CloseBut let them who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allāh enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess - then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allāh which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allāh is [to them], after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 24:33 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source speak of those the right hand possesses. Qur’an 90:13CloseIt is the freeing of a slaveQur’an 90:13 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source and Qur’an 4:92CloseAnd never is it for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake - then the freeing of a believing slave and a compensation payment [diyah] presented to his [i.e., the deceased's] family [is required], unless they give [up their right as] charity. But if he [i.e., the deceased] was from a people at war with you and he was a believer - then [only] the freeing of a believing slave; and if he was from a people with whom you have a treaty - then a compensation payment presented to his family and the freeing of a believing slave. And whoever does not find [one or cannot afford to buy one] - then [instead], a fast for two months consecutively, [seeking] acceptance of repentance from Allāh. And Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.Qur’an 4:92 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source speak of freeing a slave. Qur’an 47:4CloseSo when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure [their] bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allāh had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allāh - never will He waste their deeds.Qur’an 47:4 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source speaks of captives who may be released or ransomed.

Does the Qur’an Say Muhammad Had Slaves?

It does not give their names or a number. Qur’an 33:50CloseO Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation and those your right hand possesses from what Allāh has returned to you [of captives] and the daughters of your paternal uncles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and the daughters of your maternal uncles and the daughters of your maternal aunts who emigrated with you and a believing woman if she gives herself to the Prophet [and] if the Prophet wishes to marry her; [this is] only for you, excluding the [other] believers. We certainly know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and those their right hands possess, [but this is for you] in order that there will be upon you no discomfort [i.e., difficulty]. And ever is Allāh Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 33:50 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source makes captives returned to him lawful for him. Sahih Muslim 1602CloseThen there came his master and demanded him back, whereupon Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) said: Sell him to me. And he bought him for two black slavesSahih Muslim 1602 · Abdul Hamid SiddiquiOpen source says he bought a man for two black slaves. Sahih al-Bukhari 4913Closea black slave of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was (sitting) on the first stepSahih al-Bukhari 4913 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source mentions a black slave of God’s Messenger.

What Does Ma Malakat Aymanukum Mean?

It is the Arabic behind “those your right hands possess” in Saheeh International. In the verses above, the people so described may be married by a man who does not take several wives, may be used sexually beside a wife, and include captives. Qur’an 24:33CloseBut let them who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allāh enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess - then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allāh which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allāh is [to them], after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 24:33 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source also lets them seek a contract that ends in emancipation.

What Does Qur’an 4:24 Say?

Married women are prohibited except those the right hands possess. Sahih Muslim 1456aClosethe Companions of Allah's Messenger (may peace te upon him) seemed to refrain from having intercourse with captive women because of their husbands being polytheists. Then Allah, Most High, sent down regarding that: " And women already married, except those whom your right hands possess (iv. 24)" (i. e. they were lawful for them when their 'Idda period came to an end).Sahih Muslim 1456a · Abdul Hamid SiddiquiOpen source says that verse came down when the Companions held back from captive women because those women had polytheist husbands, and that the women were lawful when the waiting period ended.

Did Muslims Treat Slaves Well?

The texts do both. They reward education, kind treatment, manumission, and marriage (Bukhari 2544CloseHe who has a slave-girl and educates and treats her nicely and then manumits and marries her, will get a double reward.Sahih al-Bukhari 2544 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source). They assign zakat to freeing slaves. They also permit sale, a surprise attack that takes women and children, and sexual use after one menstrual cycle, including of married captives. The jurists opened here do not require the woman’s consent.

How Many Slaves Did Muhammad Have?

The reports do not state a total. They show him buying a man for two slaves, selling a slave for eight hundred dirhams, and receiving Juwairiya among the captives of Banu al-Mustaliq.