(236) Chapter: The Merit of Emancipation of Slaves

Allah, the Exalted, says: "But he has not attempted to pass on the path that is steep (i.e., the path which will lead to goodness and success). And what will make you know the path that is steep? (It is) freeing a neck (slave).'' (90:11-13) Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who sets free a Muslim slave, Allah will deliver from the fire of Hell every limb of his body in return for every limb of the slave's body, even his private parts." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary: It was the result of such instructions that the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) did their best for the liberation of slaves. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him) bought many slaves and set them free. `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf released as many as thirty thousand slaves. `Abdullah bin `Umar liberated more than a thousand of them. It is stated that some Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) released eight thousand slaves within one day. May Allah be pleased with all of them. (Ibn `Allan and Nuzhat Al-Muttaqin).