The Virtue of Freeing a Slave: Modern Alternatives and Rewards

Understanding the Spiritual Rewards of Freeing Slaves and Charity

Question: What is the method of freeing a slave, and can one achieve the same virtue by giving maximum charity?

Answer: There is no doubt that freeing a slave carries great reward and virtue, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) greatly encouraged it. In fact, freeing a slave is prescribed as expiation for certain sins. However, since slaves do not exist in today’s time, we do not need to worry about freeing slaves or think about the expiation of sins.

However, it is true that performing certain deeds can earn the reward equivalent to freeing a slave. For example, in Sahih Bukhari (3293) and Sahih Muslim (2691), it is narrated from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever says ‘There is no god but Allah, alone, without partner, to Him belongs sovereignty and praise, and He is over all things competent’ one hundred times, it will be equivalent to freeing ten slaves.”

In another hadith in Sahih Bukhari, Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) which deed is the best. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “Belief in Allah and striving in His cause.” Abu Dharr then asked which slaves are best to free. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “Those who are most valuable and most beloved to their masters.” Abu Dharr asked what if he could not do that. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Help someone in work or teach someone a skill.” Abu Dharr asked what if he could not do that. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Refrain from harming people, for that is also a charity you give to yourself.”

Regarding the reward of freeing a slave, there is a specific dhikr (remembrance) to be recited ten times after the Maghrib prayer. Amarah bin Shabib As-Saba’i narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever says ‘There is no god but Allah, alone, without partner, to Him belongs sovereignty and praise, He gives life and causes death, and He is over all things competent’ ten times after Maghrib, Allah will send armed angels to protect him from Satan until morning, and Allah will record ten good deeds for him, erase ten bad deeds, and it will be equivalent to freeing ten believing slaves.” (Sahih Tirmidhi: 3534)

In conclusion, our main concern should not be solely to seek the reward of freeing a slave but to correct our faith and continuously perform righteous deeds. This is the path to Paradise, as Allah Almighty says: “Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds will have the Gardens of Paradise as a lodging.” (Al-Kahf: 107)

Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi حفظه الله

⟨Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah, Saudi Arabia⟩