The Abolition of Slavery in the Lands of Islam

The questioner:
Honorable Shaykh, is the abolition of slavery in the lands of Islam among the righteous deeds?

The Shaykh:
Slavery, as you know, is of two types. Unlawful slavery is rape, plunder, and deception; this is unlawful. As for lawful slavery, its origin lies in jihad in the path of Allah. Whoever is subjected to slavery remains in that state, as do his descendants, the descendants of his descendants, as long as they continue to be born, and it is not lifted except by manumission; it is not lifted except by manumission. This is slavery in Islam. Is the question itself about it?

The questioner:
Is the abolition of slavery in the lands of Islam among the righteous deeds?

The Shaykh:
Manumission is among the righteous deeds; manumission is among the righteous deeds if it is by the person’s own choice. As for being forced to manumit, this is not permissible. This is an act of worship, and a person is not forced to perform it. So manumission is an act of worship and is done by the person’s own choice, not by being forced to do it. Yes.