Does Islam allow slavery?

Assalaamu Alaikum,

Q:I am asking a question on behalf of my wife. Upon reading Surah Ma’arij verse 29&30 she asked me does it mean therefore that Islam allows slavery? And does it then mean a Muslim brother or sister is permitted to have sexual relations with one’s slave?

Can you please explain these couple verses.
Thank you…

 

Wa Alaikum Assalam,

 

No, these verses do not establish that Islam allows slavery. The verses explain that if a man possessed a female slave, then it was allowed for him to have sexual relations with that slave girl, since she belonged to him and was totally in his care. He was responsible for her shelter, food and clothing. She was actually owned and possessed by the master.

In the case of a woman who owned a male slave, she was not allowed to have sexual relations with him. Instead, if she had any such inclination, she was required to free the male slave and marry him (if she was not married).

 

These allowances came at a time when slavery existed.  Now that slavery has been abolished, these allowances will not be applicable.

 

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

02/10/15.