Hadith #6480

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إذا مَلَكْتَ فَأعْتِقْ۔" This can be translated as,

When you become the owner [of a slave], then emancipate [him].

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (malakta) "مَلَكْتَ" refers to the act of possessing or owning something. It implies having control and authority over a person or object. The word (a'tiq) "أعْتِقْ" means to emancipate or set free. It signifies the act of liberating someone from the bonds of slavery or servitude.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the virtues of freeing slaves and the importance of treating them with kindness and justice. In Surah Al-Balad, verse 13, Allah says, (Quran 90:13)

Or the freeing of a slave.

This verse highlights the act of freeing slaves as one of the righteous deeds that brings immense reward and blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 89, Allah states, (Quran 5:89)

Allah does not impose blame upon you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He imposes blame upon you for what your hearts have earned. And Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's promises and commitments. It teaches us that we are accountable for our intentions and actions, and that we should strive to fulfill our obligations.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to act upon the teachings of the Quran by freeing slaves when they become their owners. It serves as a reminder of the importance of justice, compassion, and equality in Islam. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the noble act of emancipation as a means of seeking closeness to Allah and fulfilling one's moral and ethical responsibilities.

By freeing a slave, one not only liberates a fellow human being from the chains of servitude but also demonstrates a commitment to justice and equality. It is a reflection of the Islamic values of compassion, mercy, and respect for the dignity of every individual. The act of emancipation brings about positive social change, fostering an environment of fairness and equality within society.

Moreover, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to reflect upon their own positions of power and privilege. It reminds us that wealth and authority should not be used to oppress or exploit others but rather to uplift and empower them. It teaches us to recognize the inherent worth and value of every human being, regardless of their social status or background.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to act upon the teachings of the Quran by freeing slaves when they become their owners. It emphasizes the importance of justice, compassion, and equality in Islam. By emancipating slaves, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness, and they seek closeness to Allah by fulfilling their moral and ethical responsibilities. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble examples set by the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).