📖Sahih al-Bukhari 2227
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah says, ‘I will be against three persons on the Day of Resurrection: -1. One who makes a covenant in My Name, but he proves treacherous. -2. One who sells a free person (as a slave) and eats the price, -3. And one who employs a laborer and gets the full work done by him but does not pay him his wages.’
This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 2227, highlights three actions that Allah will be against on the Day of Resurrection. Let’s discuss the lessons we can derive from this hadith:
- Making a covenant in Allah’s name but proving treacherous: This refers to someone who makes a promise or agreement invoking the name of Allah but breaks that promise or betrays the trust placed in them. The lesson here is the importance of sincerity, honesty, and integrity in fulfilling our commitments and honoring our promises.
- Selling a free person as a slave and consuming the price: This part of the hadith condemns the act of human trafficking and the sale of free individuals as slaves. It emphasizes the sanctity of human life, dignity, and freedom. Slavery is not allowed in Islam, and this hadith emphasizes the prohibition of such practices. Muslims are encouraged to stand against slavery and work towards the emancipation and well-being of those who are enslaved.
- Employing a laborer and not paying their wages: This part of the hadith highlights the importance of fair and just treatment of workers. It condemns the act of exploiting workers by withholding their wages despite them fulfilling their obligations. It emphasizes the importance of paying employees promptly and treating them with dignity and fairness.
In Islam, it is important to note that while slavery is not explicitly forbidden, the religion promotes principles of justice, fairness, and compassion towards all individuals. The hadith highlights three actions that are condemned: being treacherous after making a covenant in the name of Allah, selling a free person as a slave and consuming the price, and withholding wages from a laborer. Although Islam recognizes the existence of slavery, it encourages believers to actively work against such practices. If one encounters slavery or any form of exploitation, the preferred course of action is to intervene and stop it. If that is not possible, the suggestion is to buy the enslaved individual and grant them freedom. Moreover, it is emphasized that those who employ laborers should ensure that they receive their rightful wages.
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Overall, this hadith teaches us the importance of sincerity, honesty, respect for human dignity, and fair treatment of workers. It does not provide a comprehensive discussion on the subject of slavery in Islam, but it emphasizes the condemnation of human trafficking and exploitation while encouraging acts of kindness and freedom for those in bondage.
