The Islamic and american dimensions and attitudes towards slavery
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Date
2016
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university of Oum El Bouaghi
Abstract
This dissertation is a comparative study that discusses the issue of slavery as an old phenomenon in both islamic and american societies. More specifically, it examines the main similarities as well as differences between both the Islamic and American attitudes towards slavery before and after abolitionism. This research shows that slavery and its practice in both communities share some aspects, but they largely differ in many others. This research demonstrates that the main reasons behind servitude in the islamic world are different and little known if compared to that in in the United States. The stated aims of enslavement in the Islamic society surround on the idea of expanding Islam extensively and establishing a unified Islamic state. Hence, enslavement under the Islamic Law was restricted to only the captives who were captured through a legitimate war against unbelievers. Those captured slaves were in fact treated well and they were employed as domestic servants for their owners. Therefore, this research indicates that Islam through many Islamic injunctions and teachings can be considered as a major source of inspiration that paved the way for many Muslim slaves to get freed and to become active participants in the spread of Islam and the making of the Islamic nation. However, the main reasons behind enslavement in the U.S are the British control over the American economy and the shortage of labor force. Accordingly, African-Americans were enslaved particularly for profit since they contributed in the making of the American economy. They were legally mistreated and exposed to very hard and humiliating conditions. Moreover, this research reveals that segregation and racism in the U.S remain deeply rooted attitudes towards African-Americans even after abolitionism.
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Keywords
Slavery : islam, Slavery : (America)