Fact Check: Mohommad traded slaves

Fact Check: "Mohommad traded slaves"

What We Know

The claim that "Mohommad traded slaves" is supported by historical evidence indicating that the Prophet Muhammad engaged in practices related to slavery during his lifetime. According to Islam and Slavery, the Qur'an, which Muslims believe was revealed to Muhammad, contains numerous references to slavery and does not explicitly condemn the practice. Instead, it regulates it, allowing for the ownership and trade of slaves.

Historical accounts suggest that Muhammad himself owned and traded slaves. For instance, he had a slave-concubine named Mariya the Copt, who was given to him as a gift, and he is reported to have engaged in the buying and selling of slaves (BBC). Furthermore, Islamic law, as derived from the Qur'an and Hadith, institutionalized slavery and provided guidelines for the treatment of slaves, including the encouragement of freeing them under certain conditions (Islamic views on slavery).

The Arab slave trade, which began in the 7th century, was a significant aspect of the expansion of Islam and involved the capture and trade of enslaved individuals (The role of the Arab slave trade in the spread of Islam). This trade persisted for centuries and had profound impacts on various regions, including Africa and the Middle East.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple credible sources confirming that Muhammad not only permitted slavery but also participated in it. The Feminist Sexual Ethics Project outlines how slavery was a social norm in the Muslim world for over 1400 years, with Muhammad's practices reflecting the broader societal acceptance of slavery at the time.

The BBC corroborates this by stating that Muhammad did not attempt to abolish slavery and was involved in the ownership and trade of slaves. Additionally, the historical context provided by Islamic views on slavery indicates that while there were regulations aimed at improving the conditions for slaves, the institution itself remained intact and was even encouraged in certain contexts.

However, it is important to recognize the potential biases in some sources. For example, sources that may have a religious or ideological agenda could present the information in a way that either vilifies or justifies these practices. Nevertheless, the consensus among reputable historical analyses is that Muhammad did engage in slave trading, which aligns with the claim being examined.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Mohommad traded slaves" is substantiated by historical evidence and scholarly interpretations of Islamic texts. Muhammad's involvement in slavery, including owning and trading slaves, is well-documented and reflects the practices of his time. While there were regulations intended to improve the treatment of slaves, the fundamental institution of slavery was not abolished during his lifetime.