𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲:

All the Religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, have something in common. At some point in time, all three of these religions have condoned slavery. First, we start with Christianity and how slavery is viewed. After that, we discuss Judaism and how it is pro-slavery. Then, finally, we end with Islam and then the conclusion. These Three Religions all come together towards the end to make a great community, but they went through slavery in their own way, which will be covered throughout each paragraph.

Christianity was an essential religion with deeply religious people who condoned the violent enslavement and mistreatment of fellow human beings, fellow children of God. The Bible was misused to justify slavery by owners and white Southerners, according to an Article written by “The Harvard Gazette”,

slaveholders claimed the Bible contained examples of slavery and preached obedience from the 1st century until the Civil War. Most claimed that since the Bible mentioned slavery and that the stories throughout the Bible were examples of slavery, it was acceptable. Stories such as The Story of Philemon, the runaway slave that St. Paul returned to his master, or the "Curse of Ham,” were often quoted to explain this awful act. As stated on this site, Scripture, Ephesians 6:5 states, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.” This scripture argues that slavery was a divinely ordained establishment and that enslaved people were morally obligated to obey their masters as part of Christian duty. They interpreted the verse, emphasizing obedience, respect, and submission as goodness expected of enslaved people, claiming that these attitudes were equivalent to those expected of

Christians toward their earthly rules. Another concept that was used to condone slavery was that the Bible's original language was Latin. The Latin word "servus," translated as servant, means "slave.” The relationship between Christianity and slavery was not an easy one. Based on this blurb Frederick Douglass explains it as: “Between the Christianity of this land and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference." 

    However, enslavers had their reasoning for how the Bible led them to their actions. Enslaved people had their reasons for why they, as people, shouldn't have been treated this way. Enslaved people used the Bible to oppose slavery by referring to stories where people of God were freed from slavery. Enslaved people found comfort and hope in the Bible that one day they would be freed as well. Enslaved people turned to specific scriptures in the Bible to justify their desire for freedom, themes of liberation, equality, and justice that were central to their Christian faith. OpenBible.Info states that Proverbs 22:16 tells us, “Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” This verse doesn't specifically talk about slavery but speaks on injustice and the consequences of manipulating the poor for your riches, which is a version of what Slaveholders were doing to enslaved people. Another piece of text in the Bible that gave enslaved people a sense of hope was Exodus 8:1. "Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and say to him, `This is what the LORD says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me." This scripture serves as a powerful declaration of God's will for the enslaved to be set free. The line "Let my people go" became a strong cry for freedom and resistance among enslaved people. Many scriptures and stories promised enslaved people freedom from "Hell on Earth."

While enslavers and their supporters often misused scripture to justify the enslavement and mistreatment of African Americans, claiming that the Bible allowed such practices and demanded obedience from enslaved people, enslaved people found in the exact religious text a powerful source of hope, resilience, and resistance. If slaveholders had practiced Christianity properly and not condoned slavery as justified in the Bible, would the act of slavery have turned out differently? It seems we'll never find out.

In Judaism, slavery was viewed differently than in other religions. As mentioned in this article, A Hebrew could not become enslaved unless by order of the court or by giving himself voluntarily into bondage. A debtor who is unable to pay his debts may give himself to his creditor. (Lev 25:39-40)  But, if the enslaved person is a Hebrew, they must serve only six years and be freed in the seventh year. For men, it is cut and dry; if you cannot pay your debt, you can work it off. 

But, for women, it is a different ballpark. According to this article, the only way a woman can be sold into slavery is by her father. A father may sell his daughter into slavery, usually for household duties and eventful marriage. Enslaved women can be set free if their master’s sons deny them their rights.

    In Judaism, a Hebrew enslaved person has it much easier than any other enslaved individual. 

Prisoners of war could be and were taken into bondage, but it has been contended that no prisoners were ever taken into private slavery. And a thief who cannot make restitution is “sold for his theft.”

Although no prisoners of war were taken into private slavery, along with aliens, both groups were forced to serve in perpetuity. (Lev 25:44-46)  

In many places, the act of slavery is frowned upon, but in the Hebrew Bible, it is highly mentioned, and in some way, it is made to protect the enslaved people who were captured and taken into slavery. 
As stated in (Exod 21:26-7) a master who knocks out a slave’s eye or tooth must let him go free. So, while there is a negative stigma surrounding slavery, it seems as if the Hebrew bible is slightly encouraging the act of slavery. Hebrews also viewed slavery as a contract between people, so there is no negative outlook on slavery in Judaism.

    The religion of Islam has had a complicated relationship with slavery throughout its history as they are discussed in this book by Jonathan A.C Brown. In the early Islamic period, the Quran and Hadiths which are essential texts in Islam, including passages that were interpreted to allow slavery. This means that, at that time, owning slaves was a common practice, and it was accepted in society. However, it is essential to note that these texts also emphasize the humane treatment of enslaved people. They encourage believers to treat enslaved people well and highlight the importance of freeing them. In fact, freeing an enslaved person was often seen as a good deed and a way to atone for a certain sense. This act of liberation was considered an essential
of religious righteousness.

    As time passed and society evolved, so did the views on slavery within Islam. The values of human rights and dignity became more prominent, leading many to reconsider the acceptability of slavery. Today, most Muslim scholars and leaders strongly disapprove of slavery, arguing that it contradicts the core principles of justice and equality that Islam promotes. This change in perspective is significant and reflects a broader trend, as well as how religious teachings are interpreted in light of modern ethical standards.

    The historical context of these changes is crucial for understanding the complex relationship Islam has had with slavery over the centuries. Initially, like many other religions, Islam accepted slavery as a part of life. However, as society's views on human rights shifted, so did the interpretations of Islamic text. Many scholars began to argue that the fundamental teachings of Islam, which advocate for justice, compassion, and equality are incompatible institutions

slavery. This shift has led to a Greater emphasis on the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their status.

    It is also worth noting that different cultures in societies within the Islamic world would have interpreted these texts in various ways. In some regions, practices associated with slavery persisted longer than others, showcasing the diversity of thought within the Muslim Community. This variation further complicates the narrative surrounding Islam and slavery, as it shows the relationship is not uniform but somewhat influenced by local customs and societal norms.

    This book "Slavery and Islam" highlights the evolution of attitudes toward slavery, and Islam is part of a larger conversation about how religions adapt to changing moral landscapes. Just as Christianity and Judaism have experienced shifts in their teachings regarding slavery, Islam has also navigated these changes. This process of reevaluation is ongoing, and many modern Muslims are actively engaged in discussions about how to reconcile their faith with contemporary human rights standards.

The relationship between Islam and slavery is complex. It has evolved significantly over time. While early Islamic texts allowed slavery, they also emphasized the humane treatment of enslaved people and encouraged their emancipation. Today, the overwhelming consensus of Muslim leaders is that slavery is incompatible with the values of justice and equality that are central to Islam. 

    As society continues to advocate for human rights, the Islamic perspective on slavery has helped us reflect on a broader trend of religious interpretations evolving to align with modern ethical standards. This journey illustrates not only the historical context of slavery in Islam but also the ongoing commitment of many Muslims to uphold the principles of dignity and justice for all people.

    In the end, all three Religions have similarities, and each Religion has its way of handling slavery, and each Religion has processed slavery and used it in its own way. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are great religions in the end that share a common ground in ending slavery later in the years. In the end, slavery was a system that each Religion got through, and the citizens who supported each religion worked together to put an end to slavery.

Written By: Alysha Brown, Maliyah Cox, and Morgan Rosser