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An atrocity against humanity
When I was young I pictured the world as a beautiful place. I thought it was perfect and full of love, affection and harmony, but then I saw a movie and I couldn’t believe that some time ago slavery was very rampant. I was shocked and deeply disappointed to learn how badly one human being can treat another human being. After that out of curiosity I went to the Internet and found many facts about slavery. Since then I strongly believe that as human beings and that too of the 21st century we should try to stop this evil and unjust, illegal act.
What is slavery?
The term “Slave” may be used in different context to indicate the lack of free will in doing hard work. People have been enslaved throughout history. Much is known about African people taken to America to work in colonies and plantations. There are many forms of slave labour; it is also called bonded or unfree labour. Slaves could be resold just like property such as homes. Slaves had no say in the whole process.
History
Slavery started from the 15th century and from then people have been forced to dedicate their generations to the needs of their masters. African slaves were transported to places like Central and South America in the early 16th century. An increasing number of African slaves were brought in the 1680s. Eventually thousands of slaves were brought to America against their will. Slave transportation and slave institutes were brutal places. During the journey slaves who were too ill to survive the journey were thrown overboard to drown.
If we look at the history of slavery we find that Islam was the first religion to condemn slavery. Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told Muslims to be kind and generous to their slaves and servants, give them the food they ate themselves and the clothes they wore. In his life he used to buy slaves and set them free; one example is Hazrat Bilal (RA).
Slavery today
Slavery is still practiced in certain countries in the world and in a different form than in the past. In Brazil slaves are lured into a rainforest and forced to work at gunpoint. In India children are trapped and forced to roll cigarettes 14 hours a day. In Thailand women and children become slaves for tourists. In America slave trade started during the 1600s and even though it was banned it is still practiced in some places. In France slavery was practiced in the 19th century and is not fully banished yet.
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