Slavery | Mohammed Hijab

Name: Slavery | Mohammed Hijab
Uploaded: 2023-01-16T19:30:09.000Z
Duration: 2 h 28 min 41 s

Introduction

The speaker introduces the topic of slavery and its historical connotations in popular culture. He clarifies that when he refers to slavery, he is not talking about the transatlantic slave trade or the kind of slavery depicted in Hollywood movies.

Definition of Slavery

The speaker acknowledges that defining slavery is difficult because it has different meanings depending on context.

He clarifies that when people refer to slavery in popular culture, they are usually referring to the transatlantic slave trade and the kind of slavery depicted in Hollywood movies.

The speaker emphasizes that Islam does not allow for this kind of slavery where people are brought for racial reasons, whipped, harmed, raped, and assimilated.

Different Responses to Slavery

The speaker notes that there are different psychological responses across the political spectrum on how people respond to this issue.

People on the right-wing alt-right tend to deflect or show indifference towards this issue while those on the left may overcompensate by apologizing as if they have committed a crime themselves.

Western Superiority and Slavery

The speaker questions how Western superiority and liberalism can coexist with something like slavery happening in the American or British Empire.

Islam and Slavery

In this section, the speaker discusses the historical context of slavery in Islam and how it differs from the Western experience of slavery.

Slavery in Islam

The speaker mentions a book called "White Gold" by Giles Milton which talks about a person named Moulay Ismail who had white slaves.

The book talks about the efforts of the United Kingdom to get Moulay Ismail to release his white slaves.

The speaker emphasizes that Islam does not discriminate on racial aspects when it comes to slavery.

Morocco was strategically located, making it easier for them to acquire white slaves from Europe and Africa.

Western Experience of Slavery

The Western experience with slavery is unique compared to other cultures.

When discussing slavery with someone from a Western background, it's important to remember their historical memory and consciousness regarding slavery.

The speaker emphasizes that Islam promotes equality between races, which is unique among ancient religions.

Conclusion

There is no other religion like Islam that promotes equality between races.

Islam and Multiculturalism

In this section, the speaker discusses how Islam is a racially inclusive religion and argues that it is one of the most multicultural religions in the world.

Islam's Racial Inclusivity

The speaker argues that Islam is the most inclusive racially inclusive religion in the world.

He points out that there is no virtue over a black man over a white man or vice versa in Islam.

The speaker notes that even in the Old Testament, there isn't the same kind of attitude towards race as found in Hadith.

He gives examples of black people who were respected and held high positions in Islamic history.

Slavery and Definitions

In this section, the speaker talks about slavery and definitions. He explains that there are problems with definitions when it comes to slavery but argues that we can still talk about it.

Problems with Definitions

The speaker acknowledges that there are problems with definitions when it comes to slavery.

He explains that just because there are problems with definitions doesn't mean we can't talk about slavery.

The speaker warns against using fallacious reasoning such as the bald man fallacy.

Defining Slavery

The speaker notes that different dictionaries have different definitions of slavery.

He explains that some definitions include ultimate obedience to someone else, which is not acceptable in Islam.

The speaker emphasizes that obeying Allah's laws takes precedence over obeying any human being.

The Concept of Slavery in Islam

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of slavery in Islam and how it differs from other forms of slavery. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the definition of slavery before discussing whether or not Islam allows it.

Understanding the Definition of Slavery

The speaker explains that it is important to understand what someone means by "slavery" before discussing whether or not Islam allows it.

He gives an example of how people may have different ideas about what constitutes slavery, such as those who practice BDSM.

The speaker clarifies that while buying and selling human beings was allowed at some points in history, ultimate obedience belongs only to Allah.

Ultimate Obedience Belongs Only to Allah

The speaker emphasizes that when talking about ultimate obedience, it only belongs to Allah and no one else.

He advises listeners to ask for clarification when someone asks if Islam allows slavery because the term can be defined differently by different people.

The speaker warns against packaging the concept of slavery in a dangerous way that could turn people away from Islam.

Prophet Muhammad's Teachings on Servitude

The speaker quotes a Hadith where Prophet Muhammad instructs his followers not to refer to anyone as "my slave" but rather as "my young man."

He explains that this Hadith distinguishes between ultimate servitude belonging only to Allah and permissible servitude within Islamic guidelines.

Another participant adds that this Hadith aligns with another teaching about Allah being the true owner of all humans.

Overall, this section provides a clear understanding of the concept of slavery in Islam and emphasizes the importance of understanding definitions before discussing whether or not Islam allows it. The speaker also highlights that ultimate obedience belongs only to Allah and Prophet Muhammad's teachings on servitude.

Leadership and Equality

In this section, the speakers discuss the concept of leadership and equality in Islam. They also touch on the issue of inequality and oppression.

Leadership Qualities

The concept of leadership is discussed, with some people being natural leaders while others are happy to follow.

The man in a household is considered the leader, but among other men, an individual who excels in a specific field may lead.

Different positions test one's relation to what they have. For example, if you have more money or power over others, you're being tested on how you use it.

Equality Discourse

There is a lot of equality discourse nowadays that assumes inequality means oppression.

An Islamic perspective changes this by understanding that different positions test one's relation to what they have.

A Quranic verse (49:13) emphasizes that human beings aren't necessarily different in terms of stages they have.

Equality vs Inequality

Modern equality discourses differentiate between quality of opportunity and outcome. However, neither are preferred nor feasible in Islamic discourse.

Capitalism inherently creates inequality; Marxism has problems with equality as well since it can lead to tyranny.

Everyone is born differently; therefore, inequality is unavoidable.

Inequality and Unique Nature of Individuals

The speaker discusses the reality of inequality among individuals, emphasizing that everyone is born unique and unequal. He explains that this uniqueness comes with advantages and disadvantages, which are points of tribulation given by Allah.

Everyone is born unique and unequal.

Uniqueness comes with inequality.

Being a twin has both advantages and disadvantages.

Trying to force an equality reality is a battle that cannot be won.

Emancipatory Discourse in Islam

The speaker talks about the emancipatory discourse in Islam regarding slavery. He mentions that freeing a slave is seen as one of the best things one can do in Islam.

Indentured servants are brethren upon whom Allah has given authority.

Feeding and clothing them from what you eat or wear creates harmony, respect, camaraderie, and brotherhood.

Freeing a slave is seen as one of the best things you can do in Islam.

Manumission or freeing a slave is compulsory in certain situations such as breaking an oath or killing someone accidentally.

Emancipation of Slaves in Islam

In this section, the speaker discusses the possibility of abolition and emancipation of slaves in Islam. He mentions that there is an opinion in Islam which allows for the possibility of abolition and goes back to the sahaba and companions. The speaker also talks about how mukataba can be a means of abolishing slavery.

Possibility of Abolition

The speaker mentions some names such as Set Turbine and others, even Sahaba who believe that if a slave wants to be emancipated because they are happy to ransom themselves, then it is permissible.

Some people have said that if they are good people, then you must actually free them if they want their freedom and they're happy to ransom themselves. This is an opinion in Islam.

According to this opinion, every slave wanted freedom and was willing to ransom themselves should be given it by force according Toby so there is one opinion in Islam which at least allows the possibility of an abolition.

Mukataba as a Means of Abolishing Slavery

Mukataba would actually be a means of abolishing slaves because if every slave wanted freedom and they were willing to ransom themselves according to this opinion then they should be given it by force by force according Toby.

There is an opinion in Islam which if the slave didn't want or the indigenous didn't want to be in this position anymore, that they would be forcibly freed if there's Ransom.

Emancipatory Discourse

Whenever a Muslim man emancipates another Muslim man or woman from slavery, he will be rewarded for every limb of his in equal measure.

Whenever a Muslim woman emancipates another Muslim woman from slavery, she will be rewarded for every limb of hers in equal measure.

Al-Karafi, a famous scholar before liberalism was even formed, says that actually God expects freedom and Islam is working towards that.

Presenting Arguments

In this section, the speaker presents arguments related to the topic of whether something is categorically or consequentially wrong.

Categorical vs Consequential Wrong

The speaker asks whether the belief is that something is categorically or consequentially wrong.

If something is categorically wrong, it means it should not happen in any circumstance. If it's consequentially wrong, then it depends on the consequences.

If something is consequentially wrong, people may argue that no one owns another person and therefore cannot do whatever they want with them.

The speaker asks how to respond to the argument that no one can own another person.

Ownership and Freedom

The speaker questions what ownership means and how we can define it.

The speaker argues that even though they have freedom, there are always parameters and consequences for actions taken. They ask at what point does a cost become enough to call it slavery?

Contractarianism fits into this discussion because people are under contract with their country. People may argue that they did not agree to these contracts.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes their thoughts on the topic of categorical vs consequential wrong and ownership.

Final Thoughts

The speaker concludes by stating that there are many different perspectives on these topics and encourages viewers to continue thinking critically about them.

Categorical vs Consequentialist Morality

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of distinguishing between categorical and consequentialist morality. They explain that while categorical morality requires proof for why something is wrong, consequentialist morality requires proof for what the bad consequence of an action is.

Categorically Wrong vs Consequentially Wrong

The speaker explains that it's important to determine whether something is categorically or consequentially wrong.

They ask what kind of harm is being done and why it's unimposable on a human being.

The speaker notes that there are three main compartmentalizations in ethics - consequentialist, deontological, and virtue ethics.

They explain that categorical and deontological are essentially the same thing, leaving only consequentialist as a separate category.

Proving Something Is Wrong

The speaker emphasizes the importance of proving why something is wrong rather than just making emotional arguments.

They note that defining harm and determining what kinds of harm are acceptable or unacceptable can be difficult.

The speaker points out that many people make claims about harm without providing any evidence to support their argument.

Consent Theory

In this section, the speaker discusses consent theory and how it applies to various situations.

Defining Consent

The speaker explains that consent theory involves determining when someone is able to give informed consent.

They provide examples of situations where determining consent can be difficult, such as with children or people with dementia.

The speaker notes that there are situations where it may be acceptable to impose harm on someone without their consent, such as pushing a blind person away from danger.

Communitarian vs Individualistic Ethics

The speaker discusses the concept of communitarian vs individualistic ethics and how it relates to harm.

They provide an example of how communal harm caused by homosexuality could lead to financial harm for individuals in the community.

When is it acceptable to cause harm?

In this section, the speakers discuss when it is acceptable to cause harm and the difference between categorical and consequential ethics.

Categorical vs Consequential Ethics

The question of categorical vs consequential ethics is raised.

A scenario is presented where a person could imagine being allowed to cause harm in certain situations.

The idea that something is wrong if everyone does it is discussed in relation to deontological ethics.

Cases against deontological ethics are presented, including slavery and war.

Freedom and Anarchy

The definition of freedom as full autonomy over oneself without consequences from others is deemed impossible.

An anarchical state is proposed as an example of a world without social contracts.

Robert Nozick's book "Anarchy, State, and Utopia" is mentioned as the closest representation of an anarchical state.

The Idea of Freedom and Social Contract

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of freedom in relation to social contracts and government laws. He explores the idea that while social contracts may be seen as a form of slavery, they are necessary for maintaining order and preventing anarchy.

The Concept of Social Contracts

Laws are enforced through social contracts, which can be seen as a form of slavery.

However, without social contracts, there would be anarchy and chaos.

The speaker argues that the idea of freedom is complicated in a world with social contracts because individuals are compelled to follow laws they may not agree with.

Anarchy vs. Social Contracts

Without social contracts, there would be anarchy where survival of the fittest prevails.

An anarchical state does not guarantee freedom since it favors those who are strong and capable.

The speaker concludes that both anarchism and authoritarian rule fail to achieve true freedom or equality.

Equality vs. Reality

In this section, the speaker discusses how attempts to impose equality on society are futile because reality is inherently unequal. He argues that even systems like communism or anarchism cannot change this fundamental truth.

Imposing Equality on Society

Attempts to impose equality on society through communism or anarchism will ultimately fail.

This is because reality is inherently unequal due to factors such as individual differences and natural selection.

Anarchism vs. Social Contracts Revisited

In this section, the speaker revisits the topic of anarchism vs. social contracts and addresses a question from the audience about which system is better.

Anarchism vs. Social Contracts

The speaker argues that an anarchical system would eventually lead to slavery and loss of freedom.

He concludes that individualism, while important, cannot be taken to its logical extreme because it leads to anarchy and chaos.

The speaker suggests that a balance between individual freedom and social contracts is necessary for maintaining order and achieving true freedom.

Neoconservatives in America

In this section, the speaker discusses neoconservatives in America and their beliefs about individualism and taxation.

Neoconservatives are not actually conservatives

Neoconservatives in America are not actually conservatives.

They believe in individualism and consider taxation to be theft.

However, this belief can lead to anarchy and a lack of social contract.

Every decision has a trade-off, whether it's economic, societal, or emotional.

The Trade-offs of Life

Everything has a trade-off, from what we eat to how we treat our loved ones.

This is the wonder and glory of the world that Allah made.

When someone makes a moral claim, ask them what kind of moral claim they are making and ask them to prove it.

The burden of proof is upon the one making the claim.

Intuition as an Argument

Intuition is not a valid argument for moral claims.

Everyone has some intuitive understanding of something, but that doesn't make it objectively true.

If someone says something is intuitively wrong, it's just their subjective value judgment.

Commonality Between Human Beings

In this section, the speaker discusses the commonality between human beings in their belief in a higher power. However, he notes that this is not evidence for the existence of God.

Belief in a Higher Power

There is a cross-cultural and historical commonality between human beings in their belief in a higher power.

This belief cannot be used as evidence for the existence of God because it does not necessarily mean that it is true or should be true.

Islamic Sharia and Poverty

In this section, the speaker talks about how Islamic Sharia allows poverty to exist as a means of testing people with wealth.

Poverty and Islamic Sharia

Islam allows things to exist which are undesirable, such as poverty, to test humans.

Islamic Sharia allows poverty to exist even if all zakat (charity) is paid and everyone has done their worship.

Poverty can still exist even in an enfranchised Islamic State.

Capitalistic Economy and Poverty

A capitalistic economy also allows poverty to exist.

Free market economies can have poverty regardless of whether they are capitalist or communist.

Every system that has attempted to do away with inequality has produced a different type of inequality.

Inequality and Economic Systems

All economic systems allow some level of inequality.

The goal should not be to eliminate inequality completely but rather allow some level of inequality through any system decided upon.

The Importance of Judgment and Filtering Out Inequality

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of judgment in Islam and how it relates to resolving debts and inequalities. He also explains how Islam allows for certain undesirable things to exist but encourages people to do away with them.

Judgment in Islam

"Judgment" comes from the Arabic word "Dane," which means debt.

The world we live in will have unresolved debts, whether they are sins or economic debts.

The day of judgment is the only place where these debts can be resolved.

Filtering Out Inequality

Inequality exists in the world, but there must be a way of filtering out some of these things that are going to happen.

Some forms of inequality are not injustice, but some forms are.

Islam is a system that allows for undesirable things to exist but encourages people to do away with them.

Incremental vs. Immediate Abolition of Slavery

This section discusses whether it is better to abolish slavery incrementally or immediately. The speaker uses the example of the American Civil War and argues against sacrificing lives for abolition.

Incremental vs. Immediate Abolition

Is it worse to do away with slavery incrementally or immediately?

Historians argue that the American Civil War took place because of slavery, among other reasons.

Every time America tries to do something immediately, it goes wrong (e.g., prohibition).

More black people died during the American Civil War than any other war America has engaged in.

Sacrificing lives for abolition is not worth it; one person involuntarily dying is too much.

Failure of European/White/American Savior Model

This section discusses the failure of the European/White/American savior model and how it has led to new forms of slavery, such as human trafficking.

Failure of European/White/American Savior Model

The European/White/American savior model has failed.

More people died during the American Civil War than any other war America has engaged in.

Abolition did not lead to the end of slavery; it just took on new forms, such as human trafficking.

The Modern Form of Slavery

In this section, the speakers discuss how inmates in American prisons are forced to work for very low wages and how this is a modern form of slavery. They also talk about how certain companies use cheap labor from sub-Saharan African countries and other parts of the world.

Inmates as Modern-Day Slaves

Inmates in American prisons are paid very low wages for their work, which is essentially slave labor.

The American prison system is like a chain gang where prisoners make number plates for companies.

African Americans often receive longer sentences than Caucasians, leading to institutionalized racism within the prison system.

Cheap Labor from Sub-Saharan Africa

Transnational companies give loans with high interest rates to sub-Saharan African countries, forcing people into jobs such as coal mining for years.

A documentary called "White Gold" highlights how people in Africa mine lithium for batteries used by companies like Tesla.

Sweatshops in Bangladesh and the Philippines also use cheap labor that can be considered a modern form of slavery.

Defining Slavery

The speakers question who gets to define what constitutes slavery and at what point it becomes slavery.

Some people may overlook modern forms of slavery because they do not fit traditional definitions or labels.

Islamic System on Slavery

This section briefly discusses the Islamic system's approach to slavery and how slaves were freed during early Islamic history.

Freeing Slaves in Islam

If a slave is struck by their owner, they must be set free in the Islamic system.

During early Islamic history, slaves were being freed so quickly that there was a shortage of slaves to free.

Islam and Slavery

In this section, the speaker discusses the Islamic perspective on slavery and how it differs from other perspectives. He also talks about the role of individuals in emancipating slaves.

Islamic Perspective on Slavery

Islam has always been against slavery and encourages individuals to free slaves before telling others to do so.

There is no legal way to enslave someone nowadays, except through war, which is not an organized thing.

Even great scholars have said that bringing back slavery during war would open a door that's already been closed.

Emancipation of Slaves

Islam says to emancipate slaves but directs this message towards people rather than the state.

If a whole community felt strongly about slavery, then everyone should free their slaves.

Electric Cars and Human Goodwill

In this section, the speaker talks about electric cars and how they relate to human goodwill. He also discusses how Islam promotes abolitionism.

Electric Cars

The government is slowly implementing rules for electric cars, but it will take time for them to become widespread.

If all cars were required to have zero CO2 emissions tomorrow, there would be protests outside embassies.

Abolitionism in Islam

Islam promotes abolitionism by relying on human goodwill rather than just the state.

If a whole community felt strongly about something like slavery, then everyone should act accordingly.