A Further Question on ' Slave Girls as Wives '... In your answer to " Slave girls as wives " you had stated that "Islam accepted slavery as a social vice and gave directives for its gradual removal and ultimate extinction". If this was the case, then why is it reported that the Prophet (pbuh) had sexual relations with his Coptic Christian slave girl and did not marry her until she delivered his first child? Please clarify the authenticity of this report. If this were true, then the example of the Prophet is surely counter to the statement you made about Islam considering slavery as a social vice! Khalid Reply To answer your question, it seems necessary that two separate aspects of the corrective measures taken by Islam, for the gradual abolishment of the institution of slavery be clearly understood. Firstly, the fact that Islam considered the institution of slavery a social vice is the obvious corollary of the various directives of Islam regarding freeing of slaves. Had Islam not considered slavery to be a social vice, there was no reason to promote freeing of slaves as a great virtue. Secondly, the words 'Islam accepted slavery as a social vice' clearly imply that even though Islam considered slavery to be vice against humanity, yet due to its deep roots in the world society, at the time, and due to the extra-ordinary social implications that could have followed any drastic measures of the complete and immediate abolishment of the institution, Islam tolerated its existence till the time that the world was emotionally and psychologically prepared for its abolishment. During this intermediary time, it was equally essential for the Prophet (pbuh) to promote the moral value of treating one's slaves with respect, honor, love and justice. Mr. Amar Ellahi Lone, in his answer to a question regarding the marriages of the Prophet (pbuh) writes: As far as the slave girl Hadhrat Maria Qibtia (ra) is concerned, the Prophet (pbuh) kept her as a slave girl because he was barred from marrying those slave girls who were not part of the booty of war, in the same verse that governed his marriage regulations. Hadhrat Maria Qibtia (ra) was presented to the Prophet (pbuh) by the ruler of Egypt [1] . He loved her very much and treated her very well, in order to set an example for the Muslims in treatment of their slaves. It should be kept in mind that although Islam condemned slavery, it did not abolish it instantly. The institution of slavery was so deep rooted in the society that it was not possible to do away with it at once. In fact Islam adopted a gradual approach towards it by giving incentives to free slaves in return for reward in the hereafter or by treating them fairly and respectably. It was during this intermediary period that the Prophet (pbuh) set an example of good treatment of the slaves, in the case of Hadhrat Maria Qibtia (ra), for the Muslims to follow. The other example of the he set in relation to slaves was in the case of Hadhrat Zayed (ra), whom he freed and made his adopted son. There is no strong evidence of any other slave girl in the household of the Prophet (pbuh). It is quite clear from the accounts of the historians that the Prophet (pbuh) treated Maria Qibtia (ra) in a manner that was truly a socio-moral example for the society to follow. No difference can be seen in his treatment of Maria Qibtia (ra) and the rest of his wives (ra). She was given a separate living quarter, like the other wives and was never treated in a derogatory way by the Prophet (pbuh) or any one of his spouses. The Prophet (pbuh) did not marry Maria Qibtia (ra) even after the birth of her child. It should be remembered that the correction of all such social vices that are as deeply rooted in a society as was slavery in the world of old, clearly need a two faceted approach in their correction. Firstly, the society should be psychologically, emotionally and physically prepared to relieve itself of such vices - which can sometimes translate into a long-term corrective process. Secondly, during this intermediary time, the society should be also be taught to deal with the prevalent situation in the best possible manner. I hope this helps. In case any aspect of your question remains unanswered or inadequately answered, please feel free in writing back to me at your own convenience. May the Almighty guide us all to the path of His liking. My fondest regards to you and those around you. The Learner [1] It should also be remembered that the ruler of Egypt presented the Prophet (pbuh) with two slave girls. However, because the motive of setting an example for the society regarding the treatment of slave girls was fully achieved by keeping one slave girl, the Prophet (pbuh) gave the other slave girl to one of his companions.