How did slavery function in the Rashidun Caliphate?

During the Rashidun Caliphate from 632 to 661 CE, chattel slavery expanded alongside rapid military conquests. Legal regulations regarding slaves drew upon Islamic law and the example of Muhammad, establishing a foundation that influenced subsequent centuries in the Muslim world. Non-Muslim war captives, civilians, and individuals demanded through tribute and taxation were frequently enslaved.

What we know

• Slavery in the Rashidun Caliphate operated as a system of chattel slavery during the historical period spanning from 632 to 661. [1, 2]
• The legal framework governing slavery developed from Islamic law and the traditions established by Muhammad and his followers. [2, 3]
• The slave trade expanded in parallel with early Muslim conquests, incorporating non-Muslim war captives and civilians. [2, 3]
• Subjugated populations faced demands for human captives through taxation and tribute. [2, 3]

Where to go next

• the bigger pictureWho were the Rashidun caliphs?
• what caused itWhat military campaigns expanded the caliphate?
• what followedHow did the Umayyad Caliphate inherit these slave laws?
• whenWhat battles occurred during the Rashidun period?
• an unexpected connectionHow did the early caliphate build its naval power?

Sources

• [1]Slavery in the Rashidun Caliphate (Wikidata Q126137808) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Slavery in the Rashidun Caliphate · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Rashidun Caliphate · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]List of battles involving the Rashidun Caliphate · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Early Caliphate navy · CC BY-SA 4.0

Your path

1. What are the New Testament apocrypha?
2. /How did slavery function in the Rashidun Caliphate?