In the name of God, the Merciful, the Beneficent
As for those who are unable to marry, let them live in continence until God grants them sufficiency out of His bounty. And if any of your slaves desire to obtain a deed of freedom, write it out for them if you are aware of any good in them; and give them something of the wealth God has given you. Do not force your maids to prostitution when they desire to preserve their chastity, in order to make some worldly gain. If anyone should force them, then after they have been compelled, God will be much forgiving, merciful (to them).
We have bestowed upon you from on high revelations clearly showing the truth, and lessons from (the stories of) those who have passed away before you, and admonition for the God-fearing.(Light, Al-Noor: 24: 33-34)
We explained last week that Islam establishes an integrated system which aims to maintain a high moral standard, taking care of all elements. Since slavery encourages loose morality, Islam takes practical steps to reduce slavery, working for its abolition. At the advent of Islam, slavery was part of the world order, with prisoners of war made slaves. Since a Muslim state could not unilaterally end slavery, it encouraged the freeing of slaves in many ways, one of which was the establishment of a system which allowed a slave to buy his or her own freedom. When it is confirmed that the slave wants that and that he is good and able to earn his living, a bond of freedom is offered which allows him to work and retain control over his wages. Furthermore, he is to be helped from zakah funds to meet his commitment and complete the purchase of his freedom.
What is worse than the presence of slaves in the community is that some slaves might be put to prostitution. In pre-Islamic days, a master might make his female slaves prostitutes, taking some or all of their wages.
This form of prostitution continues to be practiced today. As Islam wants Islamic social environment to be pure, it forbids all adultery, particularly this form of prostitution. “Do not force you maids to prostitution when they desire to preserve their chastity, in order to make some worldly gain. If anyone should force them, then after they have been compelled, God will be much forgiving, merciful (to them).” This verse gives a warning to those who force their maids to prostitution, and rebukes them for seeking to enrich themselves in this highly immoral way. It also promises those who are forced to it forgiveness and mercy if they refrain from forced prostitution.
Al-Suddi mentions that this verse points directly to Abdullah ibn Ubayy, the chief hypocrite in Madinah. He had a slave maid named Mu’adhah. When he received a guest, he would give him this maid to sleep with, hoping to gain financial reward or some other favor from him. The maid complained of this to Abu Bakr, and Abu Bakr reported it to the Prophet who ordered Abdullah ibn Ubayy to refrain from such a deed. Abdullah complained: “Who will restore justice to us against Muhammad? He interferes on behalf of our maid!” This verse was then revealed.
The prohibition of compelling girls, who wish to maintain their chastity, to resort to prostitution for financial gain was part of the Qur’anic method to cleanse the social environment of the Islamic society and block all dirty methods of satisfying the sexual desire. When prostitution is condoned in any society, it tempts many people because it is so easy. When people find no such easy way, they will have to seek the clean way of marriage to satisfy their natural desire.
There is no validity in the argument that prostitution works as a safety device to protect families, or that it is the only way to satisfy a natural need when marriage is so difficult, or that unless such an easy way is found, people would assault honorable women.
It is indeed a twisted argument that confuses causes and results. The sexual desire must remain clean, pure and directed to serve the purpose of procreation, so that new generations can grow up in a clean environment. Communities must reform their economic systems so that every one can have a reasonable standard of living which enables him or her to get married. Should there remain exceptional cases, these would be properly considered and appropriate treatment is found for them. This leaves no need for prostitution, or filthy brothels where those who want to ease the pressure of their natural sexual desire can throw their burden, in the same way as garbage is publicly thrown over a dunghill.
It is the economic system that should be reformed so as not to permit such filth to exist. The inadequacy of economic systems should never be the basis of the argument for the need for brothels where humanity is exceedingly humiliated.
This is exactly the method Islam adopts, providing an integrated system that maintains purity and helps people to preserve their chastity. It is a system that provides a bridge linking this world with heaven, and elevates humanity to a sublime level that is enlightened with God’s guidance.
The whole passage is concluded with a verse that provides suitable comments on its subject matter: “We have bestowed upon you from on high revelations clearly showing the truth, and lessons from (the stories of) those who have passed away before you, and admonition for the God-fearing.” Its verses are clear and show the truth, leaving no room for ambiguity or distortion. It portrays the fate of earlier communities that deviated from the divine method and punishment was meted out to them. The Qur’an also provides an admonition for the God-fearing who realize that God watches all that we do. Thus, they stand in awe of God and they follow the right path.
All the rules and the rulings outlined in this passage fit well with this comment which emphasizes the bond between people’s hearts with God Almighty who bestowed this Qur’an from on high.
Next week we will start a new passage of the surah, God willing.