REVEALED RELIGIONS AND THE CONCEPT OF SLAVERY: PERSPECTIVES ON HUMAN DIGNITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Abstract

Slavery has been a long-standing social institution in human history, deeply influencing social structures, economic systems, and human dignity. Rather than endorsing slavery as a permanent social reality, the revealed religions approached it through ethical reform and moral responsibility. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam introduced teachings that emphasized humane treatment of slaves, recognition of their inherent human dignity, and encouragement toward emancipation. These religions sought to regulate existing practices while gradually guiding societies toward justice, compassion, and equality.This study presents a comparative and analytical examination of the concept of slavery in revealed religions, highlighting their distinctive and reformative teachings. Special attention is given to the Islamic approach, which institutionalized the liberation of slaves through moral exhortation, legal mechanisms, and religious incentives. The research demonstrates that the teachings of revealed religions provide an ethical framework that supports human rights, social justice, and the gradual elimination of exploitative systems. The findings underline the continued relevance of these religious teachings in contemporary discussions on human dignity and freedom.