Freeing slaves is regarded as one of the most important acts of worship in Islam...

Freeing slaves is regarded as one of the most important acts of worship in Islam, and the Infallibles (a.s) always led the way in this issue, to the extent that in connection with Imam Ali (a.s) it has been recorded that: أَعتَقَ أَلفاً مِنْ كَدِّ يَدِهِ “He freed a thousand slaves by means of his wages (which he used to earn).” [3] The Infallibles used to free slaves at the slightest of excuses so that it serves as an example for the others, to the extent that when one of the slaves of Imam Baqir (a.s) performed a good deed, the Imam (a.s) said: فَاذْهَبْ فَأَنْتَ حُرٌّ فَإِنِّي أَكْرَهُ أَنْ أَسْتَخْدِمَ رَجُلاً مِنْ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ “Go, you are now free, for I do not approve of a person from the inmates of Paradise to be my slave (and serve me).” [4] It has been narrated in connection with Imam Sajjad (a.s) that once, his servant was in the process of pouring water over his (a.s) head when the vessel slipped from his hand and injured the Imam (a.s).

The Imam (a.s) looked up at the servant, whereupon the servant recited: وَ الْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ “…and those who restrain (their) anger.” [5] Hearing this, the Imam (a.s) said: I have restrained my anger. The servant recited further: وَ الْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ “…and pardon other people.” The Imam (a.s) said: May Allah forgive you. The servant continued: وَ اللٌّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِـنِينَ “…and Allah loves the doers of good (to others).” whereupon the Imam (a.s) said: ‘Go.