Abu Bakr Frees Persecuted Muslim Slaves

Abu Bakr al-Siddiq spent a large portion of his considerable wealth purchasing and freeing Muslim slaves who were being tortured for their faith. Among those he freed were Bilal ibn Rabah, Amir ibn Fuhayrah, Umm Ubays, Zinnirah, al-Nahdiyyah and her daughter, and a slave girl of Banu Mu'ammal. His father Abu Quhafah chided him for freeing weak, helpless slaves instead of strong men who could protect him, but Abu Bakr replied that he sought only the pleasure of Allah. Regarding his actions, Allah revealed: 'He who gives his wealth to purify himself, and has in his mind no favor from anyone for which a reward is expected, except only the desire to seek the pleasure of his Lord, the Most High. And he will surely be satisfied' (al-Layl 92:18-21). His selfless spending for Islam set a standard of generosity that defined the early Muslim community.