Muslim Slave System in Medieval India c16.6

c16.6

This was also encouraged by the injunctions of the Quran. Muslims are allowed four wives besides they are allowed to cohabit with any of their female slaves. Surah iv:3 says, Then marry what seem to be good to you of women; Surah iv:29, Take what your right hand possesses of young women, and Surah xxxiii:49, Verily we make lawful for thee what thy right hand possesses out of the booty God hath granted thee. Muslims are allowed to take possession of married women if they are slaves. Surah iv:28 declares, Unlawful for you are married women, save such as your right hand possesses, that is, female slaves captured in war. Manuccis observation on the seventeenth century India is significant in this regard. He says that all Muhammadans are fond of women, who are their principal relaxation and almost their only pleasure⁴