By Imam Shamsi Ali
Frederick Douglass, a writer and strong opponent of slavery in America, was born into bondage in Maryland in 1817. In his celebrated book _My Slavery and My Freedom_ he wrote: “Slavery is a system built on the creation of deep fear!”
Douglass constantly swam against the tide. He taught himself to read and write, even though doing so risked severe punishment. After being whipped for his defiance, he fled north at the age of twenty, penniless and without connections. He quickly rose to lead the abolitionist movement, traveling the northern states to denounce the evils of slavery.
Abolitionists wanted him to stay within the lecture circuit, repeating the same story over and over. But he craved more. He rebelled again by founding his own anti‑slavery newspaper—a first for a former slave—and it became a spectacular success.
Sometimes one must go further, because the only step that seems available often does not lead to the desired outcome.
Douglass faced two options: endure endless painful blows, or escape. He chose escape, believing that the unknown—though fraught with risk—held freedom and adventure, far better than a life of slavery cloaked in false security. Yet slavery remains slavery; no amount of golden chains can change its name. One must be free or be a slave; there is no middle ground.
Life, in general, belongs to those who are brave, who can stand up to tyranny, who refuse to be chained—even if those chains are made of gold. But bravery must be measured; otherwise it becomes recklessness. True courage springs from higher values and principles; without them, it turns into depravity.
Bilal ibn Rabah is remembered for rebelling against the Jahiliyah slave system. Under Jahiliyah law a slave was the property of his master, with no right to choose religion, opinion, or even emotions contrary to his master’s command.
Bilal’s story is different. His greatest moment of freedom came when he was tied to the scorching sand of Mecca, a massive stone placed on his chest. Though physically bound, his spirit was completely free, shaking the entire slave system.
Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas is honored for taking a stand against Meccan—and indeed Arab—tradition. Faith mattered more than family. When his mother vowed to stand under the blazing sun, refusing food and water until he abandoned his religion, Sa’ad replied, “Mother, even if you had a hundred lives, I would not renounce this faith.”
Suhaeb al‑Rumi is remembered for overturning the concept of ownership. When he migrated to Medina, the Quraysh pursued him, trying to force him back. After they failed to negotiate over his property—“How can you come to us without wealth and leave with riches?”—Suhaeb showed them where his wealth lay, let them take it all, and then departed for the city he loved. In Medina, the Prophet (pbuh) welcomed him with a gentle smile. Jibril had informed the Prophet of Suhaeb’s encounter with the Quraysh, so he said to him: “A profitable transaction, O Abu Yahya (Suhaeb Al-Rumi).
Be brave, but with careful calculation!
“Jum’ah Mubarakah to all!”
Director of Jamaica Muslim Center/President of Nusantara Foundation