‘Captives and Companions: A History of Slavery and the Slave Trade in the Islamic World’ by Justin Marozzi

The review of Justin Marozzi's book, "Captives and Companions," examines the long history of slavery in the Islamic world, contrasting it with the Western transatlantic slave trade. The review highlights the ongoing issues of racial discrimination and the historical context of slavery while drawing attention to contemporary discussions surrounding it.

1. Historical Context and Comparisons

• The book discusses the trans-Saharan slave trade, which lasted for 1,400 years largely uninterrupted, outpacing the transatlantic slave trade in both duration and the number of individuals enslaved. Approximately 17 million Africans were enslaved compared to 11 million in the New World.

• The review differentiates between forms of slavery by noting that the Western slave trade has received significant historical attention, while the Muslim slave trade remains under-discussed academically.

2. Racial Insults and Modern Reactions

• Recent events during the African Nations soccer cup illustrated ongoing racial tensions, with Moroccan crowds hurling insults at Senegalese players. This highlights the current racial dynamics rooted in historical practices like slavery.

3. Humanity and Historical Understanding

• Marozzi portrays the humanity of victims throughout history while emphasizing the lack of dialogue regarding the legacy of Islam-related slavery compared to Western slavery in contemporary discussions on reparations and rights.

4. Cultural and Legal Context

• The book outlines how the Quran accepted slavery as part of the social order, allowing Islamic society to maintain the practice intact for centuries. It mentions that some countries in the modern Islamic world only recently abolished slavery, with Mauritania being the last as of 1981.

• The Quran's stance on slavery and treatment of slaves differed from that of Western perspectives, resulting in different historical narratives.

5. Notable Historical Figures

• The review mentions Bilal, a notable early follower of Muhammad who was born a slave but eventually gained freedom and respect. This contrasts with the fate of many others, particularly women and young boys who were often exploited as sex slaves or warriors.

6. Modern Implications

• Marozzi's book might provoke discussions about accountability in the Muslim world for its historical enslavement practices and the current lack of political will to address these issues. The notion of reparations for slavery, so vibrant in Western contexts, is notably muted concerning Islamic histories.

"Captives and Companions" presents a grim account of the Islamic slave trade, emphasizing its longevity and severity compared to other forms of slavery. The review suggests that while the conversation about racial injustices is vigorous in the West, it is noticeably absent in discussions surrounding slavery's impacts in the Islamic world. Marozzi’s work may further urge recognition and scholarship on this subject, hinting that historical injustices deserve broader acknowledgment. 

https://freebeacon.com/culture/the-slavery-story-you-wont-learn-in-school/