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The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, never hit any of his servants
Aa’ishah said:
“The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, never struck any of his servants, wives, or anyone else.”
The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, prohibited hitting them:
Abu Mas`ood Al-Badri (a Companion) said:
“I was hitting a servant of mine with a whip when I heard a voice from behind me saying: ‘Know, Abu Mas`ood.’ I did not recognize the voice, however, due to my anger. When he approached me, I realized that it was the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and he was saying: ‘Know, O Abu Mas`ood; know, O Abu Mas`ood.’ So I threw the whip from my hand.
He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, then said:
‘Know, O Abu Mas`ood, that Allah has more ability over you than you have over your servant.’ After that, I never hit any servant of mine.
In another narration, he said: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, he is free for Allah’s sake.’ And he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, responded: ‘Had you not done that, the Fire would have burnt you, or would have touched you.’”
Al-’Atheem Abaadi said: “The term “Allah has more ability over you than you have over your servant” means that the power of Allah over you (to punish and afflict you) is more than your power (due to servitude) you have over your slave.”
An-Nawawi said: “This narration includes the following: encouragement with regard to being gentle with a servant, admonishment and notification with regard to utilizing forgiveness, suppressing anger, and ruling just as Allah rules with His slaves.”
It is not bravery, strength or chivalry for an individual to be unjust to someone under his control such as a servant or employee. Likewise, it is not any of those things for an individual to dominate over them with his hand or tongue, or to degrade them and keep them subjected to the need that brought them from their lands. If you are unjust to people, then remember Allah’s ability to dominate you
There are frequent reports of injustice and degradation of servants or employees in society, which are as far removed as can possibly be from justice and fairness. Despite the lofty status of the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, he never degraded anyone, and never struck anyone without a right. He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, never dominated or overpowered the weak that were under his control, regardless if they were a slave or a servant.
