Modern-Day Debate DEBATE: Christianity Or Islam, Which Condones Slavery? | The Word and I Vs Nadir Ahmed
Jan 24, 2026
Nadir Ahmed, Muslim debater who defends Islamic texts in public forums, and The Word and I, Christian apologist focused on biblical critique, face off. They spar over definitions of chattel slavery, scripture vs practice, hadith interpretations, historical slave trades, and whether each religion's texts encouraged or undermined slavery. Tense cross-examination and audience Q&A fuel the clash.
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Language Shapes Slavery Interpretation
- The Word and I emphasizes the Hebrew terms translate broader concepts (sojourner/servant) not chattel slave.
- He uses Leviticus to argue Israelites were commanded to treat strangers and servants humanely.
Biblical Servitude As Regulated Institution
- The Word and I argues Biblical law treats servitude as temporary and regulated, not chattel slavery.
- He cites Exodus and Leviticus to show protections and mandated release after set periods.
Hadiths Cited As Examples Of Slave Commerce
- The Word and I recounts hadiths describing Muhammad engaging in slave transactions and expeditions where captives were taken.
- He uses these examples to argue Muhammad practiced and permitted slave-related commerce.