An exploration of the history of African slaves in the Muslim world. Written by a cast of experts in the field, Slavery, Islam and Diaspora identifies the distinct cultural identity and social stratum of slaves in Islamic society and shows how Islam has been used alternately to justify enslavement, liberate slaves and defend the autonomy of certain communities. Local perceptions of Islam are also taken into account in this rich and remarkable volume of scholarly approaches to the history and concept of slavery.