The steep path has been interpreted as the Sirāt (the bridge over Hell), as a steep path between Paradise and Hell, as a steep path within Hell, and as a steep path on the bridge over Hell. The most evident interpretation is that it is the Sirāt, and Allah knows best.

The man is said to have been a strong, hardy man from Banū Jumah, known as Abū al-Ashaddayn.

Abū Bakr al-Siddīq, may Allah be pleased with him, freed seven slaves, all of whom were being tortured for their faith in Allah. His father, Abū Quhāfah, said to him, “My son, I see you freeing weak slaves. If you are going to do this, why not free strong slaves who could protect you and come to your defence?” Abū Bakr replied, “Father, I seek only what I seek.” Concerning this, Allah Most High revealed:

“And he owes no one a favour to be repaid,” [al-Layl: 19] “but only seeks the Countenance of his Lord, the Most High.” [al-Layl: 20] “And he will surely be well pleased.” [al-Layl: 21]

Allah Most High means that none of those whom he freed had done him a kindness that he was repaying, or bestowed a favour upon him that he was rewarding. Rather, he did this seeking the Countenance of his Lord, the Most High. In the Hereafter, he will surely be pleased with Allah’s abundant reward and recompense for it, Mighty and Majestic is He.

An authentic hadith relates that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever frees a Muslim, Allah will deliver a limb of his from the Fire for every limb of the person he frees.”

It is also related that he said:

“Any Muslim man who frees a Muslim man, Allah will protect a bone of his from the Fire for every bone of the man he frees. And any Muslim woman who frees a Muslim woman, Allah will protect a bone of the woman who frees her from the Fire for every bone of the woman freed.”

He also said:

“Whoever frees two female slaves, they will be a barrier for him against the Fire.”

The same applies to one who frees a male slave. Thus, according to the transmitted reports, a man delivers himself from the Fire by freeing one Muslim male slave or two Muslim female slaves, while a woman delivers herself from the Fire by freeing one Muslim female slave.

“The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was asked, ‘Which slaves are best to free?’ He replied, ‘Those who command the highest price and are most prized by their owners.’”

Section

There is disagreement over whether this preference applies generally to all slaves, whether Muslims