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July 2008 |
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A True Story of a Prince among Slaves |
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Friday, 01 February 2008 |
"Prince Among Slaves" airs at 10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4 on PBS stations
nationwide. Check local listings at www.pbs.org and visit
www.princeamongslaves.tv
Ayesha Ahmad is a freelance writer working with the Unity Productions Foundation
In an effort to gain support for his children's freedom from slavery, the newly freed American slave Abdul Rahman once wrote out what was supposed to be the Lord's Prayer in Arabic.
Years later, it was discovered that he had actually written out Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Qur'an.
After forty years of crushing servitude in a strongly Christian land, this former African prince still remained faithful to Allah, with the memory of His words still in his heart and mind.
That incredible fortitude, enduring belief and nobility of character infuses the remarkable story of Abdul Rahman's life, now brought to public television in a new documentary, "Prince Among Slaves," by Unity Productions Foundation, producers of Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet and Cities of Light: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain.
"The theme is , the oppressor can never rob you of your dignity so long
as you show forbearance," said Co-Executive Producer Alex Kronemer of
the film. "Remember this man, and remember your dignity: which is the
message I would like people to come away with."
Born in 1762, Abdul Rahman lived his first 26 years as royalty in the
kingdom of Futa Jallon, in western Africa, where he served as a
military commander in his father's army. His extraordinary journey,
which would test his character in the most surprising and often brutal
ways, began when he was captured by rival warriors and sold to English
slavers in 1788.
After surviving the harrowing 3,000-mile Middle Passage in chains on a
slave ship, and several hundred more miles through the Gulf of Mexico
and up the Mississippi river, Abdul Rahman began his life as the slave
of a young planter named Thomas Foster by running away. But after weeks
of wandering in the wilderness -and after the search for him had been
abandoned -he returned to his new master and pledged his loyalty.
"Someone brought up in Futa Jallon believes that... God knows and
numbers every day of your life," said historian Terry Alford, author of
the 1977 book, "Prince Among Slaves," upon which the documentary is
based. "This fate, however cruel it seemed to him, was part of a divine
plan. His resignation to the will of God was demanded."
Over the next twenty years, the prince used his knowledge, skill and
integrity to build the best life for himself possible in his situation,
marrying an American-born slave, Isabella, raising nine children, and
winning his master's trust by his own loyalty and hard work. He helped
to greatly increase Foster's wealth and success as a farmer, and became
known as the "African Prince" in the environs around Natchez, where he
lived.
An astonishing chance meeting in 1807 showed once again the power of
the will of God in Abdul Rahman's life. At a Sunday market where the
prince was allowed to sell a few of his own vegetables for his own
money, a passerby recognized him as the son of the African chief who
had saved his life over twenty years earlier. Dr. John Cox, an Irish
ship's surgeon, had been stranded sick in Africa in the late 1780's and
nursed back to health by Abdul Rahman's family.
Cox immediately tried to secure the prince's freedom, and continued to
try until his death in 1816, after which his son took over his efforts.
But Foster would not sell his loyal, hardworking slave for any price.
Still, rising anti-slavery sentiment across the country made it
possible for Abdul Rahman's supporters to bolster his efforts. Cox had
partnered with a local Natchez journalist to draw national attention to
his story, which eventually led to the involvement of President John
Quincy Adams and his Secretary of State Henry Clay. Because of the
prince's Arabic knowledge, the government believed he was Moroccan, and
agreed to support his cause only to boost America's relations with
Morocco.
In 1828 Foster finally agreed to free only Abdul Rahman, with the
stipulation that he return to Africa immediately and alone. But white
supporters helped purchase Isabella's freedom, and then Abdul Rahman
defied Foster's orders and set off on a tour across the northern United
States, giving speeches and collecting donations to help free his
children and grandchildren.
On his return trip to the White House, President Adams declined to aid
Abdul Rahman after discovering he was not in fact Moroccan. That was
when the prince turned to the American Colonization Society, a powerful
group working to free slaves, resettle them in Africa and spread
Christianity there.
Abdul Rahman sought the help of Thomas Gallaudet, head of the ACS's
Connecticut office. It was Gallaudet who, in his mistaken belief that
the prince was a Christian, gave him an Arabic Bible and asked him to
write the Lord's Prayer in Arabic.
Although Abdul Rahman's story did not end quite as he hoped, it still
stands as a testament to his incredible resilience of spirit and
commitment to his own values, as the documentary illustrates.
"Abdul Rahman survived the harsh ordeals of slavery through his love of
family and his deep abiding faith," said Co-Executive Producer Michael
Wolfe. "The film depicts a universal story of perseverance and hope.
Abdul [Rahman] endured unimaginable indignities and faced immeasurable
odds, yet managed to survive his long fall from royalty with character
and integrity intact."
Source:
http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0801-3502
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