Abd (Arabic)

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This article is about the Arabic term. For other uses, see ABD.

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Abd (Arabic: عبد‎) is an Arabic word meaning one who is totally subordinated; a slave. It appears in many common Arab names indicating submission to God. For instance Abd-Allah means "servant of Allah" It also means "worshipper of Allah".

Abd also refers to completely subordinated slaves which were a special legal class in Arab society, mainly made up of imported African slaves, yet many were from the Caucasus Mountains as well as Eastern Europe. Some of the latter eventually became known as the Mamluk ruling class, having procured education and military training at an early age.

Abd: (Arabic Countries) This term, literally "slave" in Arabic, is used as a slur against Blacks and persons of mixed African descent. Usage is consistent with the Arab institution of black slavery that lasted from approximately 900 to 1962.