Slavery has been a complex and deeply embedded institution throughout human history, particularly within major religious traditions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This overview highlights how each religion's historical context and legal frameworks shaped the practice and eventual abolition of slavery. In Judaism, biblical and Talmudic laws regulated slavery starting around 1200 BCE through to approximately 500 CE. Hebrew slaves were subject to specific Torah laws including six-year terms of service and release during the Jubilee year, symbolizing forgiveness and freedom every 50 years. Non-Hebrew slaves, however, could be held permanently. Over centuries, Rabbinic Judaism, especially after the 11th century CE, saw a decline in slavery practices leading to formal abolition in Jewish communities by the 19th century. These provisions reveal a system seeking to balance the socio-economic realities of the era with moral and religious considerations. Christianity’s relationship with slavery evolved after the Roman Empire's Christianization in the 4th century CE. Unlike Judaism’s regulated approach, Christian societies institutionalized slavery, with churches owning slaves and engaging actively in the transatlantic slave trade. Papal bulls such as Dum Diversas (1452) and Romanus Pontifex (1455) legally sanctioned the enslavement of non-Christians, underscoring the religion's role in perpetuating the practice. Abolition movements took root late in the 18th century, culminating in final bans across Catholic and Protestant countries by the late 1800s. In Islam, slavery began with the religion's foundation in the 7th century and lasted officially until the 20th century. Islamic Sharia law regulated slavery by permitting the enslavement of non-Muslims while forbidding enslaving fellow Muslims. Major Islamic empires such as the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman empires were involved in slave trading involving diverse populations from Africa, Europe, and Asia. The Ottoman Empire began abolishing the slave trade in stages from 1847 to 1908, though unofficial slavery persisted until the mid-20th century. This extensive history demonstrates how slavery was intertwined with religious, societal, and legal structures across different cultures and epochs. Understanding these historical nuances provides context for the enduring legacies and complex social developments that continue to impact modern discussions about human rights and justice. It is essential to learn from these histories to foster a more equitable future and recognize the diverse experiences shaped by religious regulations and cultural transformations.