The phrase "متى استعبدتم الناس وقد ولدتهم أمهاتهم أحرارا" is famously attributed to Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph of Islam. He reportedly said this to Amr ibn al-As, the governor of Egypt, during a dispute involving an incident where Amr's son had mistreated a Coptic Egyptian. Umar's statement means "When did you enslave people while their mothers bore them free?" It is a rhetorical question condemning the practice of subjugating or enslaving people who are born free by nature. This story is well-recognized but not fully verified as authentic by all scholars. The narration comes from historical reports but some sources consider its chain of transmission weak or report it as a story rather than a confirmed historical event. Nonetheless, it remains a powerful expression symbolizing justice and human dignity in Islamic tradition. In summary:

• The phrase means people are born free and should not be enslaved.
• It is attributed to Umar ibn al-Khattab addressing Amr ibn al-As.
• The authenticity is debated but it is widely used to emphasize freedom and justice.

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