Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 320
320 of hostilities, the Muslims should be ready to avail themselves of the offer so that fighting might be terminated or suspended and further damage to life and property obviated. An offer of truce or suspension of hostilities should not be declined merely on the suspicion that it may have been inspired by ulterior motives. It is expected of the Muslims that if they are forced to take up arms, they should embrace every opportunity of putting an end to fighting so that the differences between them and their enemy may be resolved through peaceful methods. “If they incline toward peace, incline thou also toward it, and put thy trust in Allah. Surely, it is He Who is All-Hearing, and All-Knowing. If they intend to deceive thee, then surely Allah is sufficient for thee. He it is Who has strengthened thee with His help and with the believers” (8:62 ⎯ 63). In pre-Islamic Arabia few prisoners of war were taken. Those who surrendered themselves in the course of a battle, and for whom valuable ransom was not expected, were often killed after the battle. Those who were spared and were not ransomed were distributed among the victors as slaves, and life for them became a succession of misery and suffering. Tribal raids were often organised for the purpose of plunder and for capturing men and women who could be sold as slaves.