Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 321
321 The difficulty with regard to prisoners of war was that in the conditions then prevailing there were no regular armies, nor any regular public establishments or institutions. For the purpose of fighting, forces were assembled on an ad hoc basis, and each person recruited had to look after himself for everything. Those who wished to be mounted had to provide their own mounts; the rest had to walk. Each person carried his own supplies of dried dates, roasted and ground barley, and water, which were the only provisions available and all that was needed; also, he provided his own arms. The victorious side recouped itself out of spoils gained on the field of battle, including arms, armour, camels, and horses as well as out of the ransom of prisoners of war; failing ransom, they put the captives to work. Prisoners were distributed among the victorious soldiery, the share of each being determined by his contribution in the way of arms, equipment, and the like. With the advent of Islam, these conditions were greatly modified and everything was placed on a humane basis. No prisoners could be taken except as the result of fighting in the course of a regular war. “It does not behove a Prophet that he should have captives except when he engages in regular fighting in the land. You desire the goods of this world, while Allah desires for you the Hereafter. Allah is Mighty, Wise” (8:68).