Understanding Islam — Page 22
IS ISLAM A VIOLENT RELIGION? 22 As regards prisoners of war, Allah says that it is not permissible to take captives except in a state of a pitched battle, because to do so would suggest that, rather than seeking the love of God as evidenced by following His commandments, one cares only for amassing wealth and power: It does not behove a Prophet that he should have captives until he engages in regular fighting in the land. You desire the goods of the world, while Allah desires for you the Hereafter. And Allah is Mighty, Wise. 21 Thus, it proves very clearly that it is forbidden, outside of war-time, to keep anyone captive; yet in recent times, we have seen these so-called “Islamists” forcibly imprisoning numerous innocent people, while taking defenceless women as concubines. This is yet another proof that such people have nothing to do with the true and explicit teachings of Islam. Regarding prisoners of war, Allah the Almighty has stated in the Holy Quran that they should be freed following the conclusion of fighting and not