The Economic System of Islam — Page 31
31 There is no doubt that some instances of the un-Islamic custom of slavery can be found in Islamic history; but slavery was never practised to promote domestic industry or trade. Exhortations for Freeing the Prisoners of War With respect specifically to the prisoners of war, Islam decrees : 15 That is: Then afterwards either release them as a favour or by taking ransom. No third option is given. The captor can either release prison- ers of war out of compassion and rest assured that God is pleased with his action or if financial hardship does not allow the captors to set prisoners of war free without recompense, then it is permis- sible to charge the customary ransom for release. However, what happens if neither the prisoner nor his country or family have the resources to pay ransom? Islam then allows the prisoner to pay his ransom in regular instalments and thereby earn his freedom. Allah the Almighty says: 16 15 S u rah Muhammad , 47:5, (publishers) 16 S u rah an-N u r , 24:34, (publishers)