The New World Order of Islam — Page 65
New World Order 65 are often put to such work as is suited to their capacity. It appears to have been authorised by the Holy Prophet sa that a prisoner of war may be released on giving an assurance that he would not again take part in a war against Muslims. An incident which occurred in the time of the Holy Prophet sa illustrates this. In the battle of Badr, a prisoner was taken of the name of Ab u ‘Uzzah. The Holy Prophet sa released him on the promise that he would not participate in any subsequent war against Muslims. He broke this promise and fought against Muslims again in the picture battle of U h ud. He was eventually again taken prisoner in the battle of Hamr a ’ul Asad and executed. To recapitulate, Islam prescribes two courses, one of which must be adopted in dealing with the prisoners of war. They must either be released without ransom or held in captivity till they are ransomed. While they are held in captivity, it is permissible to put them to suitable employment. But even with regard to this employment, Islam prescribes that no prisoner should be called upon to perform a task which is beyond his strength or capacity, and that he must be fed and clothed in the same manner as his captor. This is an injunction which goes far beyond the practice of modern States. Even those countries which are parties to international conventions are not