The New World Order of Islam — Page 66
New World Order 66 under an obligation to feed and clothe prisoners of war on a scale and level which is prevalent in the case of their own citizens. This injunction was, however, very rigidly observed by the Companions of the Holy Prophet sa. On a particular journey, it is said, some of the Companions were accompanied by prisoners, and these prisoners themselves relate that the party ran short of provisions at a certain stage. The Companions, therefore, decided that they would feed the prisoners upon the remaining store of dates and would themselves subsist upon date-stones. It is related that there were not even enough stones to go round. It will be recognised that this injunction of Islam is very equitable and humane. Another rule laid down by Islam is that no prisoner of war must be struck or beaten. If any prisoner of war is beaten or assaulted, he must be set at liberty at once. On one occasion the Holy Prophet sa on emerging from his house saw a Muslim beating a prisoner. This Muslim relates that while he was beating he heard the Holy Prophet sa call out: "What are you about? Surely this is very un-Islamic. Do you not realise that God has much greater power over you than you have over this prisoner?" He said, he was terrified on hearing this and said, "O Prophet sa of God, I liberate him. " ‘The Holy Prophet sa said, "If you had not done so, you would have tasted the fire. " These days many people have no qualms while beating their