The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 1) — Page ccxvii
GENERAL INTRODUCTION That is, those who do not deserve to be released without ransom but who have no one to pay ransom for them if they still ask for their freedom-can obtain it by signing an undertaking that, if allowed to work and earn, they will pay their ransom. They are to be allowed to do so, however, only if their competence to work and earn is reasonably certain. If their competence is proved, they should even have financial help from Muslims in their effort to work and earn. Individual Muslims who can afford to do so should pay; or, public subscription should be raised to put these unfortunates on their feet. The passages from the Quran which we have quoted above contain the teaching of Islam on the subject of war and peace. They tell us in what circumstances, according to Islam, is it right to go to war and what limits have to be observed by Muslims when they make war. The Prophet's Precepts about War Muslim teaching, however, does not consist only of precepts laid down in the Quran. It also includes the precepts and example of the Prophet. What he did or what he taught in concrete situations is also an essential part of the Islamic teaching. We append here some sayings of the Prophet on the subject of war and peace. (i) Muslims are forbidden altogether to mutilate the dead (Muslim). (ii) Muslims are forbidden to resort to cheating (Muslim). (iii) Children are not to be killed, nor women (Muslim). (iv) Priests and religious functionaries and religious leaders are not to be interfered with (Ṭaḥāvī). (v) The old and decrepit and women and children are not to be killed. The possibility of peace should always be kept in view (Abū Dāwūd). (vi) When Muslims enter enemy territory, they should not strike terror into the general population. They should permit no ill-treatment of common folk (Muslim). (vii) A Muslim army should not camp in a place where it causes inconvenience to the general public. When it marches it should take care not to block the road nor cause discomfort to other wayfarers. (viii) No disfigurement of face is to be permitted (Bukhārī and Muslim). (ix) The least possible losses should be inflicted upon the enemy (Abū Dāwūd). (x) When prisoners of war are put under guard, those closely related should be placed together (Abū Dāwūd). (xi) Prisoners should live in comfort. Muslims should care more for the comfort of their prisoners than for their own (Tirmidhi). (xii) Emissaries and delegates from other countries should be held in схсі