Author:
Publication: The Middle East Media
Research Institute
Date: October 27, 2002
URL: http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=sd&ID=SP43402
On the Islamic internet site www.qoqaz.com
which is hostile towards the Russians, and is probably run by Chechens,
there are a number of unsigned articles which deal with Islam's position
towards prisoners. Drawing upon Islamic religious sources; e.g., the Koran
and its interpretations as well as other traditions about the Prophet's
conduct, the articles advocate a position which permits the killing of
prisoners if their killing benefits the Muslims. The following are the
main elements in the articles:
"A Guide to the Perplexed about
the Permissibility of Killing Prisoners"
In an article titled "A Guide to
the Perplexed Regarding the Permissibility of Killing Prisoners," which
appeared in the column "Jihad News from the Land of the Caucasus[1] " the
author suggests that the Islamic religious scholars present five different
alternatives, drawn from the various interpretations of the Koran:
1. A polytheist prisoner must be
killed. No amnesty may be granted to him, nor can he be ransomed.
2. All infidel polytheists and the
People of the Book (i.e., Jews and Christians) are to be killed. They may
not be granted amnesty, nor can they be ransomed.
3. Amnesty and ransom are the only
two ways to deal with prisoners.
4. Amnesty and ransom are possible
only after the killing of a large number of prisoners.
5. The Imam, or someone acting on
his behalf, can choose between killing, amnesty, ransom or enslaving the
prisoner.
Killing a Prisoner for the Sins
of Others is Permissible
The last position is the one preferred
by the author who explained that the Prophet Muhammad had dealt with the
prisoners in different ways to maximize the benefits to Muslims.
He gives examples regarding the
methods that the Prophet Muhammad had chosen to kill, grant amnesty, or
ransom prisoners.
The author finds it necessary to
present the subject in reaction to an Islamic criticism "which had torn
his heart" about the execution of nine [Russian] prisoners after the Russian
Government had refused to surrender "one of Russia's biggest criminals
and crooks."
According to the author, [the Chechens]
have executed the prisoners not because of their heart's desire, but because
they have seen a benefit for the Muslims in such an act.
In reaction to the arguments made
by some critics that no one should be punished for the sins of others,
the author maintains that Allah permits the killing of a prisoner because
he is a prisoner, and all the more so if his killing for the sins of others
serves an important Islamic interest, as well as a deterrent (to the enemy).
He brings examples from actions of the Prophet. A state of war justifies
actions of the sort that could guarantee the security of the soldiers of
Islam. Moreover, only with such action is it possible to protect the honor
of Muslims.[2]
In an article titled "Are Hostages
Prisoners?" the author explains the concept of "hostages" in its modern
application to local kidnapped individuals and foreigners who are held
as a means of pressure to achieve specific goals. According to him, he
who was kidnapped in accordance with Islamic law should be considered a
hostage, and hence a prisoner, who should be treated in the manner that
would bring benefits to the Muslims.[3]
[1] In an article titled "Prisoners
in Islam" the author indicates that there are five methods that Islam proposes
for dealing with prisoners: release without ransom, ransom, killing, enslavement
or subjugation to the authority of the Islamic state. The method changes
according to circumstances but it has to be one that brings the greatest
benefits to Muslims. For example, if amongst the prisoners there is someone
who is strong and is likely to tantalize the Muslims and his keeping alive
may cause harm to them, his killing will be the preferred method. If there
is someone who is weak but wealthy, ransoming him is the best method. If
there is someone who holds a favorable view of Muslims and could help them
and their prisoners, amnesty is the best method. If there are those who
could render a service, such as women and children, enslavement is the
best method.
http://www.qoqaz.com/qoqaz.asp?9=4&pp=1&sec=7
[2] www.qoqaz.com/qoqaz.asp?p=4
[3] www.qoqaz.com/qoqaz.asp?p=4&pp=1&sec=8
