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Islamists are in a global war. They would like to impose their religion on the world. In Afghanistan, they are at war with non-Muslims, and they include Koreans among those with whom they struggle.

The Quran

It's time for a review. So what does Islam do with men and women taken as prisoners of war? The answer is not pleasant. The Quran in Surah 47:4, named either "Muhammad" or "War," reads:

47:4 So, when you meet (in fight Jihad in Allah's Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islam), until the war lays down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allah to continue in carrying out Jihad against the disbelievers till they embrace Islam (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the Hell-fire) or at least come under your protection], but if it had been Allah's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost . . . (source)

This one long verse says:

1. Jihadists are commanded to fight.

2. They may strike off heads, hence all the head-chopping nowadays.

3. If they are victorious, they may take prisoners of war.

4. Then the jihadists have two options: Letting them go freely or allowing ransom for money.

5. Other passages in the Quran and hadith (traditions) allow jihadists to have sex with women prisoners of wars or raids.

The Hadith

The hadith are the traditions about Muhammad. They supplement the Quran. In this hadith, Muhammad uses a woman taken in a raid that he permitted as a ransom for Muslims in Mecca:

Some of the enemies were killed and some were taken prisoners. I saw a group of persons that consisted of women and children. I was afraid lest they should reach the mountain before me, so I shot an arrow between them and the mountain. When they saw the arrow, they stopped. So I brought them, driving them along. Among them was a woman from Banu Fazara. She was wearing a leather coat. With her was her daughter who was one of the prettiest girls in Arabia. I drove them along until I brought them to Abu Bakr who bestowed that girl upon me as a prize. So we arrived in Medina. I had not yet disrobed her when the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) met me in the street and said: Give me that girl, O Salama. I said: Messenger of Allah, she has fascinated me. I had not yet disrobed her. When on the next day, the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) again met me in the street, he said: O Salama, give me that girl, may God bless your father. I said: She is for you. Messenger of Allah! By Allah, I have not yet disrobed her. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) sent her to the people of Mecca, and surrendered her as ransom for a number of Muslims who had been kept as prisoners at Mecca. (Muslim 4345).

In the following passage, Khumus is one-fifth of the spoils of war. Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, just finished a relaxing bath. Why?

The Prophet sent Ali to Khalid to bring the Khumus (of the booty) and . . . Ali had taken a bath (after a sexual act with a slave-girl from the Khumus).

What was Muhammad's response to the person who hated Ali for this sexual act?

Do you hate Ali for this? . . . Don't hate him, for he deserves more than that from [the] Khumus. (Bukhari)

Solution for the hostages?

It is very probable that the thugs who have taken the Koreans in a raid (in the jihadists' mind) want money. Paying a ransom will not encourage more hostage-taking because the jihadists believe that they already have divine permission to do this.

Paying a ransom should at least be seriously considered.

Readers may go here for more information:

Slave-girls as sexual property in the Quran

Muhammad and female captives is the most thorough, written by a native speaker of Arabic.

Christianity, Islam, and Slavery is written by a front-ranking New Testament scholar.

What to do to with Hostages to Islamists