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032_After_Badr, page : 5
treated unexpectedly well, but they could not help but observe the considerate Islamic
behavior of Muslims toward one another that had succeeded in breaking down what
would have appeared to other Arabs as impregnable tribal differences and barriers.
The Dilemma of What to do with the Captives
The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) now faced a situation that had never
presented itself before which was what to do with the captives so the Prophet consulted
with Abu Bakr and Omar. Abu Bakr suggested that the captives be offered for ransom
saying, “We are related to all of them, and the ransom money would strengthen us
against the unbelievers, and perhaps Allah will guide them to Islam.” Omar on the other
hand advised killing them saying, “They are the leaders of the unbelievers.” After having
heard from both, the Prophet inclined to Abu Bakr’s suggestion rather than putting them
to death and a ransom, according to the prisoner’s wealth, of between 4,000 and 10,000
dirhams was asked.
It was also decided that those Meccans who were literate and could not afford to ransom
themselves could do so if they taught ten Muslim children how to read and write. Once
the children could read and write, the captive was free to go.
behavior of Muslims toward one another that had succeeded in breaking down what
would have appeared to other Arabs as impregnable tribal differences and barriers.
The Dilemma of What to do with the Captives
The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) now faced a situation that had never
presented itself before which was what to do with the captives so the Prophet consulted
with Abu Bakr and Omar. Abu Bakr suggested that the captives be offered for ransom
saying, “We are related to all of them, and the ransom money would strengthen us
against the unbelievers, and perhaps Allah will guide them to Islam.” Omar on the other
hand advised killing them saying, “They are the leaders of the unbelievers.” After having
heard from both, the Prophet inclined to Abu Bakr’s suggestion rather than putting them
to death and a ransom, according to the prisoner’s wealth, of between 4,000 and 10,000
dirhams was asked.
It was also decided that those Meccans who were literate and could not afford to ransom
themselves could do so if they taught ten Muslim children how to read and write. Once
the children could read and write, the captive was free to go.