27/05/2023
The scholars have many positions on this subject, but they are agreed upon it being obligatory to free
the Muslim prisoners of war, by either sacrificing ourselves or by our wealth.
Ibn Qudamah Al-Hanbali said (Al-Mughni 9/228):
It is obligatory to pay the ransom money for the Muslim prisoners, if it is possible.
This was also said by Umar bin Abdul-Aziz, Imam Malik and Ishaq. It has been narrated from IbnZubair that he asked Al-Hassan bin Ali about freeing the prisoners. Al-Hassan replied: "It is obligatory upon the entire Earth on which he was fighting."
It has been established from the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) that he said: "Feed the hungry, visit the sick and free the prisoner."
It has been narrated by Saeed through his chain from Hibban bin Jabalah, that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Indeed it is obligatory upon the Muslims to free their captives or to pay their ransoms."
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) wrote a letter advising the Muhajireen and Ansar: "To restrain the enemy soldiers in their fortresses and to free the Muslim captives with goodness."
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) paid the ransom for two Muslim men with a man who he (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) had taken from Bani Uqail, and he paid the ransom for two people with a woman who was given as a gift by Salamah bin Al-Akwa.
These evidences show how the prisoners were freed, not specifying any particular way. However, if we are able to free the prisoners through a particular way then it becomes obligatory upon us do take
that course. This is what the jurists did and they said: "It is compulsory upon us to even wage war in order to release the Muslim captives, if we are in a position to wage war.
Ibn Nuhaas transmits from An-Nawawi in Ar-Raudah (2/838 fromMashari Al-Ashwaq ila Masari'
Al-Ushaq):
If the enemy capture a Muslim or two, then is it equivalent to invading a Muslim land? There are two opinions on this. The first opinion is no, because the troubling of one Muslim soldier is insignificant. The more correct and other opinion of the two is yes, because the sanctity of a single Muslim is greater than the sanctity of an entire state.
Sheikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said (Al-Fatawa 28/635):
Freeing the prisoners is one of the greatest compulsory deeds and spending ransom money and other means towards that, is one of the greatest ways to come close to Allah.Ibn Hajar Al-Haithami said (Tuhfah Al-Muhtaj 9/237) said:
If the enemy captures a single Muslim, it becomes wajib (obligatory) on every one who has the ability, To rush to their rescue (even without seeking anyone's permission). It is apparent that it is compulsory
on everyone, similar to the situation where the enemy invades our land. Moreover, saving our brothers is of a higher priority, as the sanctity of a Muslim is greater (than the sanctity of a State).
O Allah, the Living, the Everlasting!
O Allah, release the Muslim captives!
O Allah, release the Muslim captives!
O Allah, release our prisoners and the rest of the Muslim prisoners!
O Allah, release our prisoners in Palestine! And in Kashmir! And in the Philippines! And in Cuba!
O Allah, hasten to them a solution to their plight!
O Allah, hasten to them a solution to their plight!
O Allah, hasten to them a solution to their plight!
O Allah, end their captivity!
O Allah, have Mercy on their weak!
O Allah, have Mercy on their weak!
O Allah, make their hearts firm!
O Allah, bond Iman to their hearts!