Allah's mercy towards prisoners of war who have good in them - in the Quran

The Quran teaches that prisoners of war should be treated humanely and with kindness, particularly if they have good in them. This is in line with the Islamic principle of compassion and mercy towards all human beings. The Quran teaches about Allah's mercy towards prisoners of war who have good in them. Here are some relevant verses:

Quran 47:4:

"So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allah - never will He waste their deeds." This verse addresses the conduct of Muslims in warfare and provides guidance on how to treat prisoners of war. It instructs believers to strike their enemies in battle but also to secure their bonds and consider showing them favor or accepting ransom. The verse emphasizes that the ultimate goal of warfare should be to establish peace and that Allah tests believers through such conflicts.

Quran 8:67:

"It is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he inflicts a massacre [upon Allah's enemies] in the land. Some Muslims desire the commodities of this world, but Allah desires [for you] the Hereafter. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise." This verse cautions against taking prisoners of war until after a significant defeat has been inflicted upon the enemy, to prevent further conflict and establish peace. The verse also emphasizes the importance of seeking the Hereafter over worldly gain.

Quran 47:5:

"So when you meet in battle those who disbelieve, then smite the necks until, when you have overcome them, then bind fast the captives. Thereafter, either a free release or a ransom until the war terminates. That [is Allah's ordinance]. And if Allah had so willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He lets you fight] that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of Allah - never will He render their deeds vain." This verse echoes the guidance of Quran 47:4 and emphasizes the importance of establishing peace after conflict. It also reinforces the idea that Allah allows armed struggle to test believers and that those who die in His cause will not have their deeds go to waste.

Quran 76:8-9:

"And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'" This verse highlights the importance of caring for prisoners of war and providing them with food and other basic necessities. It also emphasizes that such actions should be done solely for the sake of Allah and not for any personal gain or recognition.

Quran 2:177:

"Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous." This verse teaches that true righteousness lies in one's faith in Allah and in their actions towards others. It emphasizes the importance of giving to the needy, including prisoners of war, as well as fulfilling one's promises and being patient in the face of hardship.

Quran 4:36:

"Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful." This verse lists the various groups of people to whom Muslims should show kindness and compassion, including prisoners of war whom they may have acquired as possessions. It emphasizes that Allah does not approve of those who are arrogant or selfish.

Overall, the Quran teaches that treating prisoners of war with mercy and kindness is an important aspect of Islam, and it should be done for the sake of Allah and as a reflection of one's faith in Him. Muslims are encouraged to provide for their basic needs and to establish peace whenever possible, while still upholding justice and the safety of their own community.