This is an important insight into the mindset of many Muslims who become jihadis. They believe that by working to please Allah they will stave off personal and societal disasters. Since waging war against unbelievers is a divine command (cf. Qur’an 8:39, 9:29, etc.) and thus a primary way to please Allah, this mindset bodes […]
Nigeria: 259 people found held hostage in mosque, some held for 10 years
Hostage-taking is sanctioned in Islamic law and subject to particular rules: “As for the captives, the amir [ruler] has the choice of taking the most beneficial action of four possibilities: the first to put them to death by cutting their necks; the second, to enslave them and apply the laws of slavery regarding their sale […]