A comparative study of the interpretation of verse 4 of Surah Muhammad in Shia and Sunni sources with emphasis on the permissibility or impermissibility of enslaving prisoners of war.
1
Arak University Qom Seminary Noor Computer Research Center for Islamic Sciences, Digital Humanities and Islamic Sciences Research Institute
2
Faculty member of Arak University
10.22054/ajsm.2026.81657.2071
Abstract
Among the rulings in Islamic law is how to interact with infidels who have fought against Muslims; in the Quran, there is a clear divine command regarding their fighting and captivity. In addition to "man" and "fida" mentioned in the fourth verse of Surah Muhammad, some narrations have added a third topic, namely the slavery of prisoners of war, the validity of which has been criticized by some contemporaries, who have basically stated that it has no Quranic support and lacks documentary validity. This article has attempted to examine the issue of the permissibility or impermissibility of the enslavement of prisoners of war, especially in the Imamiyyah, by comparative examination of the fourth verse of Surah Muhammad and the compilation of the opinions of the two sects. By proving the validity of the relevant narrations, it has proven that the enslavement of prisoners of war is considered an example of sacrifice and its authority is in the hands of the infallible Imam. The claim of its abrogation or Islam's attempt to gradually negate slavery and take positive measures in dealing with slaves has nothing to do with the permissibility of enslaving prisoners of war. Almost all Shiite and Sunni scholars have unanimously considered the enslavement of prisoners of war permissible, citing the Quran, Sunnah, and the conduct of the people.
Asadi, M., & hasanbeygi, A. (2026). A comparative study of the interpretation of verse 4 of Surah Muhammad in Shia and Sunni sources with emphasis on the permissibility or impermissibility of enslaving prisoners of war. (e21950). Seraje Monir, (), e21950 https://doi.org/10.22054/ajsm.2026.81657.2071
MLA
Asadi, M., & hasanbeygi, A. "A comparative study of the interpretation of verse 4 of Surah Muhammad in Shia and Sunni sources with emphasis on the permissibility or impermissibility of enslaving prisoners of war." .e21950 , Seraje Monir, , 2026, e21950. doi: 10.22054/ajsm.2026.81657.2071
HARVARD
Asadi M., hasanbeygi A. (2026). 'A comparative study of the interpretation of verse 4 of Surah Muhammad in Shia and Sunni sources with emphasis on the permissibility or impermissibility of enslaving prisoners of war.', Seraje Monir, (), e21950. doi: 10.22054/ajsm.2026.81657.2071
CHICAGO
M. Asadi & A. hasanbeygi, "A comparative study of the interpretation of verse 4 of Surah Muhammad in Shia and Sunni sources with emphasis on the permissibility or impermissibility of enslaving prisoners of war.," Seraje Monir, (2026): e21950, doi: 10.22054/ajsm.2026.81657.2071
VANCOUVER
Asadi M., hasanbeygi A. A comparative study of the interpretation of verse 4 of Surah Muhammad in Shia and Sunni sources with emphasis on the permissibility or impermissibility of enslaving prisoners of war. Seraje Monir. 2026;():e21950 (In Persian). doi: 10.22054/ajsm.2026.81657.2071
