The ruling on kidnapping disbelievers for ransom

28-1-2014 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalamualaikom brothers, I have these questions that needs your answer. 1. What can you say about kidnap for ransom? Some Muslims says, it is allowed because it is in the Quran Surat Muhammad verse 4. 2. When someone farted on his pants while outside his house (i.e. office), is he allowed to pray using his pants? I'll be waiting for your answer. Thank you.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

This inference is not correct. Also, the verse you referred to, which is the saying of Allaah (which means): {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.} [Quran 47:4], is about the prisoners of war from those who fight against the Muslims, and Islam has put the matter in the hands of the ruler or his deputy regarding this, and not the general public.

As regards those who are living peacefully in the Muslim land and those under a covenant, it is not permissible to kill them or kidnap them or take their money or the like. Shaykh Abdul Azeez ibn Baaz was asked: “What is the ruling on assaulting foreign tourists and visitors in Islamic countries?" He answered saying: "This is not permissible. It is not permissible to assault anybody, whether they are tourists or workers; because they are given safety and they entered (the country) with peace, so it is not permissible to assault them; but you should advise the government to prevent them from outward inappropriateness. It is not, however, permissible to attack them. As regards individuals, they are not allowed to kill, assault or harm them, but they should take the matter to the authorities, because assaulting them is assaulting people who have entered (the country) with peace, so it is not permissible to assault them, but their matter should be taken to whoever can prevent their entry or prevent them from doing that outward evil. As for advising them and inviting them to Islam or to abandon the evil if they are Muslims, then this is ideal and in line with the Quran and Sunnah. We seek the help of Allaah, and there is not might nor strength except with Allaah, and may Allaah exalt the mention of Prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions." [Majmoo’ Al-Fataawa 89]

As for the passing of wind (farting), it invalidates Wudhoo' (minor ablution) but wind is not impure and it is not required to wash or cleanse after passing wind, or to wash the clothes from it; rather one can pray in those clothes without washing them. Cleansing oneself after passing wind is blameworthy extremism as clarified in Fatwa 86250.

Allah Knows best.