Women Beautify themselves Before War

War is a part of human history and will continue to be so in the future. So when people are in such circumstances, they have to live its reality, whether it is pleasing to them or not. One consequence of war has been that the women have beautified themselves before war begins;

John McClintock said:

Women who followed their father and husbands to the war put on their finest dresses and ornaments previous to an engagement, in the hope of finding favor in the eyes of their captors in case of a defeat.

(John McClintock, James Strong, “Cyclopædia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature” [Harper & Brothers, 1894], p. 782)

Matthew B. Schwartz said:

Women have always followed armies to do the soldiers’ laundry, to nurse the sick and wounded, and to serve as prostitutes They would often dress in such a way as to attract the soldiers who won the battle . The Bible recognizes the realities of the battle situation in its rules on how to treat female captives, though commentators disagree on some of the details.

The biblical Israelite went to battle as a messenger of God. Yet he could also, of course, be caught up in the raging tide of blood and violence. The Western mind associates prowess, whether military or athletic, with sexual success.

The pretty girls crowd around the hero who scores the winning touchdown, not around the players of the losing team. And it is certainly true in war: the winning hero “attracts” the women.

(Matthew B. Schwartz, Kalman J. Kaplan, “The Fruit of Her Hands: The Psychology of Biblical Women” [Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2007] , pp. 146-147)

This shows us that even if women do not want to lose their husband, a consequence of war is that they may possibly lose him. And if they are going to lose him, they will require safety and prefer to find a rich ‘owner’ from the opposition in order to be safe and secure later on after the war.

This further shows that the women – no matter from what background or time in history – are prepared for the pyschological and physical consequences which will take place after war. They hope for the best, so they prepare for it beforehand. And it is a reality of life they know they have to get used to, they have no other option. This is the evil consequence of war which is an inevitable part of human history.

Practical Islamic Solution

Practical Islamic Solution :

Islam guides mankind to the best Practical teachings, which will ensure the betterment for humans in all situations.

In the scenario of people taking over enemy territory – Muslims will NOT be permitted to Harm (i.e. kill, rape etc.) non-combatants (i.e. women, children, old men etc.) according to the teachings of Islam.

They are deterred from this through 2 ways - (ta'zeer.discretionary) punishment from the Muslim Ameer (leader), and also punishment from God.

Women Slavery: Slavery in Rape, Expulsion, or Prison

Slavery in Rape, Expulsion, or Prison:

A nation who faces war, their men will be killed [in the war], and their women will go through either of these 3 circumstances;

1 – Imprisonment - because she was part of her people who were at war with the Victor. (she will most likely be raped in prison, and this happens even in the modern world. [search Abu Ghraib prison if in doubt.)


2 - Exhile - because the defeated peoples property has all been taken by the enemy. (so she will have to run to another land, where she will probably also face harm and probably rape . And she will not have a male provider. [if in doubt - study the effects of the Iraq war on Muslim women. (many have had to become prostitutes because their men have been killed) .)


3 - Being a Concubine - this is the best practical solution. She has a Believing male provider , she has similar rights to a wife. She learns about Islam from the Muslims in an Islamic society. She soon earns her freedom [see Um al Walad ]. And the male who is Responsible over her may even; teach her, free her and marry her (since that is twice-fold rewardable for him – as stated in the Qur’an and Ahadith [see surah Nur 24:32 ) [Sahih al Bukhari Vol1,Book3 (Knowledge),#97]

Women Slaves / Concubines - Introduction

Women Slaves / Concubines - Introduction
Introduction:

Allah knew that there would be warfare throughout history, and that the enemy Combatant Men would get killed. This would leave the territory, as well as its Wealth and Property to be captured. There would be women and children amongst them who would be left; without wealth, property or husbands.

The Victors would therefore own all the wealth of the defeated, leaving these women and children to fend for themselves. Or the women could move to unknown territories – through which they could face more hardship.

Instead of leaving them with nothing – Allah put all of them under the authority of the Believers. Along with this, Allah has given the believers’ guidance which will show them the perfect way to treat those caught in war.

Conclusion of Slavery in Islam

Conclusion:

1 – Islam strongly urges the freedom of slaves. Whether that is through; Releasing them, Marrying them, or Supporting them in buying their freedom.

2 – Slaves have similar rights to free people in their roles in society.

3 – Slaves are called “your Brothers” by Prophet Muhammad, and should be supported with similar; Clothing, Food and Support as your self.

4 – Even Hitting a slave can require an expiation of freeing him (according to the stated Companions of Prophet Muhammad).

Further Reading:
Islamic Slavery: A Comparison between Islamic Slavery & Judo, Christian and Modern Slavery.

Means for Freedom from Slavery

Means for Freedom:

There are 4 ways a Slave could earn his/her freedom in Islamic slavery;

1 – Al Mudabir: The Master promised freedom for the slave when the Master died.

2 – Al Mukaatab: The slave made contract to free himself when he pays an agreed amount of money to the Master. [see tafsir of Surah Nur 24:33.] This is encouraged, and to help the slave earn their freedom is a huge source of reward for the believer.

Sahl bin Hunaif narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said; “He who assists a Mujahid (one who fights in Allah’s cause), a debtor who is in distress (being unable to pay his debt), or a slave who made an agreement to buy his freedom, Allah will shade him, with His Shade, on the Day when there will be no shade but His.” [Judgment Day]. [Related by Ahmad, and al Hakim graded it Sahih (Authentic)].

3 – Um al Walad: If a female slave had a child [boy or girl] from the master, she is then freed after death of her Master.

(i.e. Mariyya al Qibtiyya became free at the death of Allah’s Messenger because she had a son called Ibraheem from Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]).

4 – Free a slave for Allah’s Pleasure: The slave will be freed by the owner for no cost or favour, except to please Allah and earn His reward. This was strongly encouraged in Islamic history.

Roles of Slaves in Islamic History:

Roles of Slaves in Islamic History:

When we study Islamic history, we see that Slaves were not always oppressed like we might imagine. Infact, slaves were leaders in many fields, ranging from being Kings to Scholars, to Military Commanders [see: Mamluks] to Ministers, and any other role you can think of in society.

Many great elite scholars of Islam were slaves or freed slaves, and many Kings from the Abbasid dynasty were children of slaves; so many kings of the Abbasid dynasty were; Arab, Persian, African, Greek, etc. – due to their mothers being concubines of the king.