or granting them amnesty, or releasing them for a ransom. (1)

Should it be objected, “A man is only enslaved once his potential treachery is neutralized, whereas a woman is harmless by nature,” we reply: The discussion has therefore returned to the question of anticipated harm. A man is executed only to ward off the danger he poses to the faith and its adherents; consequently, anyone whose threat to religion and its people can be contained is not to be put to death. It is well known that the danger posed by many men can be contained more easily than that posed by many women. For this very reason a woman is killed if she actually fights, or if she masterminds hostilities by counsel—such was the case with Hind. Indeed, in the Year of the Conquest the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, declared the blood of several women lawful, Hind among them.

If it is then argued, “A woman who fights is killed only to repel her onslaught; once she is taken prisoner she is not executed,” we answer: We do not concede that point. Although al-Shāfiʿī held it, the majority allow it