the response is: “That contention is unfounded (1); so where is the abrogating proof?” Even if, for argument’s sake, it had been abrogated, that would only be because the captive has a faction to which he will return and thereby strengthen them. For this very reason Abu Ḥanīfah rules that pardon and ransom are impermissible, just as a Muslim prisoner is put to death if he belongs to a fortified group; otherwise, he may be kept as a slave. Had execution itself been mandatory, enslavement would never have been allowed.