they may sell them, or, if they wish, take them back to their own lands. I know of no disagreement concerning this. If the Muslims capture them as spoils, they are restored to their protected status and owe nothing, unless they are sold while remaining silent and knowing that they are under no obligation to accept this. In that case, the disagreement between Ibn al-Qāsim’s opinions mentioned in the preceding discussion applies. If their captors embrace Islam while holding them, al-Mudawwanah states that they become their slaves, whereas Ibn Habīb says that they are restored to their protected status. This is also the view preferred by Ismāʿīl. If their captors conclude a truce, they are not to be interfered with. If they conclude an agreement to pay jizyah, two positions on this question may be derived from Ibn al-Qāsim’s opinions within the school. And Allah grants success.

Section
On Guarding the Frontiers

Guarding the frontiers is a branch of jihad. It consists of remaining at frontier posts to protect the Muslims living there. Its Arabic name, ribāt, derives from binding, because someone who remains at a frontier post is as though bound to it. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says:

“Prepare against them whatever force and warhorses you can, to strike fear into Allah’s enemy and your enemy.” [al-Anfāl: 60]

The reward for this service is proportionate to the danger at that frontier and its inhabitants’ need for protection against the enemy. It has been related that ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿUmar said: “Jihad was prescribed to shed the blood of the polytheists, and guarding the frontiers to spare the blood of Muslims. Sparing the blood of Muslims is dearer to me than shedding the blood of the polytheists.” It has been said that he made this statement only after jihad had become affected by the abuses that arose within it. For ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb said:

“Go on campaigns while warfare remains sweet and fresh, before it becomes bitter and arduous, then becomes thumām-grass, then withered vegetation, then crumbling stubble. When campaigns range far afield, onerous commands multiply, and the spoils are deemed lawful, the best jihad for you is guarding the frontiers.”

Thumām is fresh vegetation,