TREATMENT OF THE DEAD AND CASUALTIES

Prophet Muhammad ordered that the dead left by the enemy on the battleground should be decently treated. He prevented the dead bodies from rotting in the open air by having them buried in pits.

Muslims not only treated prisoners of war well, but they also treated idolaters who had been wounded well, giving them the same medical treatment as the Muslim casualties.

The aim of the Prophet as a commander of the army was to perpetuate the principles of Islam and to provide and retain the necessary conditions for peace. The property and lives of civilians were not harmed during the wars that he led. Prisoners of war were treated in the best manner. Necessary treatment was given to casualties and the ill, and the dead were buried. No raids or looting was practiced before or after the war. Ignorant emotions, such as lust for personal or material gain, racism, revenge or exploitation were not seen in the battles that he led.

As a military commander Prophet Muhammad would ensure the spiritual world of his soldiers by leading them to a higher spirituality before capturing cities and castles. In the wars led by this commander there was no cruelty and his soldiers fought to eradicate such practices.