What is the ruling on killing an enemy soldier who challenges Muslims to individual combat?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Jihad

Book 54 · Issue 7 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a disbeliever challenges Muslims to a duel, it is permissible to shoot and kill him because he is a polytheist without treaty or guarantee, making his killing permissible like any other enemy. However, if a custom has been established that a challenger is left unharmed, this custom acts as a condition, and the challenger must be respected.