What is the status of a captured male enemy combatant who is an adult?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
An adult captive from the enemy forces becomes the property (slave) of the Muslims, as he is considered spoils of war upon which they have taken possession, similar to livestock. The Imam may order his execution if his continued existence poses a harm, as he holds no value, similar to an apostate. For non-Scripturaries (Majus and others, excluding women and children), only acceptance of Islam, the sword (killing), or ransom is accepted for adult males, according to one narration.
Supporting text
The ruling for adult males among the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab) is that captivity is permissible if killing them is prohibited (like the elderly, infirm, blind, or monks) because their killing is forbidden and there is no benefit in keeping them in captivity. However, the general permission for enslavement based on conquest is established.