“When an adult male is taken captive, the caliph considers the interests … (of Islam and the Muslims) and decides between the prisoner’s death, slavery, release without paying anything, or ransoming himself in exchange for money or for a Muslim captive held by the enemy.” — ‘Umdat al-Salik, o9.14
An update on this story. “Kidnappers demand $2M for Irish priest hostage,” from the Manila Times, November 1 (thanks to Sr. Soph):
ZAMBOANGA CITY: Kidnappers holding an elderly Irish missioner hostage have released a video of their captive and demanded $2 million for his release.
The video, a copy of which was seen by a local journalist in Pagadian City on Saturday, showed 79-year-old Father Michael Sinnott holding a copy of the October 22 issue of a Manila newspaper as proof of life.
“My kidnappers are led by Commander Abu Jayad. They are asking $2million as ransom money,” the priest said while standing in front of a white background in a forested area.
“We are living in the open, in difficult circumstances. I am still in good health even if I do not have the full medicines.”
Sinnott is being held the boundary of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte provinces in northern Mindanao….
Eid Kabalu, a spokesman for the MILF rebels, said, “We are not aware of the video. Until now we have no proof of life. We have no photos or video of Father Sinnott, but if there is such a video, well that’s good and a proof that Father Sinnot is alive,” he said….