The publication by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) of a handbook on how to treat captive female slaves in relation to having sex with them is a confirmation of reports that thousands of female Yazidis and other minorities are the sex slaves of the notorious Middle Eastern terror group.

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The publication, titled "Questions and Answers on Taking Captives and Slaves," was disseminated in Mosul, Iraq after its printing in October and November and later posted on the ISIS website.

It is written in Arabic characters, but an English translation was made by the Middle East Media Research Institute.

It is in Q&A format, covering 27 topics on how to treat women captured by ISIS. The answers appear to be based on the Qu'ran, with the authors citing the specific chapter and verses as the basis of their response.

The reference to the Islam holy book would likely embolden the reader of the pamphlet that it is okay to rape female captives and even have children with them since such acts appear to be part of the responsibilities of a jihadist waging a holy war against unbelievers.

According to the pamphlet, there is nothing wrong with abducting non-Muslim women, and it is even permissible to have sexual intercourse with her. The pamphlet quoted Allah from the Qu'ran as saying, "[Successful are the believers] who guard their chastity, except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their right hands possess, for then they are free from blame."

It approved of forcing a virgin to have sex with the captor, but if the captive is no longer a virgin, the captor must first purify her uterus, although the pamphlet failed to provide more details on what procedure is involved. Pre-puberty child captives can be raped if "she is fit for intercourse," but for those deemed not yet fit, they may be molested in other ways, hinting of oral and anal sex.

Georgia State University professor of religious studies Abbas Barzegar pointed out that the ISIS based their answers in the Q&A from ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean codes of conduct for war and prisoners. But he stressed that despite the "holy reference" the ISIS cites, many Muslim leaders and followers of the Islam faith, "find its alien interpretation of Islam grotesque and abhorrent."

Barzegar added, quoted by CNN, "Unfortunately, in the context of failed states and civil wars most sane voices are often the most drowned out."

TagsISIS, Rape, sex slaves, virgin