It is permissible for a Muslim to kill any of the fighters of the Idolaters over whom he has prevailed, whether they have engaged in combat or not. There is disagreement regarding killing their elders and monks living in hermitages and monasteries. One viewpoint regarding them is that they are not to be killed until they themselves fight, since a truce has been made with them, like women and children. The second viewpoint is that they are to be killed even if they do not fight, since perhaps they may be sources of advice with ideas even more harmful to the Muslims than fighting.