Al-Anfâl (Surah 8)
Al-Anfâl (Spoils of War)
Madni SurahIntroduction
This sûrah was revealed in Medina to explain how the spoils of war should be distributed following the believers’ victory over the Meccan pagans at Badr in 2 A.H./624 C.E. The sûrah urges the believers to be true to Allah and His Messenger, reminding them of how they were outnumbered but Allah sent down angels for their aid. It is made clear that although victory comes only from Allah, the believers should always be ready to defend themselves and be open for peace. The pagans are warned that their plots to hinder others from Allah’s Way and oppose the truth will only end in failure—a theme emphasized in both the previous and the following sûrahs. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Distribution of Spoils of War
1. They ask you (O Prophet) regarding the spoils of war. Say, “Their distribution is decided by Allah and His Messenger. So be mindful of Allah, settle your affairs, and obey Allah and His Messenger if you are (true) believers.”
Surah 8 - Al-Anfâl (Spoils of War) - Verses 1-1
Qualities of True Believers
2. The (true) believers are only those whose hearts tremble at the remembrance of Allah, whose faith increases when His revelations are recited to them, and who put their trust in their Lord. 3. (They are) those who establish prayer and donate from what We have provided for them. 4. It is they who are the true believers. They will have elevated ranks, forgiveness, and an honorable provision from their Lord.
Surah 8 - Al-Anfâl (Spoils of War) - Verses 2-4
Opposition to Fighting
5. Similarly, when your Lord brought you (O Prophet) out of your home for a just cause, a group of believers was totally against it. 6. They disputed with you about the truth after it had been made clear, as if they were being driven to death with their eyes wide open.
Surah 8 - Al-Anfâl (Spoils of War) - Verses 5-6
Establishing the Truth
7. (Remember, O believers,) when Allah promised (to give) you the upper hand over either target, you wished to capture the unarmed party. But it was Allah’s Will to establish the truth by His Words and uproot the disbelievers; 8. to firmly establish the truth and wipe out falsehood—even to the dismay of the wicked.