Background Information of Surah Al-Anfal
Occasion: Revealed after the Battle of Badr, where disputes arose among the Muslims over the distribution of the spoils of war. It consists of 75 verses.
Dispute Details: Different groups among the Muslims argued over who deserved the spoils:
Those who gathered the spoils claimed ownership.
Fighters argued their combat role entitled them to a share.
Protectors of the Prophet insisted their role in safeguarding him was just as crucial.
Key Themes and Messages
Resolution of Dispute:
Divine Intervention: Allah revealed this Surah to address and resolve the conflicts among the Muslims regarding the spoils.
Transfer of Authority: The Surah stripped the fighters of their claims to the spoils and placed the authority over them in the hands of the Prophet Muhammad. This action was meant to demonstrate the need for unity and proper leadership in handling such matters.
Distribution of Spoils:
Equal Distribution: The Prophet, guided by the revelations, distributed the spoils equally among the Muslims, ensuring fairness and quelling the initial discontent.
Moral Conduct: This episode highlighted the importance of subduing personal greed and showcasing solidarity, principles that would strengthen the Muslim community.
Broader Implications
Moral Rectitude: The Surah Anfal serves as a correction of the “bad character” displayed by the Muslims during the dispute, redirecting them towards the values of justice, fairness, and the importance of following divine commandments in all aspects of life, including warfare and its aftermath.
Topical Analysis of Rukus
Ruku 1: Verses 1-10
Allah gives the judgment of the spoils taken after the wars and explains the attitude of the muslims against the war before the Battle of Badr and his own judgment.
Allah talks about the characteristics of the true believer.
Ruku 2: Verses 11-19
Allah explains how He helped the muslims in the Battle of Badr, what orders He gave to the angels, and calls out to the enemy polytheists.
Ruku 3: Verses 20-28
The importance and subtleties of following Allah and His Messenger are explained.
Ruku 4: Verses 29-37
Allah explains how He rewards those who avoid going against Him, the evil plans of the polytheists against the Prophet (pbuh), the attitudes of the polytheists towards the Qur’an and their administration of the Masjid al-Haram, and finally the end that awaits those who spend their wealth against the religion of Allah.
Ruku 5: Verses 38-44
Allah invites disbelievers to Islam once again through the Prophet (pbuh) and explains what will happen if they do not comply.
He makes His decision on how the spoils of war are to be distributed. Allah explains the unknown details about the Battle of Badr and the help He provided to the believers.
Ruku 6: Verses 45-48
Allah reveals the secrets of victory for a war to the muslims and explains the pre-war situations of the pagan side.
He explains how the devil motivated the other side and why he fled during the war.
Ruku 7: Verses 49-58
Allah explains what the enemy side said before the war and what the angels said to them during the war.
Allah likens the army of infidels to the pharaoh and the stubborn tribes before him, and explains why such tribes are punished.
The most evil creatures in the sight of Allah and their characteristics.
Allah gives some advice to the Prophet (pbuh) in his dealings with the enemy, both in war and out of war.
Ruku 8: Verses 59-64
Allah orders muslims to raise war horses so that they can intimidate their enemies, known and unknown.
He explains what they should do if the enemies want peace, and explains that he made muslims love each other and that Allah is sufficient for them in every situation.
Ruku 9: Verses 65-69
Allah explains the number of enemies that muslims can encounter when their faith is at its highest and when their faith is weak.
The mistake made by the muslims after the Battle of Badr.
Ruku 10: Verses 70-75
Allah explains His Prophet (pbuh) how he should treat captives.
Allah tells muslims about the importance of emigration for the sake of Allah and making jihad (struggle for the sake of Allah) with their wealth and their lives, or helping those who do so.
