Surah Name: Al-Anfal (سورة الأنفال)
Translation: The Spoils of War
Origin of name: The Surah is named after the word "Anfal" mentioned in its first verse, referring to "war booty" or "spoils of war." Derived from the Arabic root "nefl," meaning "extra or surplus," it symbolizes that spoils are not the primary objective of war but rather an additional outcome.
Surah Number: 8
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 75
Makki or Madani: Madani
Approximate Time of Revelation: The majority of the Surah was revealed following the Battle of Badr in 2 A.H.
Historical Context
Surah Al-Anfal was primarily revealed after the pivotal Battle of Badr in the 2nd year after the Hijrah. This battle marked the first major military victory for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Muslim community against the Quraysh. The Surah addresses key issues that arose from the battle, particularly disputes over the distribution of war spoils (referred to as "Anfal"). This conflict revealed human weaknesses such as greed and selfishness, which the Surah critiques while emphasizing that such spoils are ultimately under Allah’s authority and should be distributed according to divine guidance.
The Surah is not limited to the immediate concerns of the Battle of Badr. It also lays down universal principles for conducting warfare, maintaining discipline, and preparing the Muslim community to face future conflicts. Additionally, it highlights the role of unity, faith, and trust in Allah for success, both in battle and in spiritual life. The Surah discusses the importance of strong moral character, avoiding arrogance, and preparing against enemies with both material readiness and spiritual devotion.
Overall, Surah Al-Anfal reflects the formative phase of the Muslim community in Madinah, where they transitioned from a vulnerable group to an organized and principled community capable of standing their ground both militarily and morally. It serves as a record of the lessons learned from the Battle of Badr and as a guide for future challenges.
Main Themes
Distribution of Spoils of War:
The surah begins by addressing the disputes among Muslims over the spoils of the Battle of Badr, emphasizing that such gains belong to Allah and His Messenger and must be distributed according to divine guidance, not personal claims.Divine Assistance and Victory in Battle:
The victory at Badr is attributed to Allah's help rather than numerical superiority or worldly strength, reinforcing the concept that faith, obedience, and trust in Allah are crucial for success.Preparation and Unity in Defense:
Muslims are instructed to prepare themselves with strength and unity to face their enemies. Discord, worldly desires, and lack of discipline are highlighted as significant sources of weakness.Moral and Spiritual Guidance in War:
The surah emphasizes that war in Islam is not for personal gain but for establishing justice and guiding people to the truth. Believers are reminded of the higher purpose of jihad: to seek Allah’s pleasure and the betterment of humanity.Accountability and Taqwa (God-Consciousness):
Adherence to divine principles, obedience to the Prophet, and mutual support among Muslims are stressed. Fear of Allah and awareness of His commands are identified as the paths to success in both this world and the Hereafter.Lessons from Past Nations:
The surah draws comparisons to past nations, like the Pharaoh and his forces, emphasizing that worldly might and materialism lead to downfall, while faith and adherence to divine guidance ensure strength and victory.Brotherhood and Mutual Support Among Believers:
Muslims are urged to treat one another as brothers, regardless of their past, and to maintain unity, avoiding any fitnah (discord) that could weaken their collective strength.Caution Against Hypocrisy and Greed:
The surah warns against the perils of hypocrisy, insincerity, and excessive attachment to worldly possessions, all of which can undermine the moral and spiritual integrity of the Muslim community.Call to Prepare for Future Challenges:
Believers are encouraged to prepare for potential threats by amassing strength (material resources) while maintaining reliance on Allah. They are reminded that subsequent victories will follow if they stay steadfast and committed to divine principles.
Key Messages/Lessons
- Ghanimah (war gains) belongs to Allah and His Prophet, and must be distributed justly according to divine guidance.
- Muslims must fight in the way of Allah sincerely, not for material gain or personal interest.
- Obedience to Allah and His Messenger, unity among Muslims, and avoiding disputes ensure collective strength and blessings.
- Victory in battles comes from faith, determination, and Allah’s assistance, not from numerical strength or material resources.
- Fleeing from battle without strategy is prohibited.
- Success stems from righteousness, sincerity, and steadfastness, while hypocrisy, excessive attachment to worldly pleasures, and disobedience lead to failure and downfall.
- Preparation is key; Muslims should maintain both spiritual and physical readiness to confront visible and unseen enemies.
- Caution against arrogance, boasting, and reliance on worldly means in confrontations with adversaries.
- Brotherhood among Muslims is emphasized, with a need for mutual support and forgiveness for past actions.
- The ultimate goal of jihad is to guide people towards truth and eternal salvation, not to seek worldly gains or oppression.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Anfal
Verse 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.”"
This verse emphasizes that spoils of war belong to Allah and His Messenger and urges the believers to maintain unity and obedience.Verse 10:
"And Allah made this a sign of victory and reassurance to your hearts. Victory comes only from Allah. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise."
A reminder that victory is solely granted by Allah's will.Verse 17:
"It was not you ˹believers˺ who killed them, but it was Allah Who did so. Nor was it you ˹O Prophet˺ who threw ˹a handful of sand at the disbelievers˺, but it was Allah Who did so, rendering the believers a great favour. Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing."
This verse highlights that victory in battle is ultimately achieved by Allah’s intervention and not by human effort alone.Verse 24:
"O believers! Respond to Allah and His Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah stands between a person and their heart, and that to Him you will all be gathered."
A call to respond to Allah and His Messenger for guidance that leads to true life.Verse 30:
"And ˹remember, O Prophet,˺ when the disbelievers conspired to capture, kill, or exile you. They planned, but Allah also planned. And Allah is the best of planners."
This verse recalls Allah's superior planning against the schemes of disbelievers.Verse 46:
"Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not dispute with one another, or you would be discouraged and weakened. Persevere! Surely Allah is with those who persevere."
A command for believers to avoid disputes and remain united in obedience and patience.Verse 60:
"Prepare against them what you ˹believers˺ can of ˹military˺ power and cavalry to deter Allah’s enemies and your enemies as well as other enemies unknown to you but known to Allah. Whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be paid to you in full and you will not be wronged."
This verse encourages preparation for defense and spending in Allah’s cause with the promise of reward.Verse 61:
"If the enemy is inclined towards peace, make peace with them. And put your trust in Allah. Indeed, He ˹alone˺ is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing."
A command to accept peace when offered by the enemy, relying on Allah.Verse 63:
"He brought their hearts together. Had you spent all the riches in the earth, you could not have united their hearts. But Allah has united them. Indeed, He is Almighty, All-Wise."
Acknowledging that only Allah can unite hearts truly.Verse 65:
"O Prophet! Motivate the believers to fight. If there are twenty steadfast among you, they will overcome two hundred. And if there are one hundred of you, they will overcome one thousand of the disbelievers, for they are a people who do not comprehend."
Encouragement for a few steadfast believers to remain confident in Allah’s support against great numbers.
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.
