Suras 8. Al Anfal
Part 8
8 Al Anfal (Bounty of War)
Earliest Madani Surah after Badr
- 75 Ayaat about half a Juz.
- Questions about Prisoners and how to distribute spoils of war.
- Badr was first major battle between Muslims and Quraish in 2nd year Hijra in Ramadan.
History of Badr (not all in Surah)
- Major annual caravan of abu Sufyan (worth millions) was planned to attacked by 300 and abu sufyan informed abu Jahl who from quraish brought 1000 people to fight the Muslims. Allah guaranteed Muslims victory over one of these two (abu sufyan is abu Jahl).
- The Muslims were informed finally that it will be a battle with abu Jahl army and meeting was called in Badr. 310 people 90 from Muhajirun and around 220 Ansaar. (Ansaar has contracted to protect if madina attacked but no obligation to fight for them). The leader of Ansaar agreed to help the Prophet ﷺ with a beautiful speech.
- Badr was a resounding victory. Over 70 of leaders of quraish incl abu Jahl we’re killed and 70 prisoners of war were captured.
Allah Decides Laws of Distribution
- Aya 1: The Haq of how to distribute is upon Allah and his messenger ﷺ. Spoils of war were not allowed to prophets before from famous Hadith.
- Aya 2-4 Allāh describes the believers. Believers should accept the decree
- Aya 5 People were reluctant
- Aya 7 victory over one of the groups was promised you wanted the easy group and Allāh had a better plan and truth of Islam to be established.
- Aya 8 this was the plan and wisdom of Allah.
- Aya 9 when Prophet ﷺ made Dua, Allāh answered and reinforced with 1000 angels. Prophet ﷺ prayed all night and also in morning with hands up
Victory comes from Allāh – Angels Sent
- Aya 10 victory only comes from Allāh
- Aya 11 night before battle Allāh made them sleep without being nervous. The rain was enough to make it easy to walk on the earth.
- Aya 12 Allāh commands the Angels to attack
- Aya 17 it was not you who killed them but Allāh. Prophet ﷺ picked up sand and threw in the direction and all of them felt it. Allah is the one who actually threw it to hurt them. Tawakul in Allāh means we do our part and Allāh does the rest.
- Aya 22-23 quraish are the worst of mankind. If Allāh had seen good in them they would have had been guided. Allah knows who deserves guidance and Allāh will always guide the sincere.
Wealth is a Test
- Aya 28 wealth and children are a test for you after financial success from spoils of war. This test we should pass.
Evil of Quraish – Why Battle
- Aya 30 Remember how quraish persecuted you. They plan and Allāh plans and Allāh is the best of planers.
- Aya 32-33 quraish mocking Allah and they are told Badr Prophet ﷺ being amongst them is a blessing and all will not be punished.
- Aya 36 fundraising of Quraish useless.
- Aya 38 after all they had done if they stopped their past will be forgiven. Shows the mercy of Allah.
- Aya 39 there is a reason why we are fighting. Because they cause Fitna by persecuting muslims. Peace should be established to practice religion freely. Purpose of war.
Distribution Laws Detailed
- Aya 41 laws on how to distribute spoils of war.
- Usul al Fiqh defines how to use this verse in light of rest of Quran and Sunnah and understanding Arabic
- Allah says 4/5 belongs to army who won and 1/5 belongs to state (Allāh and his messenger).
Battle was Qadr of Allah – Appeared Few
- Aya 42 Allāh’s plan was that people would meet in battle and your plan cannot undo the plan of Allah.
- Aya 43 the Prophet ﷺ saw a dream with few people to make muslims courageous. Allah keeps some things hidden to keep us courageous and strong.
- Aya 44 Allāh also made the muslims appear few in their eyes to conclude the plan Allāh He had destined.
- Aya 45-46 when fighting stand firm and obey Allah and Prophet ﷺ. Do not fight amongst each other. Be sincere and not show off
Preparation is Necessary with Tawakul
- Aya 60 despite all miracles. The Muslims told to prepare as much as you can, train, have weapons, wear armour. Man has to do as much as he can of all types of strength.
- In today’s time we should also strengthen our knowledge to share the true message of Islam and defend the truth in front of others.
Islam is Peace – Peace comes from Allah.
- Aya 61 if they incline to peace so should you.
- This is in alignment with the true and holistic view of Quran and Sunnah which is peaceful.
- Aya 62-63 Allāh is the one who helps. Peace only comes from Allah. Look at example of Ouz and Khazrajj whose hearts Allāh United. Had you spent everything on earth you wouldn’t be able to do bring peace if Allāh does not will it.
Few Overcome Many – Quality
- Aya 64-66 Ratio of people. Few of Muslims can overcome many non believers. Numbers reduced later and needs more research with tafsir on how burden is reduced by Allāh.
Prisoners of War
- Aya 67 prisoners of war and Ransom based on the wealth. The better option would have been to send a message and kill them instead of ransoming them. This is to send a message at this time. When Muslims have the upper hand then mercy is the default. Ransom was based on how rich someone was and the poor just taught ten children how to read and write.
- Aya 70 Allāh knows the good among the captives. Prisoners were told if they had good in heart Allāh will replace for them what is better than what they lost in Badr. Al Abbas رضي الله عنه said I knew this verse was for me.
Protection, Alliance and Unity of Muslims
- Aya 72 How alliances are important like Muhajireen and Ansaar. These must be protected.
- Disbelievers will also unite against you so we should unite as one Ummah. Unity of Badr is an example for showing how Allāh gives victory for unity.
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