Juz 9: Al-Aʿrāf 88 to Al-Anfāl 40
Section 14 of 16 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
Introduction to Surah Al-Anfal and Distribution of War Spoils
Surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils) marks a transition in the Quranic narrative, shifting from the historical accounts of previous nations to addressing immediate concerns of the early Muslim community. Comprising 75 verses, this Madinan surah was revealed after the Battle of Badr—the first major military engagement between Muslims and the Quraysh of Makkah. The surah's name derives from its opening subject matter:
يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْأَنفَالِ ۖ قُلِ الْأَنفَالُ لِلَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ ۖ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَصْلِحُوا ذَاتَ بَيْنِكُمْ ۖ وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
“They ask you about the spoils. Say, "The spoils are for Allah and the Messenger." So, fear Allah, and set your relations right, and obey Allah and His Messenger, if you are believers.”
This verse addresses a dispute that arose among the companions regarding the distribution of war booty (ghana'im) acquired during the Battle of Badr. Allah establishes the fundamental principle that such spoils ultimately belong to Allah and His Messenger, emphasizing that material gain should not be the primary motivation for participating in jihad. Instead of focusing on worldly gains, believers are instructed to fear Allah, maintain harmonious relationships within the community, and submit to divine guidance on these matters.
In the subsequent verses, Allah outlines the characteristics of true believers in verse 2-4:
إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ
“The believers are only those whose hearts feel fear when Allah is mentioned, and when His verses are recited to them, they increase them in faith, and in their Lord they put their trust.”
Five essential qualities mark genuine believers: reverent fear of Allah (manifested when His name is mentioned), increased faith through engagement with the Quran, complete tawakkul (reliance) upon Allah, diligent observance of prayer, and generosity in spending from what Allah has provided. These qualities form the spiritual foundation necessary for those who would strive in Allah's cause.