Revealed in Madinah immediately following the decisive Battle of Badr, Surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) serves as a profound divine commentary on the ethics, psychology, and spiritual realities of armed conflict. The chapter was initially sent down to resolve a dispute among the early Muslims regarding the distribution of war booty, fundamentally shifting their mindset by declaring that all spoils belong to God and His Messenger, establishing a just system for distribution that prioritized community welfare. Beyond military logistics, the Surah forcefully reminds the believers that their unexpected victory over a vastly superior Makkan army was purely the result of divine intervention—through the sending of unseen angels, calming rain, and courage—rather than their own physical prowess. It lays down critical Islamic protocols for warfare, the ethical treatment of prisoners of war, the strict honoring of peace treaties, and the absolute necessity of internal unity, warning that discord will strip away their strength. Ultimately, it redefines the true nature of victory and faith, beautifully describing the sincere believers as those whose hearts tremble at the mention of God, commanding the community to ensure their physical struggles are always governed by moral integrity, unwavering trust in the Creator, and a higher spiritual purpose rather than the pursuit of material gain.
Transliteration
Yasaloonaka AAani alanfali quli alanfalu lillahi waalrrasooli faittaqoo Allaha waaslihoo thata baynikum waateeAAoo Allaha warasoolahu in kuntum mumineena
Translation
They ask you about the bounties. Say, “The bounties are for God and the Messenger.” So be mindful of God, and settle your differences, and obey God and His Messenger, if you are believers
This verse gives the Surah its name (The Spoils of War). After the victory at Badr, a dispute broke out over who had the right to the abandoned enemy gear. God intervened, declaring that victory and spoils belong to God and His Messenger, commanding the believers to stop arguing and maintain brotherhood.
Transliteration
Innama almuminoona allatheena itha thukira Allahu wajilat quloobuhum waitha tuliyat AAalayhim ayatuhu zadathum eemanan waAAala rabbihim yatawakkaloona
Translation
The believers are those whose hearts tremble when God is mentioned, and when His revelations are recited to them, they strengthen them in faith, and upon their Lord they rely
Transliteration
Allatheena yuqeemoona alssalata wamimma razaqnahum yunfiqoona
Translation
Those who perform the prayer; and from Our provisions to them, they spend
Transliteration
Olaika humu almuminoona haqqan lahum darajatun AAinda rabbihim wamaghfiratun warizqun kareemun
Translation
These are the true believers. They have high standing with their Lord, and forgiveness, and a generous provision
Transliteration
Kama akhrajaka rabbuka min baytika bialhaqqi wainna fareeqan mina almumineena lakarihoona
Translation
Even as your Lord brought you out of your home with the truth, some believers were reluctant
Transliteration
Yujadiloonaka fee alhaqqi baAAdama tabayyana kaannama yusaqoona ila almawti wahum yanthuroona
Translation
Arguing with you about the truth after it was made clear, as if they were being driven to death as they looked on
Transliteration
Waith yaAAidukumu Allahu ihda alttaifatayni annaha lakum watawaddoona anna ghayra thati alshshawkati takoonu lakum wayureedu Allahu an yuhiqqa alhaqqa bikalimatihi wayaqtaAAa dabira alkafireena
Translation
God has promised you one of the two groups—that it would be yours—but you wanted the unarmed group to be yours. God intends to prove the truth with His words, and to uproot the disbelievers
Explains how the Battle of Badr began: Muslims originally marched out lightly equipped to intercept a trade caravan and recover wealth stolen from them in Makkah. Instead, the caravan escaped, and they found themselves facing an unexpected army of 1,000 armed warriors. God guided them to this confrontation to break the power of tyranny.
Transliteration
Liyuhiqqa alhaqqa wayubtila albatila walaw kariha almujrimoona
Translation
In order to confirm the truth and nullify falsehood, even though the guilty dislike it
Transliteration
Ith tastagheethoona rabbakum faistajaba lakum annee mumiddukum bialfin mina almalaikati murdifeena
Translation
When you appealed to your Lord for help, He answered you, “I am reinforcing you with one thousand angels in succession.”
The night before Badr, the Prophet ﷺ prayed so intensely for help that his cloak fell from his shoulders, pleading with God to protect the small band of 313 believers. God answered by sending 1,000 angels to strengthen their hearts.
Transliteration
Wama jaAAalahu Allahu illa bushra walitatmainna bihi quloobukum wama alnnasru illa min AAindi Allahi inna Allaha AAazeezun hakeemun
Translation
God only made it a message of hope, and to set your hearts at rest. Victory comes only from God. God is Mighty and Wise
Transliteration
Ith yughashsheekumu alnnuAAasa amanatan minhu wayunazzilu AAalaykum mina alssamai maan liyutahhirakum bihi wayuthhiba AAankum rijza alshshaytani waliyarbita AAala quloobikum wayuthabbita bihi alaqdama
Translation
He made drowsiness overcome you, as a security from Him. And He sent down upon you water from the sky, to cleanse you with it, and to rid you of Satan’s pollution, and to fortify your hearts, and to strengthen your foothold
The night before battle, God blessed the anxious believers with a deep, peaceful sleep to restore their energy. He also sent a gentle rain that firmed up the loose sand beneath their feet, while making the ground muddy and slippery for the enemy.
Transliteration
Ith yoohee rabbuka ila almalaikati annee maAAakum fathabbitoo allatheena amanoo saolqee fee quloobi allatheena kafaroo alrruAAba faidriboo fawqa alaAAnaqi waidriboo minhum kulla bananin
Translation
Your Lord inspired the angels: “I am with you, so support those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. So strike above the necks, and strike off every fingertip of theirs.”
God's command to the angels sent to support the believers during the intense hand-to-hand combat at Badr, directing them to disarm and strike down the enemy combatants.
Transliteration
Thalika biannahum shaqqoo Allaha warasoolahu waman yushaqiqi Allaha warasoolahu fainna Allaha shadeedu alAAiqabi
Translation
That is because they opposed God and His Messenger. Whoever opposes God and His Messenger—God is severe in retribution
Transliteration
Thalikum fathooqoohu waanna lilkafireena AAathaba alnnari
Translation
“Here it is; so taste it.” For the disbelievers there is the suffering of the Fire
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo itha laqeetumu allatheena kafaroo zahfan fala tuwalloohumu aladbara
Translation
O you who believe! When you meet those who disbelieve on the march, never turn your backs on them
Transliteration
Waman yuwallihim yawmaithin duburahu illa mutaharrifan liqitalin aw mutahayyizan ila fiatin faqad baa bighadabin mina Allahi wamawahu jahannamu wabisa almaseeru
Translation
Anyone who turns his back on them on that Day, except while maneuvering for battle, or to join another group, has incurred wrath from God, and his abode is Hell—what a miserable destination
Transliteration
Falam taqtuloohum walakinna Allaha qatalahum wama ramayta ith ramayta walakinna Allaha rama waliyubliya almumineena minhu balaan hasanan inna Allaha sameeAAun AAaleemun
Translation
It was not you who killed them, but it was God who killed them. And it was not you who launched when you launched, but it was God who launched. That He may bestow upon the believers an excellent reward. God is Hearing and Knowing
During the heat of battle, the Prophet ﷺ scooped up a handful of sand and threw it toward the enemy ranks, saying: 'May their faces be disgraced!' Miraculously, the dust blew into the eyes of the enemy soldiers, causing panic. God reminded the Muslims that victory came from divine intervention, not human pride.
Transliteration
Thalikum waanna Allaha moohinu kaydi alkafireena
Translation
Such is the case. God will undermine the strategy of the disbelievers
Transliteration
In tastaftihoo faqad jaakumu alfathu wain tantahoo fahuwa khayrun lakum wain taAAoodoo naAAud walan tughniya AAankum fiatukum shayan walaw kathurat waanna Allaha maAAa almumineena
Translation
If you desire a verdict, the verdict has come to you. And if you desist, it would be best for you. And if you return, We will return; and your troops, however numerous, will not benefit you. God is with the believers
Before leaving Makkah, the enemy leader Abu Jahl held the curtains of the Ka'bah and prayed: 'O God, grant victory today to whichever side is right and destroy the wrongdoers!' God answered his prayer at Badr by defeating Abu Jahl and his forces.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo ateeAAoo Allaha warasoolahu wala tawallaw AAanhu waantum tasmaAAoona
Translation
O you who believe! Obey God and His Messenger, and do not turn away from him when you hear
Transliteration
Wala takoonoo kaallatheena qaloo samiAAna wahum la yasmaAAoona
Translation
And be not like those who say, “We hear,” when they do not hear
Transliteration
Inna sharra alddawabbi AAinda Allahi alssummu albukmu allatheena la yaAAqiloona
Translation
The worst of animals to God are the deaf and dumb—those who do not reason
Transliteration
Walaw AAalima Allahu feehim khayran laasmaAAahum walaw asmaAAahum latawallaw wahum muAAridoona
Translation
Had God recognized any good in them, He would have made them hear; and had He made them hear, they would have turned away defiantly
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo istajeeboo lillahi walilrrasooli itha daAAakum lima yuhyeekum waiAAlamoo anna Allaha yahoolu bayna almari waqalbihi waannahu ilayhi tuhsharoona
Translation
O you who believe! Respond to God and to the Messenger when He calls you to what will revive you. And know that God stands between a man and his heart, and that to Him you will be gathered
Transliteration
Waittaqoo fitnatan la tuseebanna allatheena thalamoo minkum khassatan waiAAlamoo anna Allaha shadeedu alAAiqabi
Translation
And beware of discord which does not afflict the wrongdoers among you exclusively; and know that God is severe in retribution
Transliteration
Waothkuroo ith antum qaleelun mustadAAafoona fee alardi takhafoona an yatakhattafakumu alnnasu faawakum waayyadakum binasrihi warazaqakum mina alttayyibati laAAallakum tashkuroona
Translation
And remember when you were few, oppressed in the land, fearing that people may capture you; but He sheltered you, and supported you with His victory, and provided you with good things—so that you may be thankful
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo la takhoonoo Allaha waalrrasoola watakhoonoo amanatikum waantum taAAlamoona
Translation
O you who believe! Do not betray God and the Messenger, nor betray your trusts, while you know
Transliteration
WaiAAlamoo annama amwalukum waawladukum fitnatun waanna Allaha AAindahu ajrun AAatheemun
Translation
And know that your possessions and your children are a test, and that God possesses an immense reward
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo in tattaqoo Allaha yajAAal lakum furqanan wayukaffir AAankum sayyiatikum wayaghfir lakum waAllahu thoo alfadli alAAatheemi
Translation
O you who believe! If you remain conscious of God, He will give you a criterion, and will remit from you your sins, and will forgive you. God is possessor of infinite grace
Transliteration
Waith yamkuru bika allatheena kafaroo liyuthbitooka aw yaqtulooka aw yukhrijooka wayamkuroona wayamkuru Allahu waAllahu khayru almakireena
Translation
When the disbelievers plotted against you, to imprison you, or kill you, or expel you. They planned, and God planned, but God is the Best of planners
Refers to the secret meeting of Makkan chieftains before the Prophet's escape (Hijrah). They planned to send an assassin from every tribe to kill him together in his sleep. God ruined their plot: Ali bravely slept in the Prophet's bed, and the Prophet ﷺ slipped past the armed guards unseen.
Transliteration
Waitha tutla AAalayhim ayatuna qaloo qad samiAAna law nashao laqulna mithla hatha in hatha illa asateeru alawwaleena
Translation
And when Our revelations are recited to them, they say, “We have heard. Had we wanted, we could have said the like of this; these are nothing but myths of the ancients.”
Transliteration
Waith qaloo allahumma in kana hatha huwa alhaqqa min AAindika faamtir AAalayna hijaratan mina alssamai awi itina biAAathabin aleemin
Translation
And they said, “Our God, if this is the truth from You, then rain down on us stones from the sky, or visit us with a painful affliction.”
Highlights the bizarre arrogance of an enemy leader (Nadr ibn al-Harith). Instead of praying, 'O God, if this is the truth, guide us to it,' his stubborn pride led him to pray: 'If this is the truth, rain down stones from heaven and destroy us!'
Transliteration
Wama kana Allahu liyuAAaththibahum waanta feehim wama kana Allahu muAAaththibahum wahum yastaghfiroona
Translation
But God would not punish them while you are amongst them. And God would not punish them as long as they seek forgiveness
Transliteration
Wama lahum alla yuAAaththibahumu Allahu wahum yasuddoona AAani almasjidi alharami wama kanoo awliyaahu in awliyaohu illa almuttaqoona walakinna aktharahum la yaAAlamoona
Translation
Yet why should God not punish them, when they are turning others away from the Sacred Mosque, although they are not its custodians? Its rightful custodians are the pious; but most of them do not know
Transliteration
Wama kana salatuhum AAinda albayti illa mukaan watasdiyatan fathooqoo alAAathaba bima kuntum takfuroona
Translation
Their prayer at the House was nothing but whistling and clapping—so taste the punishment for your blasphemy
Describes how pre-Islamic pagans acted at the Ka'bah. Instead of solemn, humble prayer, they clapped their hands, whistled loudly, and made noise to drown out the recitation of the Quran.
Transliteration
Inna allatheena kafaroo yunfiqoona amwalahum liyasuddoo AAan sabeeli Allahi fasayunfiqoonaha thumma takoonu AAalayhim hasratan thumma yughlaboona waallatheena kafaroo ila jahannama yuhsharoona
Translation
Those who disbelieve spend their wealth to repel from God’s path. They will spend it, then it will become a source of sorrow for them, and then they will be defeated. Those who disbelieve will be herded into Hell
Transliteration
Liyameeza Allahu alkhabeetha mina alttayyibi wayajAAala alkhabeetha baAAdahu AAala baAAdin fayarkumahu jameeAAan fayajAAalahu fee jahannama olaika humu alkhasiroona
Translation
That God may distinguish the bad from the good, and heap the bad on top of one another, and pile them together, and throw them in Hell. These are the losers
Transliteration
Qul lillatheena kafaroo in yantahoo yughfar lahum ma qad salafa wain yaAAoodoo faqad madat sunnatu alawwaleena
Translation
Say to those who disbelieve: if they desist, their past will be forgiven. But if they persist—the practice of the ancients has passed away
Transliteration
Waqatiloohum hatta la takoona fitnatun wayakoona alddeenu kulluhu lillahi faini intahaw fainna Allaha bima yaAAmaloona baseerun
Translation
Fight them until there is no more persecution, and religion becomes exclusively for God. But if they desist—God is Seeing of what they do
Transliteration
Wain tawallaw faiAAlamoo anna Allaha mawlakum niAAma almawla waniAAma alnnaseeru
Translation
And if they turn away, know that God is your Protector. The Best Protector, and the Best Supporter
Transliteration
WaiAAlamoo annama ghanimtum min shayin faanna lillahi khumusahu walilrrasooli walithee alqurba waalyatama waalmasakeeni waibni alssabeeli in kuntum amantum biAllahi wama anzalna AAala AAabdina yawma alfurqani yawma iltaqa aljamAAani waAllahu AAala kulli shayin qadeerun
Translation
And know that whatever spoils you gain, to God belongs its fifth, and to the Messenger, and the relatives, and the orphans, and the poor, and to the wayfarer, provided you believe in God and in what We revealed to Our servant on the Day of Distinction, the day when the two armies met. God is Capable of everything
Establishes a revolutionary system for dividing battle spoils: four-fifths (80%) was shared fairly among all participating soldiers, while one-fifth (20%) was reserved for public welfare—caring for orphans, the poor, and travelers.
Transliteration
Ith antum bialAAudwati alddunya wahum bialAAudwati alquswa waalrrakbu asfala minkum walaw tawaAAadtum laikhtalaftum fee almeeAAadi walakin liyaqdiya Allahu amran kana mafAAoolan liyahlika man halaka AAan bayyinatin wayahya man hayya AAan bayyinatin wainna Allaha lasameeAAun AAaleemun
Translation
Recall when you were on the nearer bank, and they were on the further bank, and the caravan was below you. Had you planned for this meeting, you would have disagreed on the timing, but God was to carry out a predetermined matter, so that those who perish would perish by clear evidence, and those who survive would survive by clear evidence. God is Hearing and Knowing
Transliteration
Ith yureekahumu Allahu fee manamika qaleelan walaw arakahum katheeran lafashiltum walatanazaAAtum fee alamri walakinna Allaha sallama innahu AAaleemun bithati alssudoori
Translation
God made them appear in your dream as few. Had He made them appear as many, you would have lost heart, and disputed in the matter. But God saved the situation. He knows what the hearts contain
Transliteration
Waith yureekumoohum ithi iltaqaytum fee aAAyunikum qaleelan wayuqallilukum fee aAAyunihim liyaqdiya Allahu amran kana mafAAoolan waila Allahi turjaAAu alomooru
Translation
When you met, He made them appear as few in your eyes, and made you appear fewer in their eyes, so that God may conclude a predetermined matter. To God all matters revert
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo itha laqeetum fiatan faothbutoo waothkuroo Allaha katheeran laAAallakum tuflihoona
Translation
O you who believe! When you meet a force, stand firm, and remember God much, so that you may prevail
Transliteration
WaateeAAoo Allaha warasoolahu wala tanazaAAoo fatafshaloo watathhaba reehukum waisbiroo inna Allaha maAAa alssabireena
Translation
And obey God and His Messenger, and do not dispute, lest you falter and lose your courage. And be steadfast. God is with the steadfast
Transliteration
Wala takoonoo kaallatheena kharajoo min diyarihim bataran wariaa alnnasi wayasuddoona AAan sabeeli Allahi waAllahu bima yaAAmaloona muheetun
Translation
And do not be like those who left their homes boastfully, showing off before the people, and barring others from the path of God. God comprehends what they do
Transliteration
Waith zayyana lahumu alshshaytanu aAAmalahum waqala la ghaliba lakumu alyawma mina alnnasi wainnee jarun lakum falamma taraati alfiatani nakasa AAala AAaqibayhi waqala innee bareeon minkum innee ara ma la tarawna innee akhafu Allaha waAllahu shadeedu alAAiqabi
Translation
Satan made their deeds appear good to them, and said, “You cannot be defeated by any people today, and I am at your side.” But when the two armies came in sight of one another, he turned on his heels, and said, “I am innocent of you; I see what you do not see; I fear God; God is severe in punishment.”
Before the battle, Satan encouraged the Makkan army disguised as an allied tribal chief, guaranteeing they could not lose. But when the clash began and Satan saw Angel Gabriel and the angels descending, he panicked, abandoned the army, and fled into the desert.
Transliteration
Ith yaqoolu almunafiqoona waallatheena fee quloobihim maradun gharra haolai deenuhum waman yatawakkal AAala Allahi fainna Allaha AAazeezun hakeemun
Translation
The hypocrites and those in whose hearts is sickness said, “Their religion has deluded these people.” But whoever puts his trust in God—God is Mighty and Wise
Transliteration
Walaw tara ith yatawaffa allatheena kafaroo almalaikatu yadriboona wujoohahum waadbarahum wathooqoo AAathaba alhareeqi
Translation
If only you could see, as the angels take away those who disbelieve, striking their faces and their backs: “Taste the agony of the Burning.”
Transliteration
Thalika bima qaddamat aydeekum waanna Allaha laysa bithallamin lilAAabeedi
Translation
“That is because of what your hands have committed, and because God is not unjust to the servants.”
Transliteration
Kadabi ali firAAawna waallatheena min qablihim kafaroo biayati Allahi faakhathahumu Allahu bithunoobihim inna Allaha qawiyyun shadeedu alAAiqabi
Translation
Like the behavior of the people of Pharaoh, and those before them. They rejected the signs of God, so God seized them for their sins. God is Powerful, Severe in punishment
Transliteration
Thalika bianna Allaha lam yaku mughayyiran niAAmatan anAAamaha AAala qawmin hatta yughayyiroo ma bianfusihim waanna Allaha sameeAAun AAaleemun
Translation
That is because God would never change a blessing He has bestowed on a people unless they change what is within themselves, and because God is Hearing and Knowing
Transliteration
Kadabi ali firAAawna waallatheena min qablihim kaththaboo biayati rabbihim faahlaknahum bithunoobihim waaghraqna ala firAAawna wakullun kanoo thalimeena
Translation
Such was the case with the people of Pharaoh, and those before them. They denied the signs of their Lord, so We annihilated them for their wrongs, and We drowned the people of Pharaoh—they were all evildoers
Transliteration
Inna sharra alddawabbi AAinda Allahi allatheena kafaroo fahum la yuminoona
Translation
The worst of creatures in God's view are those who disbelieve. They have no faith
Transliteration
Allatheena AAahadta minhum thumma yanqudoona AAahdahum fee kulli marratin wahum la yattaqoona
Translation
Those of them with whom you made a treaty, but they violate their agreement every time. They are not righteous
Transliteration
Faimma tathqafannahum fee alharbi fasharrid bihim man khalfahum laAAallahum yaththakkaroona
Translation
If you confront them in battle, make of them a fearsome example for those who follow them, that they may take heed
Transliteration
Waimma takhafanna min qawmin khiyanatan fainbith ilayhim AAala sawain inna Allaha la yuhibbu alkhaineena
Translation
If you fear treachery on the part of a people, break off with them in a like manner. God does not like the treacherous
Transliteration
Wala yahsabanna allatheena kafaroo sabaqoo innahum la yuAAjizoona
Translation
Let not the disbelievers assume that they are ahead. They will not escape
Transliteration
WaaAAiddoo lahum ma istataAAtum min quwwatin wamin ribati alkhayli turhiboona bihi AAaduwwa Allahi waAAaduwwakum waakhareena min doonihim la taAAlamoonahumu Allahu yaAAlamuhum wama tunfiqoo min shayin fee sabeeli Allahi yuwaffa ilaykum waantum la tuthlamoona
Translation
And prepare against them all the power you can muster, and all the cavalry you can mobilize, to terrify thereby God’s enemies and your enemies, and others besides them whom you do not know, but God knows them. Whatever you spend in God’s way will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged
Commands the principle of deterrence: maintaining a strong, prepared defense so that hostile warmongers think twice before attacking, thereby preserving peace through strength.
Transliteration
Wain janahoo lilssalmi faijnah laha watawakkal AAala Allahi innahu huwa alssameeAAu alAAaleemu
Translation
But if they incline towards peace, then incline towards it, and put your trust in God. He is the Hearer, the Knower
Immediately balances military deterrence with a mandate for peace: if an enemy shows any genuine inclination toward peace or a ceasefire, Muslims are commanded to accept peace immediately and place their trust in God.
Transliteration
Wain yureedoo an yakhdaAAooka fainna hasbaka Allahu huwa allathee ayyadaka binasrihi wabialmumineena
Translation
If they intend to deceive you—God is sufficient for you. It is He who supported you with His aid, and with the believers
Transliteration
Waallafa bayna quloobihim law anfaqta ma fee alardi jameeAAan ma allafta bayna quloobihim walakinna Allaha allafa baynahum innahu AAazeezun hakeemun
Translation
And He united their hearts. Had you spent everything on earth, you would not have united their hearts, but God united them together. He is Mighty and Wise
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alnnabiyyu hasbuka Allahu wamani ittabaAAaka mina almumineena
Translation
O prophet! Count on God, and on the believers who have followed you
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alnnabiyyu harridi almumineena AAala alqitali in yakun minkum AAishroona sabiroona yaghliboo miatayni wain yakun minkum miatun yaghliboo alfan mina allatheena kafaroo biannahum qawmun la yafqahoona
Translation
O prophet! Rouse the believers to battle. If there are twenty steadfast among you, they will defeat two hundred; and if there are a hundred of you, they will defeat a thousand of those who disbelieve; because they are a people who do not understand
Transliteration
Alana khaffafa Allahu AAankum waAAalima anna feekum daAAfan fain yakun minkum miatun sabiratun yaghliboo miatayni wain yakun minkum alfun yaghliboo alfayni biithni Allahi waAllahu maAAa alssabireena
Translation
God has now lightened your burden, knowing that there is weakness in you. If there are a hundred steadfast among you, they will defeat two hundred; and if there are a thousand of you, they will defeat two thousand by God’s leave. God is with the steadfast
Transliteration
Ma kana linabiyyin an yakoona lahu asra hatta yuthkhina fee alardi tureedoona AAarada alddunya waAllahu yureedu alakhirata waAllahu AAazeezun hakeemun
Translation
It is not for a prophet to take prisoners before he has subdued the land. You desire the materials of this world, but God desires the Hereafter. God is Strong and Wise
Revealed when the Prophet consulted his companions regarding the 70 enemy prisoners captured at Badr. Umar suggested executing the worst war criminals, while Abu Bakr urged showing mercy and releasing them for ransom so they might accept Islam. The Prophet chose the path of mercy, which God approved.
Transliteration
Lawla kitabun mina Allahi sabaqa lamassakum feema akhathtum AAathabun AAatheemun
Translation
Were it not for a predetermined decree from God, an awful punishment would have afflicted you for what you have taken
Transliteration
Fakuloo mimma ghanimtum halalan tayyiban waittaqoo Allaha inna Allaha ghafoorun raheemun
Translation
So consume what you have gained, legitimate and wholesome; and remain conscious of God. God is Forgiving and Merciful
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alnnabiyyu qul liman fee aydeekum mina alasra in yaAAlami Allahu fee quloobikum khayran yutikum khayran mimma okhitha minkum wayaghfir lakum waAllahu ghafoorun raheemun
Translation
O prophet! Say to those you hold prisoners, “If God finds any good in your hearts, He will give you better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you. God is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Addressed directly to the prisoners captured at Badr, including the Prophet's uncle Abbas. God promised that if they accepted faith with sincere hearts, He would return to them far more wealth and honor than what they lost in ransom—a promise Abbas later testified came true.
Transliteration
Wain yureedoo khiyanataka faqad khanoo Allaha min qablu faamkana minhum waAllahu AAaleemun hakeemun
Translation
But if they intend to betray you, they have already betrayed God, and He has overpowered them. God is Knowing and Wise
Transliteration
Inna allatheena amanoo wahajaroo wajahadoo biamwalihim waanfusihim fee sabeeli Allahi waallatheena awaw wanasaroo olaika baAAduhum awliyao baAAdin waallatheena amanoo walam yuhajiroo ma lakum min walayatihim min shayin hatta yuhajiroo waini istansarookum fee alddeeni faAAalaykumu alnnasru illa AAala qawmin baynakum wabaynahum meethaqun waAllahu bima taAAmaloona baseerun
Translation
Those who believed, and emigrated, and struggled in God’s cause with their possessions and their persons, and those who provided shelter and support—these are allies of one another. As for those who believed, but did not emigrate, you owe them no protection, until they have emigrated. But if they ask you for help in religion, you must come to their aid, except against a people with whom you have a treaty. God is Seeing of what you do
Celebrates the historic bond of brotherhood created in Madinah between the Muhajirun (homeless refugees who fled persecution in Makkah) and the Ansar (the local citizens of Madinah who opened their homes and shared their wealth equally with them).
Transliteration
Waallatheena kafaroo baAAduhum awliyao baAAdin illa tafAAaloohu takun fitnatun fee alardi wafasadun kabeerun
Translation
As for those who disbelieve, they are allies of one another. Unless you do this, there will be turmoil in the land, and much corruption
Transliteration
Waallatheena amanoo wahajaroo wajahadoo fee sabeeli Allahi waallatheena awaw wanasaroo olaika humu almuminoona haqqan lahum maghfiratun warizqun kareemun
Translation
Those who believed, and emigrated, and struggled for God’s cause, and those who gave shelter and support—these are the true believers. They will have forgiveness, and a bountiful provision
Transliteration
Waallatheena amanoo min baAAdu wahajaroo wajahadoo maAAakum faolaika minkum waoloo alarhami baAAduhum awla bibaAAdin fee kitabi Allahi inna Allaha bikulli shayin AAaleemun
Translation
As for those who believed afterwards, and emigrated and struggled with you—these belong with you. But family members are nearer to one another in the Book of God. God is Cognizant of everything