008 Al-Anfaal

The true believers are those whose hearts are filled with awe when Allah is mentioned, and their faith increases when His verses are recited to them, and they put their trust only in their Lord;

those who establish prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them.

Such are the true believers; they will have high ranks with their Lord, and forgiveness and honorable provision.

Just as your Lord brought you [O Prophet] out of your home for a just cause[2], even though a group of believers were averse to it.

Translation notes: [2] It is referring to the Battle of Badr.

They disputed with you concerning the truth[3] after it had become clear to them as if they were being driven towards death while they were looking on.

Translation notes: [3] i.e., the imminent fighting.

And [remember, O believers], when Allah promised you one of the two parties[4], that it would fall to you, and you wished that the unarmed one would fall to you. But it was Allah’s Will to establish the truth by His Words and exterminate the disbelievers,

Translation notes: [4] i.e., either the caravan of Quraysh or their army in the Battle of Badr.

so that He might establish the truth and nullify the falsehood, even though the wicked are averse to it.

[Remember] when you were seeking the help of your Lord [at Badr] and He responded to you, “I will reinforce you with a thousand angels[5], following one another in succession.”

Translation notes: [5] The number of Quraysh army was 1000 fighters. Allah bolstered Muslims with 1000 angels, who only numbered 319 men beforehand.

Allah granted this only as glad tidings and to reassure your hearts, for victory only comes from Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

[Remember] when He caused drowsiness to overcome you as an assurance from Him, and He sent down rain from the sky to purify you and to remove Satan’s whispers from you, and to strengthen your hearts and to steady your footsteps.

[Remember] when your Lord inspired the angels, “I am with you[6], so make firm the feet of those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. So strike their necks and strike all their limbs[7].”

Translation notes: [6] Allah’s ‘special withness’ (ma‘iyyah khāssah) is by His support and aid. [7] i.e., "all extremities,": their hands and feet.

That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. Whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger, Allah is indeed severe in punishment.

That is for you, so taste it, and for the disbelievers, there will be the punishment of the Fire.

O you who believe, when you confront the disbelievers in battle, do not turn your backs to them.

Whoever turns his back to them on such a day – unless it is for tactical reasons or joining another group – he will incur the wrath of Allah and his abode will be Hell. What a terrible destination!

It was not you who killed them, but it was Allah Who killed them; and it was not you [O Prophet] who threw when you threw [a handful of sand][8] but it was Allah Who threw, so that He might test the believers with a great test. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

Translation notes: [8] It filled their eyes and noses, preventing their advance.

As such, Allah undermines the plans of the disbelievers.

If you [disbelievers] were seeking the decision, it has come to you[9]. If you desist, it will be better for you, but if you return [to war], We too will return. And your forces – no matter how great in number they are – will not avail you anything, for Allah is with the believers.

Translation notes: [9] The disbelievers implored Allah against Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Muslims (alleging that they were wrongdoers), so His decision came.

O you who believe, obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not turn away from him after hearing [his command].

And do not be like those[10] who say, “We hear,” while they do not actually listen.

Translation notes: [10] i.e., the hypocrites and/or the disbelievers.

The worst of creatures before Allah are those who are deaf and dumb, and who do not understand.

If Allah had known any good in them[11], He would have made them hear, but even if He had made them hear, they would have turned away in aversion.

Translation notes: [11] i.e., real willingness and intention of good.

O you who believe, respond to Allah and the Messenger when He calls you to what gives you life[12], and know that Allah comes between a person and his heart[13], and it is to Him that you will all be gathered.

Translation notes: [12] A better life with faith both in this life and in the Hereafter. [13] Beware of rejecting the command of Allah when it comes to you, for Allah may not enable you to respond to his command afterward, as the hearts are between the two Fingers of Allah Who changes it as He wishes.

Beware of a trial that will not only befall the wrongdoers among you, and know that Allah is severe in punishment.

And remember when you were few in number and oppressed in the land[14], fearing that the people would snatch you away. Then He sheltered you[15], and strengthened you with His help, and provided you with good things, so that you may give thanks.

Translation notes: [14] In Makkah. [15] In Madinah.

O you who believe, do not betray Allah and the Messenger, nor betray your trusts knowingly.

Know that your wealth and your children[16] are only a trial and that with Allah is an immense reward.

Translation notes: [16] Due to your love for both of them, you may violate Allah’s commands concerning them.

O you who believe, if you fear Allah, He will provide you with an insight[17] to distinguish between right and wrong, absolve you of your sins and forgive you, for Allah is the Lord of great bounty.

Translation notes: [17] Or a way out of difficulties.

And [remember] when the disbelievers plotted against you[18], to take you as captive, kill you or expel you. They plan, and Allah also plans, but Allah is the Best of those who plan.

Translation notes: [18] They plotted against the Messenger (ﷺ) in Makkah.

When Our verses are recited to them, they say, “We have heard. If we wished, we could say something like this. This is nothing but ancient fables.”

And [remember] when they said, “O Allah, if this is indeed the truth from You, then rain down upon us stones from the heaven or bring upon us a painful punishment[19].”

Translation notes: [19] Abu Jahl and other disbelievers invoked this supplication.

But Allah would not punish them while you [O Prophet] are among them, nor would Allah punish them as long as they seek forgiveness.

Why should Allah not punish them when they prevent [people] from the Sacred Mosque, although they are not its rightful guardians? Its rightful guardians are only those who fear Allah, but most of them do not know.

Their prayer at the Sacred House was nothing but whistling and clapping. So taste the punishment[20] for your disbelief.

Translation notes: [20] Their degrading defeat, killing and captivation at Badr.

The disbelievers spend their wealth to prevent [people] from the way of Allah. They will continue to spend it, then it will be a source of regret for them, then they will be defeated, and those who disbelieve will be gathered into Hell,

so that Allah may separate the wicked from the good, and pile up the wicked all together and then cast them into Hell. It is they who are the losers.

Say to those who disbelieve that if they desist[21], their past will be forgiven, but if they persist, then they have a precedent in those who have passed before them.

Translation notes: [21] From disbelief and disobedience.

Fight them until there is no more persecution[22] and the religion is entirely for Allah; but if they desist, then Allah is All-Seeing of what they do.

Translation notes: [22] Among the meanings of "fitnah" are: disbelief and its imposition on others, dissension, trial, and torment. See 2:191.

But if they turn away, then know that Allah is your Protector. What an excellent Protector and an excellent Helper!

Know that whatever spoils you obtain, one-fifth belongs to Allah[23] and the Messenger[24], to his close relatives, the orphans, the needy and the [stranded] travelers – if you truly believe in Allah and in what We sent down to Our slave[25] on the day of Criterion[26] – the day when the two armies met [at Badr]. And Allah is Most Capable of all things.

Translation notes: [23] To be spent in the cause of Allah. [24] The tribes of Banu Hāshim and Banu Abdul Muṭṭalib, who were not eligible for zakah. The remaining four-fifths are divided among the soldiers. [25] Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). [26] The Battle of Badr.

[Remember] when you were on the near side of the valley [of Badr], and they were on the far side, and the caravan was on the lower ground beneath you. If you had made prior arrangements to encounter, you would have failed to keep that appointment. But [it happened] so that Allah might accomplish what had already been decreed, and so that those who chose to perish would perish after seeing clear evidence, and those who chose to survive would survive after seeing clear evidence. Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

[Remember] when Allah showed them to you in your dream as few in number; if He had shown them to you as many, you [believers] would have lost courage and disputed in the matter. But Allah spared you [of that], for He is All-Knowing of what is in the hearts.

And [remember] when you met, He made them appear as few in your eyes, and made you appear as few in their eyes, so that Allah may accomplish what was already decreed. And to Allah will return all matters.

O you who believe, when you encounter a group [in battle], stand firm and remember Allah much, so that you may triumph[27].

Translation notes: [27] How to win a victory: 1. To stand firm. 2. To mention Allah profusely and seek His help.

Obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute with one another, or else you will lose courage and your strength will weaken. And be steadfast, for Allah is with those who are steadfast.

Do not be like those[28] who came out of their homes insolently, showing off to people, and preventing others from Allah’s way, for Allah is All-Encompassing of what they do.

Translation notes: [28] The Quraysh army.

And [remember] when Satan made their misdeeds appealing to them, and said, “No one can overcome you today, and I am your protector.” But when the two armies faced each other, he turned on his heels and said, “I have nothing to do with you, for I see what you do not see. I surely fear Allah, for Allah is severe in punishment.”

And [remember] when the hypocrites and those who have sickness in their hearts said, “These [believers] are deluded by their religion.” But whoever puts his trust in Allah[29], Allah is indeed All-Mighty, All-Wise.

Translation notes: [29] Victory is not achieved by mere worldly measures; it only comes from Allah for those who really put their trust in Him.

If only you could see when the angels take the souls of the disbelievers, beating their faces and their backs, “Taste the punishment of the scorching fire!

This is because of what your hands have sent forth, for Allah is never unjust to [His] slaves.”

Their case is like the people of Pharaoh and those who came before them[30]. They disbelieved in the signs of Allah, so Allah seized them for their sins. Indeed, Allah is All-Powerful and Severe in Punishment.

Translation notes: [30] The people of ‘Ād, Thamūd and others met the same fate.

This is because Allah would never change the blessings He has bestowed upon a people until they change their own attitude and conduct. Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

Their case is like the people of Pharaoh and those who came before them. They rejected the signs of their Lord, so We destroyed them[31] for their sins and drowned the people of Pharaoh; they were all wrongdoers.

Translation notes: [31] Repetition of the example of the earlier nations is to emphasize the inevitable fate of those who disbelieve or disobey Allah.

The worst of moving creatures[32] before Allah are those who persist in disbelief, so they do not believe,

Translation notes: [32] See 8:22-23.

those with whom you [O Prophet] made a treaty, but they break their treaty every time, and they do not fear Allah.

If you encounter them in battle, make a fearsome example of them[33] for those who are behind them, so that they may be deterred.

Translation notes: [33] i.e., Treat the treacherous who betray their pledges with due severity.

If you fear betrayal from any people, throw their treaty back at them openly[34], for Allah does not like the treacherous.

Translation notes: [34] i.e., announce to them its dissolution so that you both be on the same footing.

The disbelievers should not think that they are unreachable; they cannot escape.

Prepare against them whatever force[35] you can and cavalry, to deter Allah’s enemies and your enemies[36], and others besides them whom you do not know[37], but Allah knows them. Whatever you spend[38] in the cause of Allah will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged.

Translation notes: [35] All types of power: physical, mental as well as weapons. [36] To make them think twice before invading or fighting them. [37] i.e., lurking enemies. [38] Funds are necessary for preparing the force.

If they incline to peace, then incline to it, and put your trust in Allah, for He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

But if they intend to deceive you, then Allah is sufficient for you; it is He Who supported you with His help and with that of the believers.

He brought their hearts together[39], even if you had spent all that is on earth, you could not have brought their hearts together, but Allah has brought them together, for He is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

Translation notes: [39] The joining of the hearts was indeed a great favour, as the extent of enmity among them in the pre-Islamic era was rampant.

O Prophet, Allah is sufficient for you[40] and for the believers who follow you.

Translation notes: [40] See 3:173.

O Prophet, urge the believers to fight. If there are twenty steadfast among you, they will overcome two hundred; and if there are a hundred of you, they will overcome a thousand of the disbelievers, for they are a people who do not understand.

Now Allah has lightened your burden, for He knew that there is weakness in you. So if there are a hundred steadfast men among you, they will overcome two hundred; and if there are a thousand, they will overcome two thousand, by Allah’s permission. And Allah is with those who are steadfast.

It is not befitting for a prophet to take captives[41] until he thoroughly subdues [the enemy] in the land. You desire the gains of this world[42], but Allah desires [for you] the Hereafter. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

Translation notes: [41] It is referring to the disbelievers of Quraysh who were taken as captives by the Prophet (ﷺ) in the wake of Badr. [42] i.e., material benefits, such as the ransom paid by prisoners.

Were it not for a prior decree[43] from Allah, you would have surely been afflicted with a great punishment for what you have taken [of ransom].

Translation notes: [43] This ‘decree’: 1) that He would make spoils and ransom lawful, 2) that He would not punish for a matter not explained previously, 3) and that He would not punish the Companions who attended Badr.

So consume what you have gained in war, for it is lawful[44] and good, but fear Allah. Allah is indeed All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Translation notes: [44] When Allah saw the destitution and helplessness of the Muslims, He made gains of war lawful for them.

O Prophet, tell those captives who are in your custody, “If Allah knows of any good[45] in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and will forgive you, for Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Translation notes: [45] i.e., a sincere will to embrace Islam.

But if they intend to betray you, they have already betrayed Allah before, so He empowered you over them. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Those who believed, migrated, and fought with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah, and those who provided [the migrants] with shelter and help – they are allies of one another. As for those who believed but did not migrate, you have no obligation to protect them until they migrate. But if they seek your help in religion, it is your obligation to help, except against people with whom you have a treaty. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.

Those who disbelieve are protectors of one another[46]. Unless you do likewise, there will be persecution in the land and great corruption.

Translation notes: [46] i.e., taking one another as allies and abandoning all bonds with the disbelievers.

Those who believed, migrated and fought in the cause of Allah, as well as those who gave them refuge and help – it is they who are the true believers; they will have forgiveness and an honorable provision.

And those who believed afterwards, migrated and fought along with you – they belong to you. But blood relatives are more entitled to inherit[47] from one another according to the Book of Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing of everything.

Translation notes: [47] This applies only to Muslim relatives; others may be given by bequest. See 4:11.