Al-Anfal (الأنفال)

8. Al-Anfal (الأنفال)

Meaning: The Spoils of War

Total Ayahs: 75

Place of Revelation: Medina

Summary

Surah Al-Anfal was revealed after the Battle of Badr and discusses matters of warfare, leadership, and the division of war booty (anfal). It highlights the divine assistance granted to the believers and underscores the importance of unity, discipline, and reliance on Allah during times of conflict. The Surah distinguishes between sincere faith and hypocrisy and sets out rules of engagement in warfare with moral and ethical guidelines. It also emphasizes obedience to Allah and His Messenger as a condition for success.

Core Message

Victory is from Allah alone and depends on faith, unity, and discipline. Muslims must uphold justice even in battle and remain obedient to divine guidance. Material gain should not be the goal of jihad; rather, it is the establishment of truth and justice.

Benefits

This Surah strengthens the believer’s understanding of struggle in the path of Allah and the principles of ethical warfare. It reminds Muslims that reliance on divine help is more powerful than numbers or strategy.

Famous Verses

8:17 "فَلَمْ تَقْتُلُوهُمْ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَتَلَهُمْ..." (It was not you who killed them, but Allah killed them...) – affirms divine intervention.
8:24 "يَا أَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ٱسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ..." (O you who believe! Respond to Allah and the Messenger...) – call to immediate obedience.
8:46 "وَلَا تَنَازَعُوا فَتَفْشَلُوا..." (And do not dispute, lest you lose courage...) – emphasizes unity and discipline.

Moral Lesson

Success comes through obedience, trust in Allah, and collective unity. Even during conflict, ethics and righteousness must be upheld. Victory is not just physical but spiritual and moral.

Divine Attributes

Al-Qadir (The Omnipotent), Al-Hakim (The Wise), An-Nasir (The Helper), Al-Mudabbir (The Planner), Al-‘Aziz (The Almighty).

Keywords

Battle of Badr Unity Discipline Divine Help Jihad Obedience Ethics in War