This document explains Surah Al-Anfal, verses 1–20 using only the Qur'an itself and clear reasoning. No hadith books, no scholar stories – only what can be verified from Allah’s words and obvious historical context (like the battle of Badr, which the surah itself mentions).
- Arabic/translation is as you provided.
- Each block groups a set of verses and then gives a clear summary.
- Focus is on tawheed, obedience, and lessons for today.
1. They ask you (O Muhammad) about the spoils of war. Say: “The (decision about) spoils of war belong to Allah and the Messenger.” So fear Allah, and set things right between you, and obey Allah and His Messenger, if you are (true) believers.
2. The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith, and upon their Lord they trust.
3. Those who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend.
4. Those are they who are in truth believers. For them are high ranks with their Lord, and forgiveness, and honorable provision.
Explanation of 8:1–4
- Verse 1 – Spoils belong to Allah and the Messenger: The companions were questioning who gets what after battle. Allah cuts through the argument: the spoils are under Allah’s law, implemented by His Messenger. The main focus is: fear Allah, fix your relationships, obey Allah and the Messenger – not worldly gain.
-
Verses 2–3 – Who are the real believers?
Allah gives a clear checklist:
- Their hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned.
- When His verses are recited, their faith grows, not decreases.
- They trust completely in their Lord (tawakkul).
- They establish salāh (not just “pray sometimes”).
- They spend from what Allah gave them (zakaat, charity, supporting truth).
- Verse 4 – Their reward: These people have: real iman, high ranks with their Lord, forgiveness and honourable provision. So Allah ties “true believer” to concrete actions, not just a label.
5. Even as your Lord brought you forth from your home (for the battle of Badr) in truth. And indeed, a party among the believers were averse to it.
6. Disputing with you about the truth after it had become evident, as if they were being driven toward death while they were looking on.
7. And when Allah promised you one of the two groups (caravan or army of Quresh) that it would be yours, and you wished that the unarmed one should be yours. And Allah intended that He should establish the truth by His words, and cut the root of the disbelievers.
8. That He should establish the truth to be true and the falsehood to be false, even if the criminals might dislike it.
9. When you asked your Lord for help, and He responded to you: “Indeed I will help you with a thousand angels, rank on rank.”
10. And Allah made it not but glad tidings, and that your hearts may be assured therewith. And there is no victory except from Allah. Indeed, Allah is All Mighty, All Wise.
Explanation of 8:5–10
- Verses 5–6 – Reluctance at Badr: Allah reminds them: when He took them out for Badr, some believers disliked it, even argued, even though the truth was clear. They felt like people walking to certain death. This shows: iman does not mean you never feel fear, but in the end you still obey Allah.
- Verse 7 – Their wish vs. Allah’s plan: They wanted the easier target: the caravan with little risk. Allah wanted something greater: to establish the truth openly and cut the power of the disbelievers. Sometimes Allah pushes us into a harder situation because the long-term result is better for the truth.
- Verse 8 – Truth vs falsehood: Allah’s purpose is to show clearly whose side is truth and whose side is falsehood – even if criminals hate that exposure.
- Verses 9–10 – Angels and real source of victory: The believers ask Allah for help. He promises them a thousand angels in ranks – but He also clarifies: this was mainly to reassure their hearts. Real victory is always from Allah alone, not from numbers, weapons, or even angels.
11. When He covered you with a slumber as a security from Him, and He sent down rain upon you from the sky that He might cleanse you through it, and take away from you the pollution of Satan and strengthen your hearts, and make your feet firm through it.
12. When your Lord inspired to the angels, I am certainly with you, so keep firm those who believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so smite at the necks and smite over all their fingers.
13. That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger, then indeed Allah is severe in punishment.
14. That is your (punishment) so taste it, and indeed for the disbelievers is the punishment of the Fire.
15. O you who believe, when you meet those who disbelieve, in battle, turn not your backs to them.
16. And whoever turns his back to them on that day, unless maneuvering for war or intent to join a company, he certainly has incurred wrath from Allah, and his abode is hell, and worst is that destination.
17. So you killed them not, but Allah killed them, and you (O Muhammad) threw not when you did throw, but Allah threw. And that He might test the believers by a fair test from Him. Indeed, Allah is All Hearing, All Knowing.
18. That (is the case), and that Allah weakens the plot of the disbelievers.
19. (O disbelievers) If you sought a judgment, then surely a judgment has come to you. And if you desist (from hostilities), so it is better for you. And if you return (to war), so shall We return. And never will avail you your forces at all, even if it be numerous, and indeed Allah is with the believers.
20. O you who believe, obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn away from him, while you are hearing.
Explanation of 8:11–20
- Verse 11 – Inner preparation: Before the physical battle, Allah gives them calm sleep and purifying rain. This removes anxiety and “pollution of Satan” and makes their feet firm. Victory starts with inner peace and spiritual cleansing.
- Verses 12–14 – Divine support and consequence of opposition: Angels are commanded to strengthen the believers. The harsh battle commands are tied explicitly to one cause: these people opposed Allah and His Messenger. Whoever chooses that position faces severe punishment in this world and the next.
-
Verses 15–16 – Rule of standing firm:
Believers are forbidden from fleeing the battlefield out of cowardice.
Two exceptions:
- Strategic maneuvering (changing position).
- Moving to rejoin another Muslim group.
- Verse 17 – Who really acts? Allah attributes the killing and the throwing to Himself, although the believers and the Messenger did the physical actions. This teaches: weapons and hands are just tools; real effect is from Allah. It is also a test to purify believers.
- Verses 18–19 – Warning to the enemies: Allah weakens the plots of the disbelievers. If they asked Allah to decide between truth and falsehood, Badr was already that decision. If they stop, it is better. If they continue, Allah will continue against them, and their large numbers will not help.
- Verse 20 – Core command again: The whole surah revolves around this: obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not turn away while hearing the message. Hearing without obedience is hypocrisy.
21. And be not like those who say: “We have heard,” and they hear not.
22. Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb, those who understand not.
23. And if Allah had known in them any good, He would have made them hear. And even if He had made them hear, they would have turned away, while they were refusing.
24. O you who believe, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when He calls you to that which will give you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart, and that He it is unto Whom you will be gathered.
25. And fear a trial that will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively. And know that Allah is severe in punishment.
26. And remember when you were few and deemed weak in the land, fearing that people might abduct you. Then He provided you refuge, and strengthened you with His help, and provided you with good things that you might be grateful.
27. O you who believe, betray not Allah and the Messenger, nor betray your trusts while you know.
28. And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial, and that with Allah is an immense reward.
29. O you who believe, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your evil deeds and will forgive you. And Allah is possessor of great bounty.
Explanation of 8:21–29
- Verse 21 – Empty “we heard”: Allah forbids us from being like people who claim “we heard” but their hearts and actions show they didn’t accept anything. Real hearing = obeying.
- Verses 22–23 – Spiritually deaf and dumb: The “worst creatures” here are not animals but humans who refuse to use their hearing, speech and mind for the truth. If there is no desire for guidance, even hearing the verses doesn’t benefit; they turn away deliberately.
- Verse 24 – Respond to what gives you life: The call of Allah and His Messenger is described as life itself – it revives the dead heart. Allah also tells us He is between a person and his heart, meaning He fully controls and knows the inner state, so we cannot hide our true intentions.
- Verse 25 – Trials hit wider than the wrongdoers: A communal fitnah (trial) can hit everyone if evil is left unchecked. So believers must correct wrong, not just say “I am fine personally”.
- Verse 26 – Remember your weakness: Allah reminds the early believers when they were few, weak, and afraid of being snatched. Allah gave them safety, help, and provision. Gratitude means staying humble and obedient after power comes.
- Verse 27 – Betrayal: Betraying Allah and His Messenger includes breaking covenants of obedience and also betraying trusts between people (money, secrets, responsibilities).
- Verse 28 – Wealth and children as tests: These are not evil, but tests. If we disobey Allah to protect or please family or to chase money, we fail the test. Real reward is with Allah, not in holding tight to dunya.
-
Verse 29 – The “criterion” (furqān):
Taqwa brings 3 big gifts:
- A criterion to separate truth from falsehood and right from wrong.
- Removal of sins and covering of bad deeds.
- Forgiveness and great bounty from Allah.
30. And when those who disbelieve plotted against you (O Muhammad) to restrain you, or kill you, or drive you out. And they plotted, and Allah did plan. And Allah is the best of those who plan.
31. And when Our verses are recited to them, they say: “We have heard. if we willed, we could say the like of it. This is not but legends of the ancients.”
32. And when they said: “O Allah if this indeed be the truth from You, then rain down upon us stones from heaven, or bring upon us a painful punishment.”
33. And Allah will not punish them while you are in their midst, nor will Allah punish them while they seek forgiveness.
34. And what have they that Allah should not punish them, and they obstruct (people) from Al-Masjid-al-Haram, and they are not its guardians. Its (true) guardians are not but those who are righteous. But most of them know not.
35. And their prayer at the House (Kabah) was not except whistling and handclapping. So taste the punishment because you used to disbelieve.
36. Indeed, those who disbelieve, they spend their wealth to hinder (people) from the way of Allah. So they will spend it, then it will become for them an anguish, then they will be overcome. And those who disbelieve will be gathered to hell.
37. So that Allah may separate the wicked from the good, and place wicked one upon another, then heap them together, then cast them into Hell. They, it is they who are the losers.
38. Say to those who disbelieve, if they desist, what was the past shall be forgiven for them. And if they return, then the example of those before has already preceded.
39. And fight them until persecution is no more, and the religion is all for Allah. So if they cease, then indeed Allah is Seer of what they do.
40. And if they turn away, then know that Allah is your Protector, an excellent Protector and an excellent Helper.
Explanation of 8:30–40
- Verse 30 – Their plots vs Allah’s plan: Disbelievers tried all options: imprison, kill, or expel the Prophet. Allah acknowledges their plotting but reminds that His planning overpowers theirs. Comfort for any believer facing schemes today: Allah still plans.
- Verses 31–32 – Arrogant dismissal of the Qur'an: They call the Qur'an “old stories” and even make a reckless dua: “If this is truth, punish us.” This is the opposite of 17:36 – they speak without knowledge and even challenge Allah instead of asking for guidance.
-
Verse 33 – Two protections from punishment:
Allah will not punish:
- While the Messenger is still among them.
- While they are seeking forgiveness.
- Verses 34–35 – False guardians and fake worship: They claim to be guardians of the Sacred Mosque while blocking believers from it. Allah says real guardians are those with taqwa. Their so-called “prayer” was just whistling and clapping – ritual without tawheed is worthless.
- Verses 36–37 – Spending against the truth: Disbelievers pour money into fighting Allah’s path. Allah says: they will spend, regret, be defeated, and then gathered to Hell. He uses this process to separate the wicked from the good and pile the criminals together for punishment.
- Verse 38 – Door of mercy still open: Even after all this, Allah tells the Prophet to say: if they stop, their past will be forgiven. This shows how wide Allah’s mercy is if someone truly desists and turns back.
- Verse 39 – Limit and aim of fighting: Fighting is not for land, ego, or race. The limit and purpose: until persecution (fitnah) is removed and religion is purely for Allah. If they stop, Muslims must also stop, because Allah sees what everyone does.
- Verse 40 – Final reassurance: If enemies still turn away, believers should not panic. Allah is their Protector and the best Helper – better than any alliance, number, or weapon.
41. And know that anything you obtain of the spoils of war, then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it, and for the Messenger, and for the near of kin, and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer. If you believe in Allah and that what We sent down to Our servant on the day of criterion, the day when the two armies met. And Allah has power over all things.
42. When you were at the nearer end of the valley (of Badr), and they were at the farther end, and the caravan below you (along the seaside). And if you had made a mutual appointment, you would certainly have failed in the appointment. But (it was) so that Allah might accomplish a matter already ordained. That he should perish, who was to perish upon a clear evidence. And who was to survive might survive upon a clear evidence. And indeed, Allah is All Hearing, All Knowing.
43. When Allah showed them to you in your dream as few. And if He had shown them to you as numerous, you would have lost courage and disputed with one another in the matter. But Allah saved you. Certainly, He is the All Knower of what is within the breasts.
44. And when He showed them to you, when you met (enemy in Badr), as few in your eyes. And He made you (appear) as few in their eyes, so that Allah might accomplish a matter already ordained. And to Allah all matters return.
45. O you who believe, when you encounter an army, hold firm and remember Allah much that you may be successful.
46. And obey Allah and His Messenger, and dispute not (one with another), lest you should lose courage and your strength depart, and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.
47. And do not be like those who came forth from their homes exulting, and to be seen by people, and hindering others from the way of Allah. And Allah encompasses of what they do.
48. And when Satan made their deeds seem fair to them and said: “No one can overcome you this day from among the people. And indeed, I am your protector.” Then when the two armies came in sight of one another, he turned on his heels, and said: “Indeed I am dissociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see. Indeed, I fear Allah. And Allah is severe in punishment.”
49. When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease said: “These people (Muslims) are deceived by their religion.” And he who puts his trust in Allah, then indeed, Allah is All Mighty, All Wise.
50. And if you could see when the angels take away the souls of those who disbelieve, striking on their faces and their backs. (Saying): “And taste the punishment of burning.”
Explanation of 8:41–50
- Verse 41 – Distribution of spoils: One-fifth of war gains belong to Allah (i.e. His set causes), the Messenger, relatives, orphans, needy, and wayfarers. This reminds believers that victory and wealth are from Allah, not personal entitlement.
- Verse 42 – Positioning at Badr: The two sides faced each other in a way that no one had planned. If they had tried to schedule it, they would have failed. Allah arranged it so that whoever died or lived did so upon clear evidence.
- Verses 43–44 – Psychological preparation: Allah showed the enemies as few in the Prophet’s dream and also in real sight, and likewise the believers appeared few to them. This was to calm believers and lead both sides to the confrontation Allah had decreed.
- Verse 45 – Key to success in battle: When facing an army, the command is: stand firm and remember Allah much. Success is tied to dhikr and steadfastness, not just weapons.
- Verse 46 – Don’t lose by internal division: Disputes and disobedience make courage disappear and strength vanish. Unity, patience, and obedience to Allah and His Messenger are part of victory.
- Verse 47 – Don’t copy the arrogant: The disbelievers left their homes boasting, seeking fame, and blocking Allah’s path. Allah warns believers not to behave like this when they have power.
- Verse 48 – Satan abandons his followers: First he beautifies their deeds and promises support, but when the reality of Allah’s punishment appears, he runs away and declares “I fear Allah.” This shows the deception of all “satanic” leadership – they leave you at the worst time.
- Verse 49 – Hypocrites’ mockery vs true reliance: Hypocrites mocked the believers as “deceived by their religion.” Allah answers: whoever relies on Him truly has the All-Mighty, All-Wise as his Protector.
- Verse 50 – Death of stubborn disbelievers: Angels take their souls harshly, striking faces and backs, telling them to taste the punishment. This is the unseen end of those who fought the truth knowingly.
51. “That is for what your hands have sent before. And that Allah is not unjust to His slaves.”
52. (Their way is) as the way of Pharaoh's people and those before them. They disbelieved the signs of Allah, so Allah seized them for their sins. Indeed, Allah is All Powerful, Stern in retribution.
53. That is because Allah would not change the favor which He had bestowed upon a people, until they change that which is within their selves. And indeed, Allah is All Hearing, All Knowing.
54. (Their way is) as the way of Pharaoh's people and those before them. They denied the signs of their Lord, so We destroyed them for their sins, and We drowned the people of Pharaoh. And All were wrong doers.
55. Surely, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are those who disbelieved, so they shall not believe.
56. They are those with whom you made a treaty, then they break their pledge every time and they do not fear (Allah).
57. So if you gain dominance over them in the war, punish them in order to disperse those who are behind them, so that they may remember.
58. And if you fear treachery from any people, then throw (their covenant) at them on equal terms. Indeed, Allah does not love the treacherous.
59. And let not those who disbelieve suppose that they can outstrip (Allah's Purpose). Surely they cannot escape.
60. And prepare against them whatever you can, of the forces and well-readied horses, that thereby you may dismay the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others besides them, of whom you do not know. Allah knows them. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah shall be fully repaid to you, and you shall not be wronged.
Explanation of 8:51–60
- Verse 51 – Justice, not injustice: Punishment is for what people’s own hands have sent ahead. Allah is never unjust; He only repays what was earned.
- Verses 52–54 – The sunnah with past nations: The pattern repeats: like Pharaoh’s people and those before, when people reject signs, Allah seizes them. He does not remove blessings until they themselves change and corrupt their own inner state.
- Verse 55 – Worst of creatures: The worst are those who knowingly reject faith and persist. This is not about one mistake, but a hardened attitude of disbelief.
- Verse 56 – Serial treaty breakers: These disbelievers repeatedly violate agreements without any fear of Allah. This exposes their nature and removes trust.
- Verse 57 – Deterrent punishment: If such people are defeated in war, they are to be dealt with firmly so that others behind them think twice and remember. It is about preventing further treachery and oppression.
- Verse 58 – Ending treaties fairly: If Muslims fear betrayal, they must publicly end the treaty on equal terms, not secretly plot. Allah does not love treachery even against a treacherous enemy.
- Verse 59 – No escape from Allah: Disbelievers must not think they can outrun or outsmart Allah’s plan. They cannot escape His control, no matter their schemes.
- Verse 60 – Command to prepare strength: Believers must prepare whatever they can of power and means (here symbolized by forces and war-horses) to deter enemies known and unknown. Spending in Allah’s cause is guaranteed repayment and no injustice.
61. And if they incline to peace, then incline you to it, and trust in Allah. Surely He is All Hearing, All Knowing.
62. And if they intend to deceive you, then indeed Allah is sufficient for you. He it is Who strengthened you with His help and with the believers.
63. And He has put affection between their hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have put affection between their hearts, but Allah has put affection between them. Certainly He is All Mighty, All Wise.
64. O Prophet, Allah is sufficient for you and those who follow you of the believers.
65. O Prophet, urge the believers to battle. If there are among you twenty steadfast (persons), they will overcome two hundred. And if there are among you one hundred, they will overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they are a people who do not understand.
66. Now, Allah has lightened (hardship) for you, and He knows that among you is weakness. So if there are of you a hundred steadfast, they will overcome two hundred. And if there are of you a thousand, they will overcome two thousand, by the permission of Allah. And Allah is with those who are steadfast.
67. It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he has sufficiently suppressed (the enemies) in the land. You desire the gains of the world, and Allah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allah is All Mighty, All Wise.
68. If there had not been a decree from Allah that preceded, a stern punishment would have afflicted you for what you have taken.
69. So eat of what you have as booty in war, lawful and clean, and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Ever Forgiving, Most Merciful.
70. O Prophet, say to whoever is in your hands of the captives: “If Allah knows any goodness in your hearts, He will give you better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you. And Allah is Ever Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Explanation of 8:61–70
- Verse 61 – Accepting peace: If the enemy inclines to peace, the Prophet is told to accept it and rely on Allah. Islam is not about endless war; when real peace is possible, it should be taken while trusting Allah, not fearing that peace itself will weaken the believers.
- Verse 62 – Protection from deception: Even if their peace is a trick, Allah is sufficient. The Prophet is reminded that his real protection is not military intelligence or suspicion, but Allah’s support. Allah had already helped him and reinforced him through the believers.
- Verse 63 – Unity is a gift from Allah: The love and brotherhood between believers is described as something that money cannot buy. Even if all the wealth of earth was spent, it could not create this sincere affection. Only Allah placed it in their hearts, showing that true unity is a divine gift, not a human project.
- Verse 64 – Allah is enough: The Prophet is reminded again that Allah alone is sufficient for him and the believers who follow him. Numbers, plans, and weapons are secondary; Allah’s support is the real security.
- Verses 65–66 – Steadfastness vs numbers: At first, believers are told that a small number of firm, patient people can overcome many times their number among those who lack understanding. Later, Allah “lightens” the burden by reducing the ratio (from ten-to-one to two-to-one), acknowledging human weakness while still insisting on patience and firmness.
- Verse 67 – Captives and priorities: It is not appropriate for a Prophet to rush into taking prisoners for material gains before the enemy’s oppression is properly suppressed. Believers initially leaned toward worldly gain, but Allah reminds them that His priority for them is the Hereafter, not quick profit.
- Verse 68 – A previous decree: If Allah had not already decreed a certain allowance in this matter, a severe punishment would have struck them for what they took. This shows that even the companions can be corrected and that Allah’s mercy covers their mistakes due to His earlier decree.
- Verse 69 – Lawful war gains with taqwa: What has been taken as booty is declared lawful and pure to consume, but they must still fear Allah. Lawful wealth can still be misused; taqwa is required so that it does not corrupt them.
- Verse 70 – Captives and inner goodness: The captives are addressed with hope: if there is any good in their hearts, Allah will give them something better than what they lost and will forgive them. Their future is not sealed by their past; sincere inner change opens the door to better provision and forgiveness.
71. And if they intend to betray you, then they have already betrayed Allah before, so He made you prevail over them. And Allah is All Knowing, All Wise.
72. Indeed, those who have believed and emigrated and strove with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah, and those who sheltered and helped (them), they are the true allies of one another. And those who believed but did not emigrate, for you there is no (obligation) of alliance at all unless they emigrate. And if they seek help from you in (the matter of) religion, then it is (incumbent) on you to provide help, except it be against a people between you and whom is a treaty. And Allah is Seer of what you do.
73. And those who disbelieve, they are allies of one another. Unless you act likewise, there will be oppression on the earth and great corruption.
74. And those who believed and have emigrated and strove in the cause of Allah, and those who gave shelter and helped (them), it is they who are the believers in truth. For them is forgiveness and honorable provision.
75. And those who believed afterwards and emigrated and strove along with you. They are of you. And those related by blood are nearer to one another in the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah has knowledge of all things.
Explanation of 8:71–75
- Verse 71 – Betrayal is not new: If the enemy now plans betrayal, they already betrayed Allah before. Allah made the Prophet prevail over them once, and He knows and manages all affairs with wisdom. This calms the believers: treachery is not outside Allah’s control.
-
Verse 72 – Who are the true allies:
There are two key groups:
- Those who believed, emigrated, and strove with their wealth and lives.
- Those who sheltered and helped these emigrants.
- Same verse – Believers who stayed behind: Those who believed but did not emigrate are still Muslims, but the special political-alliance obligations do not apply until they join the community fully. However, if they request help for the sake of religion, believers must help them – except against a people with whom there is an existing treaty. This sets a clear, just framework: loyalty, but respecting agreements.
- Verse 73 – The disbelievers’ alliance: Disbelievers are also allies to one another. If believers fail to form their own just alliance, then oppression and great corruption will dominate the earth, because one side is united and the other is scattered.
- Verse 74 – The highest level of believers: Again, those who: believed, emigrated, strove, sheltered, and helped are called “believers in truth.” Their reward: complete forgiveness and an honorable provision from Allah (both in this life and the next).
- Verse 75 – Later joiners and family ties: Those who believe later, then emigrate and strive, are also considered part of the same believing community. At the same time, Allah reminds that blood relatives still have a special nearness in His decree (for example, in matters like inheritance), balancing spiritual brotherhood with natural family ties.