Tanwir al-Miqbas min Tafsir Ibn ‘Abbas
Attributed to Abu Tahir Muhammad Ibn
Ya‘qub al-Firuzabadi
Surah 8: The Spoils of War (al‐Anfal)
[8:1]
And from his narration on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas who said concerning
the saying of Allah, Exalted is He, ((They ask thee (O Muhammad) of the spoils
of war): 'He says: your Companions ask you about the spoils of war on the Day
of Badr and also about the officers for weapons and horses. (Say) O Muhammad:
(The spoils of war belong to Allah and the messenger) the spoils of war at Badr
belong to Allah and His Messenger, and none of it is yours; it is also said:
they all belong to Allah and the command of the Messenger regarding what is
allowed, (so keep your duty to Allah) fear Allah concerning taking the spoils
of war, (and adjust the matter of your difference) solve the differences among
you: let the rich give to the poor and the strong to the weak and the young to
the elderly, (and obey Allah and His messenger) in the matter of
reconciliation, (if ye are (true) believers) in Allah and His Messenger.
[8:2]
(They only are the (true) believers whose hearts feel fear when Allah is
mentioned) when they are enjoined with a command from Allah, such as in the
matter of reconciliation and other things, (and when the revelations of Allah)
concerning reconciliation (are recited unto them they increase their faith)
increase their certitude in Allah's saying; it is also said that this means:
they increase their truthfulness; it is also said that this means: it increases
their refinement, (and who trust in their Lord) and not in the spoils of war;
[8:3]
(Who establish worship) perform the five daily prayers in full, with their
ritual ablution, bowing, prostrations as well as that which is due in their
respective time (and spend) they give in charity for the sake of obedience to
Allah and also give the poor-due (of that We have bestowed on them) of that
which We have given them of wealth.
[8:4]
(Those are they who are in truth believers) they are truly and certainly
believers. (For them are grades (of honour)) ranks of merit (with their Lord)
in the Hereafter, (and pardon) for the sins they committed in the life of this
world, (and a bountiful provision) a fair reward in Paradise.
[8:5]
(Even as thy Lord caused thee to go forth) proceed, O Muhammad, in that
which your Lord has caused you to go forth (from thy home) from Medina (with
the Truth) with the Qur'an; it is also said that this means: with war, (and lo!
a party) a group (of the believers were averse (to it)) to fighting,
[8:6]
(Disputing with thee of) arguing with you about (the Truth) the war (after it
had been made manifest) that you do not act upon or command anything except
that with which your Lord has commanded you, (as if they were being driven to
death visible) driven to death while looking straight at it.
[8:7]
(And when Allah promised you one of the two bands (of the enemy)) one of
two things: the caravan or the belongings of the army (that it should be yours)
as spoils of war, (and you longed) you wished (that other than the armed one)
hardship and war (might be yours) as spoils of war, i.e. the booty of camels.
(And Allah willed that He should cause the Truth to triumph by His words) He
willed to manifest His religion by means of His assistance and strengthening,
(and cut the root of the disbelievers) the root and traces of the disbelievers;
[8:8]
(That He might cause the Truth) in order to manifest the Religion of Islam
in Mecca (to triumph and bring vanity to naught) and destroy idolatry and its
adherents, (however much the guilty might oppose) even if the idolaters dislike
it;
[8:9] (When ye sought help of) when you called upon
(your Lord) to assist you on the Day of Badr (and He answered you (saying): I
will help you with a thousand of the angels, rank on rank) coming one after
another to help you.
[8:10]
(Allah appointed it) i.e. His succour (only as good tidings) of your
victory, (and that your hearts thereby might be at rest) because of this help.
(Victory) by means of the angels (cometh only by the help of Allah. Lo! Allah
is Mighty) towards His enemies in His retribution, (Wise) He decreed that they
be defeated and killed and that you triumph and gain the spoils of war.
[8:11]
(When He made the slumber fall upon you) when He cast sleepiness upon you
(as a reassurance) to you (from Him) from Allah against the enemy; and this is
a favour from Allah towards you (and sent down water) rain (from the sky upon
you, that thereby He might purify you) with rain from physical and minor and
major ritual impurities, (and remove from you the fear of Satan) the whispering
of Satan, (and make strong your hearts) and preserve your hearts with
steadfastness (and firm) by means of the rain ((your) feet thereby) on the
sand, i.e. He gathers the sand such that feet become firm on it.
[8:12]
(When your Lord inspired the angels) it is also said that this means: when
your Lord commanded the angels, ((saying:) I am with you) I will help you. (So
make those who believe stand firm) in war; it is also said that this means:
give those who believe the good news of victory. (I will throw) cast (fear into
the hearts of those who disbelieve) the fear of Muhammad (pbuh) and his
Companions. (Then smite the necks) their heads (and smite of them each finger)
each shaped finger.
[8:13]
(That) fighting (is because they opposed Allah and His messenger) in
relation to Religion. (Whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger) in Religion,
((for him) lo! Allah is severe in punishment) when He punishes.
[8:14]
(That) is your punishment, (so taste it) in the life of this world, (and
(know) that for disbelievers) in the Hereafter (is the torment of the Fire).
[8:15]
(O ye who believe, When ye meet those who disbelieve) at Badr (in battle,
turn not your backs to them) in defeat.
[8:16]
(Whoso on that day) the Day of Badr (turneth his back to them) and flees
from them in defeat, (unless manoeuvring for battle) to re-continue fighting or
to regroup to charge again (or intent to join a company) to assist and defend
him, (he truly has incurred wrath from Allah) he has turned back and deserves
Allah's wrath, (and his habitation) his abode (will be hell, a hapless
journey's end) with which he will end up.
[8:17]
(Ye (Muslims) slew them not) on the Day of Badr, (but Allah slew them)
through Gabriel and the angels. (And thou (Muhammad) threwest not when thou
didst throw) you did make the dust reach the faces of the idolaters, (but Allah
threw) did make it so reach, (that He might test the believers) through the
throwing of dust (by a fair test from Him) by giving them victory and spoils of
war. (Lo! Allah is Hearer) of your supplications, (Knower) of your help.
[8:18]
(That) victory and spoils of war are for you; (and (know) that Allah (it
is) Who maketh weak the plan of disbelievers) He weakens the disbelievers's
plans.
[8:19]
(If ye sought a judgement) if you sought help, (now hath the judgement come
unto you) the victory of Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions against you, since
Abu Jahl had prayed before the fighting started, saying: "O Allah, assist
the best, the most honoured and more beloved religion to you", and so
Allah answered his prayer and gave victory to Muhammad (pbuh) and his
Companions against them. (And if ye cease) from disbelief and fighting (it will
be better for you) than disbelief and fighting, (but if ye return) to fighting
Muhammad (pbuh) (We also shall return) to your killing and defeat as on the Day
of Badr. (And your host) your group (will avail you naught) vis-à-vis Allah's
punishment, (however numerous it be, and (know) that Allah is with the
believers) He assists them by giving them victory.
[8:20]
(O ye who believe! Obey Allah and His messenger) in the matter of
reconciliation, (and turn not away from him) do not turn away from the command
of Allah and His Messenger (when ye hear) the admonition of the Qur'an and the
matter of reconciliation.
[8:21]
(Be not) in transgression; it is also said that this means: be not in
obedience, (as those who say, We hear) we obey, the reference here being to the
Banu 'Abd al-Dar, al-Nadr Ibn al-Harith and his host, (and they hear not) they
obey not.
[8:22]
It was also revealed about these: (Lo! the worst of beasts) created beings
and creatures (in Allah's sight are the deaf) to the Truth, (the dumb) about
the Truth, (who have no sense) who do not understand Allah's command and His
divine Oneness.
[8:23]
(Had Allah Known of any good) felicity (in them) i.e. in the Banu 'Abd
al-Dar (He would have made them hear) He would have honoured them with faith,
(but had He made them hear) had He honoured them with faith (they would have
turned away) from faith due to Allah's foreknowledge about them, (averse) they
are disbelieving in it.
[8:24]
(O ye who believe) i.e. the Companions of Muhammad (pbuh); (Obey Allah, and
the messenger when He calleth you to that which quickeneth you) to that which
honours you, makes you triumphant and reforms you, such as when you are called
to fighting, etc., (and know) O believers (that Allah cometh in between)
protects (the man and his own heart) He protects the believer and his heart,
such that He preserves the heart of the believer by making it firm on faith so
that it does not reject faith; and he preserves the heart of the disbeliever by
making it firm on disbelief so that it does not accept faith, (and that He it
is unto Whom) unto Allah in the Hereafter (ye will be gathered) and thus rewarded
you for your works.
[8:25] (And guard yourselves against a sedition) any
sedition that happens (which cannot fall exclusively on those of you who are
wrong-doers) but rather befalls on both the wrong-doers and the wronged, (and
know that Allah is severe in punishment) when He punishes.
[8:26]
(And remember) O group of Emigrants, (when ye were few) in number (and
reckoned feeble) oppressed (in the land) the land of Mecca, (and were in fear
lest men should extirpate you) you feared that the people of Mecca would expel
or imprison you, (how He gave you refuge) in Medina, (and strengthened you with
His help) i.e. He assisted and gave you strength when He made you victorious on
the Day of Badr, (and made provision of good things) the spoils of war (for you,
that haply ye might be thankful) in order that you give thanks for His bounty:
victory and the spoils of war on the Day of Badr.
[8:27]
(O ye who believe!) the address here is to Marwan and Abu Lubabah Ibn 'Abd
al-Mundhir (Betray not Allah) in relation to Religion (and His messenger) by
advising the Banu Qurayzah not to accept the judgement of Sa'd Ibn Mu'adh, (nor
knowingly betray your trusts) nor betray the obligations of Allah which are
your trusts.
[8:28]
(And know) this address is directed at Abu Lubabah (that your possessions
and your children) in the Banu Qurayzah (are a test) an affliction, (and that
with Allah is immense reward) an abundant reward in Paradise through jihad.
[8:29]
(O ye who believe! If you keep your duty to Allah) regarding that which He
has commanded you and warned you against, (He will give you discrimination)
victory and salvation (and will rid you of your evil thoughts and deeds) but
not the enormities which you have committed, (and will forgive you) all the
other transgressions. (Allah is of Infinite Bounty) He favours His servants
with forgiveness and Paradise.
[8:30]
(And when those who disbelieve) i.e. Abu Jahl and his host (plot against
thee (O Muhammad)) in Dar al-Nadwah (to wound you fatally) to imprison you as
suggested by 'Amr Ibn Hisham, (or to kill thee) all together as suggested by
Abu Jahl Ibn Hisham (or to drive thee forth) and expel you as suggested by
Abu'l-Buhturi Ibn Hisham; (they plot) they intend to destroy and kill you, O
Muhammad, (but Allah (also) plotteth) He wants to destroy and kill them on the
Day of Badr; (and Allah is the best of plotters) He is the strongest of
plotters.
[8:31]
(And when Our revelations) detailing commands and prohibitions (are recited
unto them) to al-Nadr Ibn al-Harth and his companions (they say: We have heard)
what Muhammad (pbuh) has said. (If we wish we can speak the like of this) the
like of what Muhammad (pbuh) recites. (Lo! This) which Muhammad (pbuh) says (is
naught but fables) tales (of the men of old) and their stories.
[8:32]
(And when they said) it is al-Nadr Ibn al-Harth who said it: (O Allah! If
this) which Muhammad (pbuh) says (be indeed the Truth from You) that You have
no son or partner, (then rain down stones on us) on al-Nadr (or bring on us
some painful doom!) On the Day of Badr, al-Nadr Ibn al-Harth was killed in
captivity.
[8:33] (But Allah would not punish them) Allah would
not destroy Abu Jahl and his host (while thou wast) residing (with them, nor
will He punish them) destroy them (while they seek forgiveness) while they
desire to believe.
[8:34]
(What (plea) have they that Allah should not punish them) that Allah should
not destroy them after you left them, (when they debar) Muhammad (pbuh) and his
Companions (from the Inviolable Place of Worship) and circumambulate it in the
year of al-Hudaybiyyah, (though they are not its fitting guardians) guardians
of the Mosque. (Its fitting guardians are those only who keep their duty to
Allah) those who ward off disbelief, idolatry and indecencies: i.e. Muhammad
(pbuh) and his Companions. (But most of them) all of them (know not) this nor
believe in it.
[8:35]
(And their worship at the (holy) House is naught but whistling) like the
whistling of a bird (and hand clapping. Therefore (it is said unto them): Taste
of the doom) on the Day of Badr (because you disbelieve) in Muhammad (pbuh) and
the Qur'an.
[8:36]
(Lo! those who disbelieve) the disbelievers who fed the army of the Quraysh
on the Day of Badr: Abu Jahl and his host which consisted of 13 men (spend
their wealth in order that they may debar (men) from the way of Allah) from
religion and obedience of Allah. (They will spend it) on the life of this
world, (then it will become an anguish for them) a regret for them in the
Hereafter, (then they will be conquered) they will be defeated and killed on
the Day of Badr. (And those who disbelieve) Abu Jahl and his host (will be
gathered unto hell) in the Hereafter,
[8:37]
(That Allah may separate the wicked from the good) the disbeliever from the
believer, the hypocrite from the sincere and the corrupt from the righteous.
(The wicked will He place piece upon piece) gather together, (and heap them all
together) i.e. the wicked, (and consign them) cast (unto hell. Such verily are
the losers) in that they be punished.
[8:38]
(Tell) O Muhammad, (those who disbelieve) Abu Sufyan and his host (that if
they cease) disbelief, idolatry, idol worship and fighting Muhammad (pbuh)
(that which is past) of disbelief, idolatry, idol worship and fighting against
the Prophet (pbuh) (will be forgiven them; but if they return (thereto)) i.e.
to fighting Muhammad (pbuh) (then the example of the men of old hath already
gone) that victory is given to Allah's friends against their enemies, such as
was the case on the Day of Badr.
[8:39]
(And fight them) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca (until persecution)
disbelief, idolatry, idol worship and fighting against Muhammad (pbuh) in the
Sacred Precinct (is no more, and religion) in the Sacred Precinct as well as
worship (is all for Allah) such that none remains except the Religion of Islam.
(But if they cease) disbelief, idolatry, idol worship and fighting the Prophet
(pbuh) (then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do) of good and evil.
[8:40]
(And if they turn away) from faith, (then know) O
believers, (that Allah is your Befriender) your Protector and Helper against
them, (a transcendent Patron) Who protects and gives victory, (a transcendent
Helper!) Who defends you.
[8:41]
(And know) O believers (that whatever) of wealth (you take as spoils of
war, lo! a fifth thereof is for Allah) a fifth of the spoils of war is given in
the way of Allah, (and for the messenger) and for the use of the Messenger (and
for the kinsmen) and for the kinsmen of the Prophet (pbuh) (and orphans) who
are other than the orphans of the Banu 'Abd al-Muttalib (and the needy) other
than those of the Banu 'Abd al-Muttalib (and the wayfarer) and for the weak who
is in need of help, whoever he may be. This fifth used to be divided at the
time of the Prophet (pbuh) into five shares: one share for the Prophet (pbuh)
which was the share given for the sake of Allah (Allah's share); a share for
the Prophet's kinsmen, because the Prophet (pbuh) used to give to his kinsmen
on behalf of Allah; a share for the orphans; a share for the needy; and a share
for the wayfarer. When the Prophet (pbuh) died, the share of the Prophet (pbuh)
and that of his kinsmen were cancelled due to the saying of Abu Bakr: “I heard
Allah's Messenger (pbuh) say: each prophet has, while still alive, an assigned
means of subsistence, and when he dies, it is cancelled and belongs to no one”.
Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman and 'Ali in their respective reigns divided the fifth
into three shares: a share for the orphans, other than the orphans of Banu 'Abd
al-Muttalib, a share for the needy, other than the needy of 'Abd al-Muttalib,
and a share for the wayfarers who are weak and in need of help; (if ye believe
in Allah and that which We revealed unto Our slave) Muhammad (pbuh) (on the Day
of Discrimination) and the day of the alternation of power and victory of
Muhammad (pbuh); it is also said that the Day of Discrimination means the day
when Allah discriminated between truth and falsehood, i.e. the Day of Badr,
when Allah decreed victory and the spoils of war for the Prophet (pbuh) and his
Companions, while inflicting death and defeat upon Abu Jahl and his host, (the
day when the two armies) the army of Muhammad (pbuh) and that of Abu Sufyan
(met. And Allah is Able to do all things): victory and the possession of the
spoils of war for the Prophet (pbuh) and death and defeat for Abu Jahl and his
host.
[8:42]
(When ye were) O believers (on the near bank (of the valley)) close to
Medina (and they) Abu Jahl and his host (were on the yonder bank) farther from
Medina, beyond the valley, (and the caravan) of Abu Sufyan and his host (was
below you (on the coast plain)) three miles away. (And had ye trysted to meet
one another) in Medina to fight (ye surely would have failed to keep the tryst)
to be able to do so, (but (it happened, as it did, without the forethought of
either of you) that Allah might conclude a thing that must be done) giving
victory and the spoils of war to the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions, and
death and defeat to Abu Jahl and his host; (that he who perished (on that day)
might perish) he who perished as a disbeliever may perish (by a clear proof)
after showing Allah's assistance to Muhammad (pbuh) (and he who survived) and
was firm on faith (might survive) he whom Allah wills to make firm on faith (by
a clear proof) after showing His assistance to Muhammad, Allah give him peace.
It is also said that this means: so that he disbelieves he whom Allah willed
him to disbelieve after seeing the clear proof (victory and seizure of the
spoils of war by the Prophet (pbuh)) and so that he believes he whom Allah
willed him to believe after seeing the clear proof. (Lo! Allah in truth is
Hearer) of your supplications, (Knower) of the answer to your calls and
assistance.
[8:43]
(When Allah showed them unto thee) O Muhammad (in your dream) on the Day of
Badr (as few in number, and if He had shown them to thee as many, ye (Muslims)
would have faltered) you would have been fearful (and would have quarrelled
over the affair) over the question of war. (But Allah saved (you)) He decreed
otherwise. (Lo! He knoweth what is in the breasts (of men)) what is in people's
heart.
[8:44]
(And when He made you (Muslims), when ye met (them)) on the Day of Badr,
(see them with your eyes as few) such that He emboldened you vis-à-vis them,
(and lessened you in their eyes) such that they were emboldened vis-à-vis you,
((it was) that Allah might conclude a thing) so that Allah might give victory
and the spoils of war to the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions and bring about
death and defeat for Abu Jahl and his host (that must be done) that has to be.
(Unto Allah all things) the end results of things (are brought back) in the
Hereafter.
[8:45]
(O ye who believe!) He means the Companions of Muhammad (pbuh) (When you
meet an army) a group of the disbelievers on the Day of Badr, (hold firm) along
with your prophet in war (and think of Allah much) in your hearts and with your
tongues, saying: “there is no deity except Allah”, and “Allah is the greatest”,
(that ye may be successful) that you may be safe from Allah's wrath and
punishment and be assisted.
[8:46]
(And obey Allah and His messenger) in the matter of war, (and dispute not
one with another) regarding war (lest ye falter) lest fear strikes you (and
your strength depart from you) i.e. you are defeated; (but be steadfast!) in
war along with your Prophet (Lo! Allah is with the steadfast) He helps the
steadfast in war.
[8:47]
(Be not) in transgression (as those who came forth from their dwellings)
i.e. Mecca (boastfully) impertinently (and to be seen of men) to gain
reputation among men, (and debar (men) from the way of Allah) from Allah's
Religion and obedience, (while Allah is surrounding all they do) regarding
marching against the Prophet (pbuh) and the matter of war.
[8:48]
(And when Satan made their deeds seem fair to them) and when Iblis made
their marching against the Muslims seem fair to them (and said: No one of
mankind can conquer you this day) he meant Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions,
(for I am your protector) I will help you. (But when the armies came in sight
of one another) the army of the believers and the army of the disbelievers and
Iblis saw Gabriel with the angels (he took flight) he retreated, (saying) to
the disbelievers: (Lo! I am guiltless of you) and of your fighting. (Lo! I see
that which ye see not) I see Gabriel while you do not see him. (Lo! I fear
Allah. And Allah is severe in punishment) when He punishes; Iblis was scared of
being captured by Gabriel and of being shown to the disbelievers, for then they
would never obey him.
[8:49]
(When the hypocrites) those who apostatised on the Day of Badr (and those
in whose hearts is a disease) doubt and opposition as well as all disbelievers
(said: Their religion) their profession of Allah's divine Oneness (hath deluded
these) Muhammad (pbuh) and all his Companions. (Whoso putteth his trust in
Allah) regarding His assistance (lo! Allah is Mighty) in His retribution
against His enemies, (Wise) in giving assistance to those who put their trust
in Him, just as He assisted His Prophet (pbuh) on the Day of Badr.
[8:50]
(If thou couldst see) O Muhammad (how the angels) on the Day of Badr
(receive those who disbelieve) how they take away their souls, (smiting their
faces and their backs and (saying): Taste the punishment of burning!) the
severe punishment of burning.
[8:51]
(This is for that which your own hands have sent before (to the Judgement))
this is what your hands have done while you were in a state of idolatry (and
(know) that Allah is not a tyrant to His slaves) such that He would take them
to task without them having committed a crime.
[8:52] ((Their way is) as the way of Pharaoh's folk)
as the doing of the folk of Pharaoh (and those before them; they disbelieved
the revelations of Allah) they disbelieved in Allah's Book and Messenger; He
says: the disbelievers of Mecca disbelieved in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the
Qur'an just as Pharaoh and his folk, and those before them, disbelieved in
Scriptures and messengers sent to them, (and Allah took them in their sins) in
their disbelief. (Lo! Allah is Strong) in His seizing, (severe in punishment)
when He punishes.
[8:53]
(That is because Allah never changeth the grace He hath bestowed on any
people) by sending them a Scripture, messenger and security (until they first
change that which is in their hearts) by abstaining from giving thanks to Him,
(and (that is) because Allah is Hearer) of your supplications, (Knower) of your
answer.
[8:54]
((Their way is) as the way of Pharaoh's folk) as the work of Pharaoh's folk
(and those before them; they denied the revelations of their Lord) they
disbelieved in Scriptures and messengers just as the disbelievers of Mecca
disbelieved, (so We destroyed them in their sins) because of their disbelief.
(And We drowned the folk of Pharaoh. All were evil-doers) disbelievers.
[8:55]
(Lo! the worst of beasts) of created beings (in Allah's sight are the
ungrateful) Banu Qurayzah and others (who will not believe) in Muhammad (pbuh)
and in the Qur'an;
[8:56]
Then Allah explained who these are, saying: (Those of them with whom thou
madest a treaty) the Banu Qurayzah, (and, then at every opportunity they break
their treaty, and they keep not duty (to Allah)) they do not ward off breaking
their treaties.
[8:57]
(If thou comest on them) if you imprison them (in the war, deal with them
so as to strike fear in those who are behind them) such that they serve as a
lesson to those who are behind them, (that haply they may remember) i.e. take
admonition and avoid breaking their treaties.
[8:58]
(And if thou fearest) and if you know of a (treachery from any folk) from
the Banu Qurayzah in that they broke their treaty, (then throw back to them
(their treaty) fairly. Lo! Allah loveth not the treacherous) who break their
treaties or commit any other act of treachery, whether it is the Banu Qurayzah
or others.
[8:59]
(And) O Muhammad (let not those who disbelieve) whether from the Banu
Qurayzah or somewhere else (suppose that they can outstrip) Our punishment due
to the things they have done and said. (Lo! they cannot escape) Our punishment.
[8:60]
(Make ready for them) for the Banu Qurayzah as well as for others (all thou
canst of force) of arms (and of horses tethered) of female tethered horses
which are prepared for fighting, (that thereby ye may dismay) that you may
strike fear by means of these horses in (the enemy of Allah) with regard to
religion (and your enemy) by killing them, (and others beside them) besides the
Banu Qurayzah and all the Arabs; it is also said that this is a reference to the
disbelievers among the jinn (whom you know not) you do not know their number.
(Allah knoweth them) Allah knows their number. (Whatsoever) of wealth (you
spend in the way of Allah) in obedience of Allah, whether it is arms or horses
(it will be repaid to you in full) its reward will be repaid to you, none of it
will be diminished, (and ye will not be wronged) your reward will not be
diminished.
[8:61]
(And if they incline to peace) if the Banu Qurayzah incline to and desire
peace, (incline you also to it) and desire it, (and trust in Allah) in relation
to their breaking or honouring of treaties. (Lo! He is the Hearer) of what they
say, (the Knower) of their breaking and honouring of treaties.
[8:62]
(And if they) the Banu Qurayzah (would deceive thee) by signing a treaty of
peace with you, (then lo! Allah is sufficient for thee) Allah is sufficient and
enough for you. (He it is Who supporteth thee) He gives you strength and
assists you (with His help) on the Day of Badr (and with the believers) with the
Aws and the Khazraj,
[8:63]
(And (as for the believers) hath attuned their hearts) he united their
hearts and word by means of Islam. (If thou hadst spent all that is in the
earth) of gold and silver (thou couldst not have attuned their hearts) or their
word, (but Allah hath attuned them) He united their hearts by means of faith.
(Lo! He is Mighty) in His kingdom and sovereignty, (Wise) in His command and
decree.
[8:64]
(O Prophet! Allah is sufficient for thee and those who follow thee of the
believers) the Aws and the Khazraj.
[8:65]
(O Prophet! Exhort the believers) prompt and encourage them (to fight) on
the Day of Badr. (If there be of you twenty steadfast) in war, seeking their
reward only from Allah (they shall overcome two hundred) of the idolaters, (and
if there be of you a hundred steadfast they shall overcome) shall fight (a
thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are a folk
without intelligence) they do not understand the command of Allah and His
divine Oneness.
[8:66]
(Now hath Allah lightened your burden, for He knoweth that there is
weakness in you) in relation to fighting. (So if there be of you a steadfast
hundred) who seek their reward only from Allah (they shall overcome) they shall
fight (two hundred, and if there be of you a thousand (steadfast) they shall
overcome) they shall fight (two thousand by permission of Allah. Allah is with
the steadfast) He helps the steadfast in war by making them triumphant.
[8:67]
(It is not for any Prophet) it is not proper for any Prophet (to have
captives) from among disbelievers (until he hath made slaughter) until he
conquers (in the land) by means of fighting. (Ye desire the lure of this world)
by taking ransoms for the prisoners of Badr (and Allah desireth (for you) the
Hereafter, and Allah is Mighty) in His retribution against His enemies, (Wise)
by helping His friends.
[8:68]
(Had it not been for an ordinance of Allah which had gone
before) had it not been for Allah's decree that spoils of war were lawful for
the community of Muhammad (pbuh); it is also said that this means: had it not
been that Allah decreed felicity for the people of Badr, (an awful) a severe
(doom had come upon you on account of what ye took) would have befallen you
because of the ransoms you took.
[8:69]
(Now enjoy what ye have won) at Badr of spoils of war, (as lawful and good,
and keep your duty to Allah) and fear Allah regarding this. (Lo! Allah is
Forgiving) He overlooks transgressions, (Merciful) regarding that which ensued
from you at Badr concerning the ransom of prisoners.
[8:70]
(O Prophet, Say unto those captives who are in your hands) i.e. 'Abbas [Ibn
'Abd al-Muttalib]: If Allah knoweth any good) faith and sincerity (in your
hearts He will give you better than that which hath been taken from you) of
ransom, (and will forgive you) the sins you committed in the pre-Islamic
period. (Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful) towards he who believes in Him.
[8:71]
(And if they would betray thee) through faith, O Muhammad, (they betrayed
Allah before) this, by shunning faith and committing transgressions, (and He
gave (thee) power over them) He made you triumph over them at Badr. (Allah is
Knower) of what is in their hearts of treachery, (Wise) in that which He
decreed upon them.
[8:72]
(Lo! those who believed) in Muhammad and in the Qur'an (and left their
homes) in Mecca and headed towards Medina (and strove with their wealth and
their lives for the cause of Allah) in obedience of Allah, (and those who took
them in) those who hosted Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions in Medina (in and
helped them) on the Day of Badr; (these are protecting friends one of another)
in inheritance. (And those who believed) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an
(but did not leave their homes) in Mecca to migrate to Medina, (ye have no duty
to protect them) you do not inherit them, nor do they inherit you (till they
leave their homes) and migrate to Medina; (but if they seek help from you in
the matter of religion) if they seek your help against their enemies in religion
(then it is your duty to help (them)) against their enemies (except against a
folk between whom and you there is a treaty) in which case you should not help
them, but rather try to make peace between them. (Allah is Seer of what ye do)
regarding peace and other things.
[8:73]
(And those who disbelieve are protectors one of another-) in the matter of
inheritance (If ye do not so) divide estate between relatives as has been
explained to you, (there will be confusion in the land) through idolatry and
apostasy, (and great corruption) by means of killings and transgression.
[8:74]
(Those who believed) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (and left their
homes) and migrated from Mecca to Medina (and strove for the cause of Allah) in
obedience of Allah, (and those who took them in) those who hosted Muhammad
(pbuh) and his Companions (and helped them) at Badr (these are the believers in
truth) truly and certainly. (For them is pardon) for the sins they committed in
the life of this world, (and a bountiful provision) a good reward in Paradise.
[8:75]
(And those who afterwards) after the first Emigrants (believed) in
Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (and left their homes) and migrated from
Mecca to Medina (and strove along with you) against the enemy, (they are of
you) they are with you in secret and openly; (and those who are akin) those who
are
related by their lineage,
the closer then the one who comes next, etc., (are nearer one to another) in
relation to the division of estates (in the ordinance of Allah) in the Guarded
Tablet. With this verse, the first verse was abrogated. (Lo! Allah is Knower)
He knows the idolaters' breaking of their treaties (of all things) the division
of estates, what is good for you as well as other things. And Allah knows best
the inner meanings of His Scripture'. And of the surah in which repentance is
mentioned, which is Medinan in its entirety-except, it is said, the last two
verses which are Meccan-and consists of 129 verses, 2,467 words and 10,000
letters:
