Al-Anfal (ٱلْأَنْفَال)

Surah Al-Anfal is the eighth chapter or surah of the blessed Quran. Al-Anfal literally translates to "the Spoils of War." The surah has 75 verses (ayat), 10 rukus, and is divided by Juz 9 – 10. Since Surah Al-Anfal was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Medina, it is classified as a Madni Surah. The surah was revealed after the Battle of Badar and formed a pair with the next surah, surah Tawbah. The renowned Muslim scholar Abul A'la Maudidi said that surah was revealed in 2 A.H. after the battle of Badr was over – in which, despite the higher number of Meccan forces – Muslims scored a clear victory under the great leadership of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). 

The surah was revealed at a significant point in Islamic history and detailed a point-by-point recount of the battle. Along with surveying the details of the battle, it also offered guidance to the Muslims at the time. It is an important surah that serves as a source of great wisdom for Muslims facing challenging situations in their lives.

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

The content of Surah Al-Anfal and the issues addressed in it are specifically associated with the first war between the newly established Muslim State in Medina and the disbelievers of Quraysh of Mecca, historically known as the “Ghazwa-e-Badr” or the Battle of Badr. It is believed that this Surah was revealed immediately after the Battle of Badr. The instant purpose of its revelation was to address the issue of the distribution of “Spoils of War”. The distribution of the spoils of war had created a sort of confusion and dispute among the Muslims. The very first verse of the Surah had addressed this sensitive matter, once and for all. It is categorically commanded in this verse that the Spoils of war belong to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and His Messenger.

Overall, Surah Al-Anfal is a comprehensive review of the first-ever war between the truth and the falsehood. It is specifically mentioned in this Surah that the victory of the Prophet and his followers was made to happen with Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ will and command, by sending thousands of Angels to help and assist the Muslim forces, who were far fewer in numbers, as compared to the enemy. 

Main issues addressed through the revelation of this Surah include:

• Distribution of Spoils of War – It is decided once and for all that the spoils are not the property of the fighters; they belong to the Islamic State.
• Divine Assistance and Command – The Surah also mentions that victory at Badr was only possible with the Divine Assistance, will and command. It established that power and success only come with the Help and will of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ
• Spiritual Lessons – The conduct of the believers is specifically mentioned in the Surah, whereas the behavior of some of those who showed reluctance is also discussed in this Surah. It is emphasized that the success of Muslims lies in unity and not in disputes. It is also emphasized that standing firm on faith and obedience to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and His Messenger is the prerequisite of Divine Support.
• Rules of War and Prisoners of War – The issue of prisoners of war is also settled in this Surah, establishing the rules for dealing with such sensitive matters related to wars, as this was a new situation that Muslims were facing for the first time.

So, the historic context of the revelation of this Surah was to address such sensitive matters and to establish rules to deal with such situations in the future.

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah Al-Anfal is a Madni Surah, revealed in 2AH, immediately after Ghazwa-e-Badr (Battle of Badr).

Place in the Quran

It is the 8^th Surah of the Quran and appears in Juzz (para) 9 and 10. It appears after Surah Al-A’raf and before Surah At-Tawbah. Per the order of revelation, it is the 88^th Surah, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it is placed at number 8.

• Number of Verses: Surah Al-Anfal has 75 verses.
• Number of Rukus (Sections): Surah Al-Anfal is divided into 10 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Al-Anfal

Surah Al-Anfal was revealed immediately after the Battle of Badr. It is highly significant in Islamic history, as the Battle of Badr was a defining moment in the early years following the Hijra to Medina. This Surah narrates a comprehensive review of this historical battle, which is termed a battle between truth and falsehood. Apart from providing a comprehensive review of the battle, the Surah also addresses several key issues, which are highlighted for the first time in Islamic history. Hence, Surah Al-Anfal provides a detailed guideline on various war-related issues, which had set the future course of action for the Muslims. It addresses various political, social, and spiritual issues that Muslims may encounter.

The significance of Surah Al-Anfal is summarized here:

Theological Significance

• It is categorically narrated in this surah that success and victory are not possible without Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ will and help. It is clarified that numbers don’t matter; it is only Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Who holds the power and bestows victory and success to the true believers. So, Muslims are called to rely only on Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, while displaying obedience and complete submission.
• It is also clarified in the Surah that the Battle of Badr was not a tribal conflict; it was a decisive battle between the truth and falsehood. It was a battle between the believers and the disbelievers. So, the victory of a small group of true believers over a huge army of disbelievers represents how firm belief in faith overcomes disbelief, only with the Help and Support of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
• It is also established in this Surah that through the difficult times, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ tests and purifies the believers. It is also established that those who showed reluctance in fighting with the disbelievers were at a loss. So, the concept of tests and trials is explained in this Surah, clarifying that success is for those who remain steadfast even in the worst of circumstances, not for those who display weakness.

Social and Political Significance

• The Surah significantly explained the importance of Ummah (the concept of the Muslim Community). It is emphasized in this surah that success lies in unity; hence, the Muslims are urged to unite as one compact unit.
• By giving an express ruling on the distribution of Spoils of War, a new economic concept, based on justice and equality, was introduced.
• The concept of Jihad (Armed Struggle in Islam) is clarified. Muslims are urged to keep themselves prepared to defend Islam, even if a war is necessary for that. Fight them until there is no persecution, is the Divine Message in this Surah.

Legal Significance

• The Surah provides a legal framework for the rules of war. It provides ethical guidelines while emphasizing the importance of ensuring preparedness without betraying trust.
• Matters related to prisoners of war are also addressed in this Surah, rejecting the wishful desires of demanding ransom for the release of prisoners.
• It is also emphasized in this Surah that Muslims must remain united under the leadership of the Prophet.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Anfal (الْأَنْفَال)

The Battle of Badr occurred in the 2nd year of migration/hijrah to Madinah, and that is when the surah was revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ). Badar was the first battle in which the small Muslim force defeated the mighty Meccan force. The Muslims fought with bravery and Allah rewarded them with a victory. This ayah describes how the Anfal, i.e., the spoil of war, should be divided. Therefore, Surah Al-Anfal discusses the rules, instructions, and regulations Muslims should follow in relation to peace. The following themes have been observed in the surah:

• Muslims were reminded not to gloat over their victory and instead rely solely on Allah and His Prophet, as victory, like all other blessings, is from Allah. This serves as a reminder to the Muslims to always remain humble, thank Allah for whatever blessings are bestowed upon them and listen to the guidance of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ).

• The disbelievers, the Jews, and hypocrites are also warned about their wrong ways and instructed to learn their listen and turn to the righteous path.

• Surah Al-Anfal also guides Muslims regarding the spoils of war and how they should be treated as a blessing from Allah and kept and should not be treated as a right but as a bounty. So, they should accept with gratitude what Allah chooses to provide them with.

• The surah also gives important instructions about laws for war and peace, as it was revealed during a very significant point in Islamic history, where Muslims were working towards the cause of Islam and needed instructions on war and peace. The surah guided Muslims to always stay away from the ways of ignorance, irrespective of whether they were in a war or in peace. However, Muslims were permitted to establish their moral superiority over the world.

• Some points of the surah also state the laws for Muslims living in a state of dar-ul-Islam from those who live outside of it.

• Surah Al-Anfal also tells Muslims to establish prayer and give zakat. 

Conclusively, the message of Al-Anfal is that of the rest of the Quran: a true believer is not concerned with earning money, whether through the spoils of war or through other means. A true believer is invested in obeying Allah and His Prophet, preparing for the hereafter, and focusing on ibadah. 

Virtues & Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Anfal (الْأَنْفَال)

Like the rest of the Quran, reciting Surah Al-Anfal will earn its reciter countless blessings and rewards from Allah Azzawajal. Some scholars say that for every word of the Quran, Allah has the angels write 10 good deeds for the reciter. Apart from this reward, reciting Surah Al-Anfal has the following virtues:

1. Surah Al-Anfal keeps a believer safe from hypocrisy.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "On Judgement Day, I will intercede for one who recites Surah Anfal and Surah Taubah and testifies that he was not a hypocrite. Moreover, for every hypocrite man and woman in the world, that person will receive the reward of 10 Hasanah (righteous deeds), 10 of his sins will be wiped away, will elevate 10 levels, and the throne and its bearers will salute him in this worldly life" - Mustadrak al-Wasa'il, vol. 4, p. 340.

2. Recitation of the Quran brings Muslims unlimited blessings while also helping them gain protection from the fire of hell.

Abu Hurairah had reported the Prophet (ﷺ) to have said:

"Read the Qur'an, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection." – Riyad-as-Salihin 991

3. Recitation of the Quran helps ease distress and brings comfort. It is a cure for depression and anxiety.

"Those who believe and find peace in their hearts from the contemplation of God: Surely there is peace of heart in the contemplation of God!" (13:28)

Listen to the Recitation of Surah Al-Anfal by Renowned Qaris

Listening to the recitation of the Quran by a renowned and authentic reciter, including Surah Al-Anfal, is very important. It is a sensitive matter, as correct recitation of the Quranic words is critical. Even a small mistake in reading a Quranic word correctly may entirely change its meaning. Correct pronunciation by non-Arabic-speaking individuals becomes even more difficult at times, as they may not be able to read it with correct pronunciation. Hence, listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic Qari can be highly useful for learning correct pronunciation.

Sometimes, one may also prefer to simply listen to the Quran, rather than reading it oneself. We have uploaded recitations of the Quran by different renowned reciters (Qaris). You can find and select a Qari per your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You just need to download the MuslimandQuran mobile application to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Anfal.

The MuslimandQuran mobile application is available for both Android and iOS, accessible on Google Play and the App Store, respectively. You can download the application by clicking the links given here:

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Surah Al-Anfal PDF

Reading the Quran directly on the MuslimandQuran website and mobile application is quite easy. However, if you prefer to read it offline, as per your convenience, MuslimandQuran also provides this facility. You can download Surah Al-Anfal in PDF format for future reading.

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