As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary:
Today’s selection is from Surah 8, Al-Anfâl or the Spoils of War, verses 38-48. These verses declare that unbelievers who embrace Islam will have their past forgiven. Next, the Qur’an delineates rules about the distribution of the spoils of war and lastly, an order from Allah to remain firm during combat against the enemy.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.O Prophet, tell the unbelievers that if they desist from unbelief, their past shall be forgiven; but if they persist in sin, let them reflect upon the fate of their forefathers.[38] O believers, fight them until there is no more mischief and the Deen of Allah (way of life prescribed by Allah) is established completely; but if they do stop from mischief, then surely Allah is observant of all their actions.[39] If they give no heed, then you should know that Allah is your protector. He is the best to protect and the best to help.[40] 8:[38-40]
Know that one-fifth of the spoils of war is for Allah, His Messenger, close relatives of the Messenger, orphans, the needy and the wayfarer, if you do believe in Allah and in what We revealed to Our servant on the day of distinction (between right and wrong), the day when two armies met in combat. Allah has power over everything.[41] Remember when you were on this side of the valley and they on the farther side, and the caravan was on lower ground than you both. If you had made a mutual appointment to fight, you would have certainly failed; but Allah sought to accomplish what He has ordained, that those who were destined to perish might die by clear proof and those who were destined to live might survive by clear proof. Surely, Allah is He Who hears all and knows all.[42] Also remember that Allah made them appear in your dream as few in number; if He had shown them to you as many in number, you would surely have been discouraged and you would have disputed in your decision. But Allah saved you; surely He knows the very secrets of the hearts.[43] And remember when you met them in the encounter, He showed them to you as few in number in your eyes and He made you appear as a few in number in their eyes so that Allah might accomplish what He had ordained: for ultimately all affairs return to Allah for decision.[44] 8:[41-44]
O believers! When you encounter an enemy in a combat, be firm and frequently remember Allah so that you may be successful.[45] Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not argue with one another, lest you lose courage and weaken your strength. Show patience, surely Allah is on the side of the patient.[46] Do not be like those who started from their homes recklessly in order to be seen by everybody and debar others from the Way of Allah. Allah encompasses all their actions.[47] Remember when Shaitãn made their actions seem attractive to them, and said: “No one from mankind can overcome you today, for I will be at hand to help you.” Yet when the two armies came within sight of each other he turned upon his heels saying: “ I am done with you, for I can see what you cannot. I fear Allah, for Allah is severe in punishment.”[48] 8:[45-48]
Ameen.
This concludes today’s episode of the 17 Verses Podcast. I hope that this selection has helped increase your understanding of the holy Qur’an just a little bit.
Thank you and be well.