As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection concludes Surah 8, Al-Anfâl or the Spoils of War, verses 65-75. These verses deal with the treatment of prisoners of war, the duties and obligations of Muslim government and Muslims living in non-Muslim countries.
Tafseer for this selection further elaborates on the Qur’anic points regarding prisoners of war and general conduct in war or struggle.
If you enjoy the podcast, HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Tell your friends and family, subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher and write us a review.
Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.O Prophet! Rouse the believers to prepare for combat. If there are twenty steadfast among you, they shall vanquish two hundred: if there are one hundred they shall overcome one thousand of the unbelievers, for they are a people who lack understanding.[65] For now Allah is lightening your burden, because He knows that there are still some weak individuals among you, so if there are one hundred steadfast among you, they shall vanquish two hundred and if there be one thousand, they will overcome two thousand with the leave of Allah, for Allah is with those who are steadfast.[66] It is not fit for a Prophet that he should take prisoners of war until he has thoroughly subdued the land. Do you, O followers of Muhammad, desire the temporal goods of this world, while Allah desires for you the hereafter? Allah is Mighty, Wise.[67] Had there not been a previous sanction from Allah to take ransom, you should have been sternly punished for what you have taken.[68] Very well, enjoy the booty which you have taken, for it is lawful and pure, but in the future fear Allah. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.[69] 8:[65-69]
O Prophet! Tell the captives in your custody: “If Allah finds goodness in your hearts He will give you even better than what has been taken from you, as well as forgive you. Allah Is Forgiving, Merciful.” [70] But if they have treacherous designs against you, O Prophet, they have already shown treason against Allah. That is why He made them your captives. Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise.[71] 8:[70-71]
Those who believed (embraced Islam), migrated and made Jihãd (exerted their utmost struggle) with their wealth and their persons in the cause of Allah; as well as those who gave them asylum and help, are indeed the protecting friends of one another. As to those who believed (embraced Islam) but did not emigrate (to Dar-ul-Islam, the Muslim State), you are under no obligation to protect them until they emigrate; yet it is your obligation to help them in the matters of faith if they ask for your help, except against a people with whom you have a treaty. Allah is observant of all your actions.[72] The unbelievers are protectors of one of another. If you fail to do likewise, there will be disorder in the land and great corruption.[73] Those who believed (embraced Islam), migrated and made Jihãd (exerted their utmost struggle) in the cause of Allah, and those who gave them asylum and help – they are the true believers. They shall have forgiveness and honorable provisions.[74] Those who believed (embraced Islam) afterwards, migrated and joined you in Jihãd – they too are your brothers, although, according to the Book of Allah, the blood relatives have greater rights on one other. Indeed Allah knows everything.[75] 8:[72-75]
Ameen.
Tafseer
On giving consolation to prisoners of war and general conduct in war and struggle:
In spite of their previous hostility, Allah will forgive them in His Mercy if there was any good in their hearts, and confer upon them a far higher gift than anything they have ever lost. This gift in its highest sense would be the blessing of Islam, but even in a material sense, there was great good fortune awaiting them, for instance, in the case of ‘Abbas, the Prophet’s uncle who was captured and became a Muslim afterwards; ‘Abbas was an ancestor of the founder of the celebrated ‘Abbasi Dynasty which played such a notable part in Islamic history.
Note how comprehensive is Allah’s care. He encourages and strengthens the Muslims, at the same time condemning any baser motives that may have entered their minds. He consoles the prisoners of war and promises them better things if there is any good in them at all. And He offers comfort to those who have left their homes in His cause, and knits them into closer fellowship with those who have helped them and sympathized with them.
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.