الأنفال
Al Anfal
Verses
75
Revelation
Madani
Period
Early Madinan
Surah No.
8 / 114
Al-Anfal was revealed in the aftermath of the Battle of Badr (624 CE), the first major military engagement of the Muslim community. It addresses the question of how to distribute the spoils of war, praises those who fought with sincere faith, and draws deep spiritual lessons from the Muslim victory despite being greatly outnumbered. It also establishes principles of warfare, treaty obligations, and the moral conduct of believers.
أسباب النزول
The surah was revealed almost entirely after the Battle of Badr. The very first verse was revealed when the companions began to dispute about who was entitled to the war booty, with those who fought in the front lines, those who guarded the Prophet, and those who pursued the fleeing enemy all making their case. The opening verse resolved the dispute by declaring the spoils belong entirely to Allah and the Messenger to distribute as commanded.
“And you did not kill them, but it was Allah who killed them. And you threw not when you threw, but it was Allah who threw.”
Revealed about the Prophet's action of throwing a handful of pebbles at the enemy at Badr, after which many of the enemy were blinded. This verse emphasises divine agency behind the apparent human action.
“And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and thus lose courage and let your strength depart.”
Revealed as a direct lesson from Badr and as a warning ahead of future battles, specifically addressing what later led to the Muslim setback at Uhud when some archers disobeyed the Prophet's orders.