Surah Al-Anfal
Surah 8 · The Spoils of War · 75 verses · medinan
The Spoils of War — the surah was revealed when the Muslims argued after Badr about how the captured goods should be divided.
The story
The Muslims were a small group with very little, and a much bigger army came against them at Badr. Allah helped them — with rain, with rest, and with angels. Afterwards they argued about who got what, and Allah told them: fix things between yourselves first.
How it unfolds
AYAH 1-4
Settle your hearts first
The question about spoils answered by describing the believers instead — those whose hearts tremble at Allah's mention.
AYAH 5-19
Badr from the inside
Sleep as security, rain to firm the ground, angels sent, and the throw that was not the Prophet's ﷺ throw.
AYAH 20-40
Do not be hollow
Answer the call to what gives you life; do not be like those who say "we hear" and do not listen.
AYAH 41-63
The conditions of strength
Obedience, unity, patience — "do not dispute, or you will lose heart and your strength will depart."
AYAH 64-75
Treaties and prisoners
Inclining to peace when the enemy inclines, mercy to captives, and the bond of migration and shelter.
Verses to carry
- 8:46"Do not dispute with one another, or you will lose heart and your strength will depart." The most practical verse about internal division.
- 8:24"Respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life."
- 8:17"You did not throw when you threw, but Allah threw." Where the credit for any victory actually belongs.
- 8:61"If they incline to peace, incline to it too, and rely upon Allah."
Remember this
When people who are together start fighting each other, they lose their strength. Staying united is a kind of strength.
Talk about it
Allah said arguing makes people weak. Have you seen a team or a group get worse because they were arguing?