Category: Al-‘Anfal

They ask you, [O Muhammad], about booty (spoils of war). Tell them: “The Booty belongs to Allah and His Messenger: so fear Allah, end your disputes, and correct the relations between yourselves: obey Allah and His Messenger if you are true believers.”
Meaning:-
Booty: spoil taken from an enemy in war; plunder; pillage.
Booty is a collection of valuable things stolen from a place, especially by soldiers after a battle.

The true believers are those whose hearts tremble with fear, when the name of Allah is mentioned, and whose faith grows stronger as they listen to His revelations and they put their trust in their Lord,
Meaning:-
Tremble: shiver, to be affected with great fear, to shake involuntarily with quick, short movements, as from fear, excitement, weakness,

Those who keep up prayer and spend (benevolently) out of what We have given them.
Meaning:-
Benevolently: desiring to help others; charitable:

These are the believers in truth; they shall have from their Lord exalted grades and forgiveness and an honorable sustenance.
Meaning:-
Exalted: placed at a high or powerful level; held in high regard.
Sustenance: food and drink regarded as a source of strength; nourishment.

Your Lord ordered you to leave your home to fight for justice, but some of the believers were reluctant.
Meaning:-
Reluctant: unwilling and hesitant; disinclined, struggling in opposition,

They argued with you about the truth which had been made clear, as if they were being driven to death with their eyes wide open.

[Remember, Allah promised you victory over one of the two enemy parties and you wished for the one which was unarmed but Allah intended to prove the truth to be true according to His words and to cut off the roots of the unbelievers,

That He should establish the truth and abolish falsehood, even if the criminals disliked it.
Meaning:-
Abolish: destroy, put an end to, eliminate.

[Remember] when you asked help of your Lord, and He answered you, “Indeed, I will reinforce you with a thousand from the angels, following one another.”

And Allah only gave it as a good news and that your hearts might be at ease thereby; and victory is only from Allah; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise.

˹Remember (before the battle of Badr)˺ when He caused drowsiness to overcome you, giving you serenity. And He sent down rain from the sky to purify you, free you from Satan’s whispers, strengthen your hearts, and make ˹your˺ steps firm.
Meaning:-
serenity: the quality of being peaceful and calm:
whisper: communicate in, When you speak very quietly, so that hardly anyone can hear.

[Remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, “I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip.”
Meaning:-
Strike: bang, beat, hit.

That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger – indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

“That [is yours], so taste it.” And indeed for the disbelievers is the punishment of the Fire.

O believers! When you encounter the unbelievers in a battle, never turn your backs to them,

And whoever turns his back to them on such a day, unless swerving [as a strategy] for war or joining [another] company, has certainly returned with anger [upon him] from Allah , and his refuge is Hell – and wretched is the destination.
Meaning:-
Strategy: Strategy can often be confused with tactics, goals and even actions, the skill of planning the movements of armies in a war
refuge:-: shelter, protection, safety, security, asylum,
wretched: unpleasant or of low quality.

In fact, it was not you who killed them, but it was Allah Who killed them; it was not you (O Muhammad) who threw the handful of sand, but it was Allah Who threw it so that He might pass the believers successfully through this excellent trial; surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

That [is so], and [also] that Allah will weaken the plot of the disbelievers.

If you [disbelievers] seek the victory – the defeat has come to you. And if you desist [from
hostilities], it is best for you; but if you return [to war], We will return, and never will you be availed by your [large] company at all, even if it should increase; and [that is] because Allah is with the believers.
Meaning:-
Desist: to suspend or cause to suspend activity, stop applies to action or progress
hostilities: Hostilities were suspended (= fighting stopped temporarily) during the talks.

O believers! Obey Allah and his Messenger and do not turn your back to him, now that you have heard all.

And be not like those who said, We hear, and they did not obey.

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason (common sense)

And if Allah had known any good in them He would have made them hear, and if He makes them hear they would have turned away and refused to listen.

O believers! Respond to the call of Allah and His Messenger, when He calls you to that which gives you life; and know that Allah stands between man and his heart, and that it is He in Whose presence you shall all be assembled.

And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people), and know that Allah is Severe in punishment.
Meaning:-
Fitnah: ( Al-Fitnah is worse than killing.) Spreading Mischief, trying to force the Muslims to revert from their religion and re-embrace Kufr after they had believed, is worse with Allah than killing.
Afflict: (of a problem or illness) cause pain or suffering to; affect or trouble.

And remember when you were few and oppressed in the land, fearing that people might abduct you, but He sheltered you, supported you with His victory, and provided you with good things – that you might be grateful.
Meaning:-
Oppressed: : unjust use of force or authority:
Abduct: take (someone) away illegally by force or deception; kidnap.

O you who believe! be not unfaithful to Allah and the Messenger, nor be unfaithful to your trusts while you know.

You should know that your wealth and your children are, in fact, a test for you, and that Allah is He with Whom is your mighty reward.

O you who believe! If you are careful of (your duty to) Allah, He will grant you a distinction and do away with your evils and forgive you; and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.

And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you (O Muhammad) to imprison you, or to kill you, or to get you out (from your home, i.e. Makkah); they were plotting and Allah too was planning, and Allah is the Best of the planners.

And when Our Verses (of the Quran) are recited to them, they say: “We have heard this (the Quran); if we wish we can say the like of this. This is nothing but the tales of the ancients.”

And [remember] when they said, “O Allah , if this should be the truth from You, then rain down upon us stones from the sky or bring us a painful punishment.”

But Allah would not punish them while you, [O Muhammad], are among them, and Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.

But now there is no reason why Allah should not punish them when they are blocking others from the Masjid-al-Haram (Ka’bah), whereas they are not its lawful guardians. In fact, its only guardians are those who fear Allah, even though most of them do not understand.

Their prayer at the House of Allah is nothing but whistling and clapping of hands: whose only answer can be, “Taste the punishment because of your denying the truth.”

Surely the unbelievers spend their wealth in blocking the way of Allah and so will they continue to spend; but in the end these very efforts will become the cause of their regrets; at length they will be defeated, and in the hereafter these unbelievers will be gathered together and driven to hell,

so Allah may separate the evil from the good. He will pile up the evil ones all together and then cast them into Hell. They are the ˹true˺ losers.

O Prophet, tell the disbelievers that if they desist, their past will be forgiven. But if they persist in sin, then they have an example in those destroyed before them.
Desist: to cease, as from some action or proceeding; stop.
Persist: continue something in determined way; continue to exist.

O believers, fight them until there is no more mischief (fitnah) and the Deen (religion) 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.
Meaning:-
Fitnah: ( Al-Fitnah is worse than killing.) Spreading Mischief, trying to force the Muslims to revert from their religion and re-embrace Kufr after they had believed, is worse with Allah than killing.
observant: quick to notice things. looking at, watching.

But if they turn away – then know that Allah is your protector. Excellent is the protector, and Excellent is the helper.

Know that whatever spoils you take, one-fifth is for Allah and the Messenger, his close relatives, orphans, the poor, and ˹needy˺ travellers, if you ˹truly˺ believe in Allah and what We revealed to Our servant on that decisive day when the two armies met ˹at Badr˺. And Allah is Most Capable of everything.

(And remember) when you (the Muslim army) were on the near side of the valley, and they on the farther side, and the caravan on the ground lower than you. Even if you had made a mutual appointment to meet, you would certainly have failed in the appointment, but (you met) that Allah might accomplish a matter already ordained (in His Knowledge); so that those who were to be destroyed (for their rejecting the Faith) might be destroyed after a clear evidence, and those who were to live (i.e. believers) might live after a clear evidence. And surely, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

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.

appear And (remember) when you met (the army of the disbelievers on the Day of the battle of Badr), He showed them to you as few in your eyes and He made you as few in their eyes, so that Allah might accomplish a matter already ordained (in His Knowledge), and to Allah return all matters (for decision).

O believers! When you encounter an enemy in a combat, be firm and frequently remember Allah so that you may be successful.
Meaning:-
Combat: to battle, to fight or contend against; oppose vigorously

And obey Allah and His Messenger and do not quarrel for then you will be weak in hearts and your power will depart, and be patient; surely Allah is with the patient.
Meaning:-
Quarrel: a heated argument or disagreement.

Do not be like those ˹pagans˺ who left their homes arrogantly, only to be seen by people and to hinder others from Allah’s Path. And Allah is Fully Aware of what they do.
Meaning:-
Pagan: is a person who worships many gods or who worships nature and the Earth
Arrogantly: proud in an unpleasant way and behaving as if you are better or more important than other people or in abilities
Hinder: obstruction, to prevent from doing, acting, or happening; stop.

And [remember] when Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and said, “No one can overcome you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector.” But when the two armies sighted each other, he turned on his heels and said, “Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed I fear Allah . And Allah is severe in penalty.”

When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts was a disease (of disbelief) said: “These people (Muslims) are deceived by their religion.” But whoever puts his trust in Allah, then surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
Meaning:-
Hypocrite: a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion.

If only you could see when the angels take the souls of the disbelievers, beating their faces and backs, ˹saying,˺ “Taste the punishment of burning!

This is ˹the reward˺ for what your hands have done. And Allah is never unjust to ˹His˺ servants.”

Their fate is that of the people of Pharaoh and those before them—they all disbelieved in Allah’s signs, so Allah seized them for their sins. Indeed, Allah is All-Powerful, severe in punishment.
Meaning:-
Fate: death, destruction, or ruin.

This, because God would never change the blessings with which He has graced a people unless they change their inner selves: and [know] that God is all-hearing, all-seeing.

[Theirs is] like the custom of the people of Fir’on (Pharaoh) and of those before them. They denied the signs of their Lord, so We destroyed them for their sins, and We drowned the people of Fir’on (Pharaoh). And all [of them] were wrongdoers.
Meaning:-
Wrongdoer: a person who behaves illegally or dishonestly; an offender.

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are those who have disbelieved, and they will not [ever] believe –

They are those with whom you made a covenant, but they break their covenant every time and they do not fear Allah.
Meaning:-
Covenant: contract, agreement, undertaking, commitment,

If you [O Muhammad] encounter them in combat, make them a fearsome example for others who would follow them so that they all may learn a lesson.
Meaning:-
Combat: to battle, to fight or contend against; oppose vigorously

If you [have reason to] fear from a people betrayal, throw [their treaty] back to them, [putting you] on equal terms. Indeed, Allah does not like traitors.
Meaning:-
Betray: Unfaithful, disloyalty, stabbing you in the back, the most hurtful thing anyone can do, to deceive, misguide, or corrupt:
Treaty: an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation
Traitors: a person who betrays another, a cause, or any trust, a person who commits treason by betraying his or her country

And let not those who disbelieve think they will escape. Indeed, they will not cause failure [to Allah ].

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.
Meaning:-
Steed: horse; especially : a spirited horse (as for war)

And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah . Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.
Meaning:-
Incline: to (make someone) feel something or want to do something:
rely: depend on with full trust or confidence.

But if they intend to deceive you – then sufficient for you is Allah . It is He who supported you with His help and with the believers

He brought their hearts together. Had you spent all the riches in the earth, you could not have united their hearts. But Allah has united them. Indeed, He is Almighty, All-Wise.

O Prophet! Allah is all-sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you.

O Prophet, urge the believers to battle. If there are among you twenty [who are] steadfast, they will overcome two hundred. And if there are among you one hundred [who are] steadfast, they will overcome a thousand of those who have disbelieved because they are a people who do not understand.
Meaning:-
Steadfast: fixed in direction; steadily directed,firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person

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.
Meaning:-
Steadfast: fixed in direction; steadily directed, firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person
Vanquish: to conquer or subdue by superior force, as in battle., to defeat in any contest or conflict; be victorious over: to overcome or overpower

It is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he inflicts a massacre [upon Allah ‘s enemies] in the land. Some Muslims desire the commodities of this world, but Allah desires [for you] the Hereafter. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
Meaning:-
Captive: a prisoner, made or held prisoner, especially in war
Inflict: cause (something unpleasant or painful) to be suffered by someone or something.
Massacre: the unnecessary, indiscriminate killing of a large number of human beings or animals
Commodities: precious metals, something useful or valued, precious anything that can be bought and sold.
Exalted: placed at a high or powerful level; held in high regard.

Were it not a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe penalty would have touched you for what you took.
Meaning:-
Ordainment: To order or decree by virtue of superior authority, Order (something) officially.

So consume what you have taken of war booty [as being] lawful and good, and fear Allah . Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Meaning:-
Booty: valuable stolen goods, especially those seized in war.

O Prophet, say to whoever is in your hands of the captives, “If Allah knows [any] good in your hearts, He will give you [something] better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Meaning:-
Captive: a prisoner, made or held prisoner, especially in war

But if they intend to betray you – then they have already betrayed Allah before, and He empowered [you] over them. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.
Meaning:-
Betray: Unfaithful, disloyalty, stabbing you in the back, the most hurtful thing anyone can do, to deceive, misguide, or corrupt:

Those who believed (embraced Islam), emigrated, and strived with their wealth and lives in the cause of Allah, as well as those who gave them shelter and help—they are truly guardians of one another. As for those who believed but did not emigrate, you have no obligations to them until they emigrate. But if they seek your help ˹against persecution˺ in faith, it is your obligation to help them, except against people bound with you in a treaty. Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.
Meaning:-
Strived: struggle, make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.
Persecution: Persecution is the act of harassing or oppressing a person or a group of people, especially because of their identity, religion, race, ethnicity, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and many other factors.
Treaty:any agreement, contract, covenant. When a war ends, often two countries will sign a treaty, which is a contract where both sides agree to behave a certain way.

And those who disbelieved are allies of one another. If you do not do so, there will be fitnah on earth and great corruption.
Meaning:-
Fitnah: ( Al-Fitnah is worse than killing.) Spreading Mischief, trying to force the Muslims to revert from their religion and re-embrace Kufr after they had believed, is worse with Allah than killing.
Allies: a person who associates, friendship or cooperates with another; supporter.

Those who believed (embraced Islam), migrated and made Jihad (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.
Meaning:-
Jihad (Arabic): struggling, striving (striving means: make great efforts to achieve or obtain something) .
Asylum: protection or safety, as a political refugee

Those who believed (embraced Islam) afterwards, migrated and joined you in Jihad – 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.
Meaning:-
Jihad (Arabic): struggling, striving (striving means: make great efforts to achieve or obtain something) .