Скачать или смотреть Full Recitation: Surah Anfal سورة الأنفال[English Translation] Muhammad Luhaidan

Surah al-Anfal was revealed after the Battle of Badr; Surah al-Tawbah was one of the last Madinan surahs and was revealed after the expedition to Tabook. Both surahs were revealed during military campaigns and their verses reflect these circumstances. To take these verses out of context is dishonest. It also distracts from the many beautiful lessons we can derive from these two surahs as many people shy away from discussing them because of their association with the concept of jihad.


In these two surahs, we see the beginning and the end of the military campaigns of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم against the Quraysh. Surah al-Anfal reflects on their first victory reminding us that victory is from Allah, and piety is what matters most. Surah al-Tawbah was revealed after the biggest victory of the Muslims, the conquest of Makkah showing the Muslims at the height of their power. Between these two surahs, we see various reflections on how Muslims should behave during wartime, times of peace, and when in a position of power. In all situations, justice and piety take precedence over anything else.


An often-misquoted verse is verse 60 of Surah al-Anfal; 'And prepare against them all the power you can muster, and all the cavalry you can mobilize, to terrify thereby God’s enemies and your enemies, and others besides them whom you do not know, but God knows them. Whatever you spend in God’s way will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged.'


This verse is often portrayed as promoting violence against innocent civilians, yet its context clearly shows otherwise. The verse promotes the importance of the Muslim nation having a strong military presence so that it is not a target of tyrants and enemies. The goal is to avoid war by establishing a position of power. The following verse helps us understand its proper context, 'But if they incline towards peace, then incline towards it, and put your trust in God. He is the Hearer, the Knower.' This teaches us that the default is peace, and military strength is a means towards establishing peace and justice.