Surah Anfal (2-4)
– Akmal Haider Falahi (Ph.D. Arabic, AMU)
إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ ٱللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَـٰتُهُۥ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَـٰنًۭا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ ٢ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ ٣أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّۭا ۚ لَّهُمْ دَرَجَـٰتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌۭ وَرِزْقٌۭ كَرِيمٌۭ ٤
“Certainly, the believers are those whose hearts are filled with fear when (the name on Allah is mentioned; and when His verses are recited before them, they increase them in faith and in their Lord they place their trust. (They are) those who establish Sarah, and give away from what We have given them. Those are the believers in reality. For them there are high ranks with their Lord, and forgiveness, and dignified provision.” (8:2-4)
These are the 2 to 4 verses of Surah Anfal. It is a Madani Surah and was revealed in the year 2 AH after the Battle of Badr. In this Surah, Allah has commented on the circumstances and events of the Battle of Badr. Because this was the first war between Islam and Kufr and in this war the Muslims won and a lot of spoils was taken. Therefore, the ruling on the distribution of spoils has also been discussed. In the above verses, Allah has mentioned some of the salient attributes of the believers and has said that those who will create these attributes in themselves are true and sincere believers.
First attribute: It is a sign of sincere and true believers that when they hear the remembrance of Allah, their hearts tremble with fear.
Second attribute: When the verses of Allah are recited to them, their faith increases. Here the verses indicate the commandments of Allah, the believers are eager to follow them without hesitation in all matters.
Third attribute: Believers put their trust only in their Lord. It is a very important attribute of a believer that he trusts in his Lord alone at all times and in all circumstances. Believers do not rely on their power, neither on their numbers, nor on their wealth. Trusting in God is a great asset for believers. If this attribute is present, then there will be no fear in the heart and no greed of any kind. Therefore, it is very important to create this attribute, so that no matter how dangerous the situation may be, the believers will continue to fulfil the requirements of Allah, with full confidence and trust in Him alone.
Fourth attribute: They establish prayers. The above three attributes were related from within, now apparent attributes are being mentioned. The first salient characteristic of the believers in apparent attributes is that the establishment of prayers and its observation which strengthens the relationship between the believers and Allah; and declares allegiance to Allah alone.
Fifth attribute: They spend out of what We have given them. This is second apparent attribute that believers are not stingy, but whatever blessings Allah has bestowed on them, they are always ready to spend in the way of Allah.
After mentioning these five attributes, Allah says that these are the people who are honest, sincere and true believers. And then he mentions special rewards and honours for such believers, here He has mentioned three rewards for such people:
- For them is the highest degree with their Lord. This is the first reward that Allah will give to such sincere believers.
- He will forgive all flaws and mistakes. This is a great reward from Allah, because no matter how pious and self-sacrificing a person may be, he can still make mistakes. Therefore, it is a great reward of Allah that He will forgive the mistakes of His sincere servants.
- There is the best provision for them, this is the third reward being mentioned. Allah will exalt such people with the best provision in this world, i.e., rule and domination, and a great blessing like Paradise in the Hereafter. May Allah help us to become true and sincere believers and exalt us with His reward and dignity. Ameen.
