Tafsir of Al-Anfal 8:44

Surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War): Verse 44

[44] And [remember] when He showed them to you in your sleep as few, and He made you appear as few in their eyes, so that Allah might accomplish a matter already decreed. And to Allah all matters are returned.

1. The Third Blessing of Badr: This verse describes the third type of divine favor bestowed upon the Muslims on the Day of Badr: the visual perception of the enemy forces. What was shown in the dream was confirmed in wakefulness.

2. Interpretation of the Vision: The commentator of Al-Kashshaf states that the pronouns in {وإذ يريكموهم} (And when He showed them to you) refer to God showing the enemy to the believers. The word {قليلاً} (as few) is in the accusative case, functioning as a hal (a circumstantial adverb).

3. The Wisdom of Diminution (Reducing Numbers): Allah reduced the number of the polytheists in the eyes of the believers, and He also reduced the number of the believers in the eyes of the polytheists.

• Reducing the enemy in the believers' eyes: This confirmed the Prophet's (PBUH) dream, strengthened their hearts, and increased their boldness against the enemy.
• Reducing the believers in the polytheists' eyes: Because the polytheists underestimated the number of Muslims, they did not exert full effort in preparation, readiness, and caution, which ultimately became a cause for the Muslims' victory over them.

4. Addressing the Question of Perception:

• Objection: How is it permissible for God to show the many as few?
• Answer (Our position): This is permissible because Allah created the faculty of perception in some individuals such that they perceived fewer numbers than were actually present.
• Mu'tazilite View: They suggested that perhaps the eye was prevented from perceiving the whole number, or perhaps the majority of the enemy forces were too far away to be seen clearly.

5. The Purpose of the Decree: {ليقضي الله أمراً كان مفعولاً} (so that Allah might accomplish a matter already decreed).

• Addressing Repetition: If this phrase seems repetitive from a previous verse, the distinction is as follows:
  • In the previous context, the purpose was to show that these actions (like the vision) were done so that the Muslims would overcome the polytheists in a manner that served as a miracle proving the Prophet's (PBUH) truthfulness.
  • In this context, the purpose is specifically linked to the preceding statement about reducing the believers' numbers in the eyes of the disbelievers. This was done so that the disbelievers would not exert maximum effort in preparation and caution, thus leading to their defeat.

6. The Final Return: {وإلى الله ترجع الأمور} (And to Allah all matters are returned). The purpose of this statement is to remind people that worldly affairs are not ends in themselves; rather, they are intended only to serve as provisions for the Day of Return (the Hereafter).

Surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War): Verses 45–47

[45] O you who have believed, when you encounter a company [of the enemy], stand firm and remember Allah much that you may be successful.

[46] And obey Allah and His Messenger and do not dispute among yourselves, lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

[47] And do not be like those who went forth from their homes in arrogance and to be seen by people, and who hinder [others] from the way of Allah. And Allah, of what they do, is encompassing.