Surah Al-Anfal – Ayah No. 36-40
A. TRANSLATION
٣٦ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ لِيَصُدُّوا عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ۚ فَسَيُنْفِقُونَهَا ثُمَّ تَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسْرَةً ثُمَّ يُغْلَبُونَ ۗ وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ جَهَنَّمَ يُحْشَرُونَ
[Quran 8:36] Indeed those who Kafaru (كَفَرُوا) Yunfiquna (يُنْفِقُونَ) Amwalahum (أَمْوَالَهُمْ) so that to Yas’uddu (لِيَصُدُّوا) from Sabeele (سَبِيلِ) Allah. Then let Yunfiqunaha (فَسَيُنْفِقُونَهَا) then Takunu (تَكُونُ) upon them Hasratan (حَسْرَةً). Then Yugh’labuna (يُغْلَبُونَ). And those who Kafaru (كَفَرُوا) towards Jahanama (جَهَنَّمَ) Yuhsharuna (يُحْشَرُونَ).
٣٧ لِيَمِيزَ اللَّهُ الْخَبِيثَ مِنَ الطَّيِّبِ وَيَجْعَلَ الْخَبِيثَ بَعْضَهُ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ فَيَرْكُمَهُ جَمِيعًا فَيَجْعَلَهُ فِي جَهَنَّمَ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ
[Quran 8:37] So that Yamiza (لِيَمِيزَ) Allah the Khabis’a (الْخَبِيثَ) from the T’ayyibi (الطَّيِّبِ) and Yaja’la (وَيَجْعَلَ) the Khabis’a (الْخَبِيثَ) Ba’zahu (بَعْضَهُ) A’la (عَلَىٰ) Ba’zin (بَعْضٍ). Then Yarkumahu (فَيَرْكُمَهُ) Jamia’n (جَمِيعًا). Then Yaja’lahu (فَيَجْعَلَهُ) of Jahannama (جَهَنَّمَ) those they the Khasiruna (الْخَاسِرُونَ).
٣٨ قُلْ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِنْ يَنْتَهُوا يُغْفَرْ لَهُمْ مَا قَدْ سَلَفَ وَإِنْ يَعُودُوا فَقَدْ مَضَتْ سُنَّتُ الْأَوَّلِينَ
[Quran 8:38] Qul (قُلْ) those who Kafaru (كَفَرُوا).’ Indeed Yantahu (يَنْتَهُوا) Yughfar (يُغْفَرْ) to them what Indeed Salafa (سَلَفَ).’ And if they Yau’du (يَعُودُوا) so indeed Mazatu (مَضَتْ) Sunnatu (سُنَّتُ) the Awwalina (الْأَوَّلِينَ).
٣٩ وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّىٰ لَا تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ الدِّينُ كُلُّهُ لِلَّهِ ۚ فَإِنِ انْتَهَوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ
[Quran 8:39] And Qatiluhum (وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ) Hatta (حَتَّى) Takuna (تَكُونَ) then Fit’natun (فِتْنَةٌ) and Yakuna (وَيَكُونَ) the Dinu (الدِّينُ) Kulluhu (كُلُّهُ) Allah. So indeed Intahaw (انْتَهَوْا) then Indeed Allah with what they Ya’malun (يَعْمَلُونَ) Basirun (بَصِيرٌ).
٤٠ وَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ مَوْلَاكُمْ ۚ نِعْمَ الْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيرُ
[Quran 8:40] And if Tawallaw (تَوَلَّوْا) then A’lamu (فَاعْلَمُوا) that Allah Mawlakum (مَوْلَاكُمْ). Na’ima (نِعْمَ) the Mawla (الْمَوْلَى) and Na’ima (وَنِعْمَ) the Nas’iru (النَّصِيرُ).
B. THE CONCEPT:
THE CONTEXT
The earlier Ayahs of Surah Al-Anfal collectively emphasize that divine guidance serves as the ultimate criterion for distinguishing truth from falsehood and justice from injustice. While arrogance, blind following, and superficial rituals lead to self-inflicted suffering, sincere adherence to divine principles fosters clarity, transformation, and protection from the negative impacts of past misdeeds. True leadership belongs only to those who uphold divine justice with sincerity and integrity, while those who remain passive in the face of injustice enable corruption, led by fake leaders, to persist. Ultimately, divine wisdom must be actively engaged with, internalized, and implemented to bring about real and lasting change.
CONCEPT OF THESE AYAHS
Ayah 8:36, “Indeed those who Kafaru (كَفَرُوا) Yunfiquna (يُنْفِقُونَ) Amwalahum (أَمْوَالَهُمْ) so that to Yas’uddu (لِيَصُدُّوا) from Sabeele (سَبِيلِ) Allah. Then let Yunfiqunaha (فَسَيُنْفِقُونَهَا) then Takunu (تَكُونُ) upon them Hasratan (حَسْرَةً). Then Yugh’labuna (يُغْلَبُونَ). And those who Kafaru (كَفَرُوا) towards Jahanama (جَهَنَّمَ) Yuhsharuna (يُحْشَرُونَ).”
Indeed, those who blindly follow others concealing their intellectual faculties, Allah’s Ayats in self-righteous, arrogant manner (كَفَرُوا) become active (يُنْفِقُونَ) their wealth, money, resources, connections and valuables (أَمْوَالَهُمْ) so that they mislead and hinder others creating bottlenecks to turn them away (لِيَصُدُّوا) from path of (سَبِيلِ) Allah. Then let be active (فَسَيُنْفِقُونَهَا) then aim to be in the situation through their conducts (تَكُونُ) upon them being fatigued, tired, exhausted along with feelings of regret, remorse and shame (حَسْرَةً). Then they become those who are predominant, impenetrable, covered, prevalent (يُغْلَبُونَ). And those who blindly follow others concealing their intellectual faculties, Allah’s Ayats in self-righteous, arrogant manner (كَفَرُوا) towards hell, pain and sufferings (جَهَنَّمَ) as their collective recompense (يُحْشَرُونَ).
This ayah continues to expose the behaviors and consequences of the Kaafireen- those who reject divine guidance—not out of ignorance, but due to arrogance and a deliberate concealment of truth. It highlights how such individuals, despite recognizing the reality of divine laws, actively engage in efforts to mislead others and obstruct the path of Allah’s system and justice. Their rejection is not passive but an intentional misuse of resources, influence, and power to maintain control, prevent transformation, and create barriers that turn people away from the divine system.
A defining characteristic of such individuals is their relentless investment of wealth, resources, and influence—not for the betterment of society, but to sustain systems of misguidance, concealment, and injustice. Their expenditures are not acts of generosity but calculated efforts aimed at controlling narratives, silencing truth, and upholding self-righteous, self-serving ideologies. Despite their vast resources and strategic planning, the ayah makes it clear that their pursuit is ultimately futile. The divine instruction to the addressees of the Quran is to actively counter such engagements, leading these individuals into a state of Hasrat—a condition of exhaustion, regret, and shame—so they recognize that their efforts yield nothing but increasing burdens upon themselves.
The ayah further describes the inevitable consequence of their persistent obstruction of divine guidance. If they continue their attempts to block the path of Allah, they will ultimately be overpowered. This defeat is not merely political or material but a profound realization of their failure—the collapse of the false structures they upheld, the exposure of their deception, and the erosion of their influence. This downfall is not an external punishment but the natural result of their own misguided actions.
Finally, the ayah warns of their ultimate fate—Jahannam, a state of immense suffering and torment. This is not merely a distant, otherworldly consequence but a reality that unfolds even in this life, manifesting as societal decay, inner turmoil, and the inevitable disintegration of systems built on arrogance, deception, and injustice. The ayah serves as a stark reminder that no amount of wealth or influence can sustain a structure fundamentally misaligned with the divine system, absolute truth, and justice. Those who misuse their resources in opposition to Haqq will ultimately bear the consequences of their own corrupt investments.
Ayah 8:37, “So that Yamiza (لِيَمِيزَ) Allah the Khabis’a (الْخَبِيثَ) from the T’ayyibi (الطَّيِّبِ) and Yaja’la (وَيَجْعَلَ) the Khabis’a (الْخَبِيثَ) Ba’zahu (بَعْضَهُ) A’la (عَلَىٰ) Ba’zin (بَعْضٍ). Then Yarkumahu (فَيَرْكُمَهُ) Jamia’n (جَمِيعًا). Then Yaja’lahu (فَيَجْعَلَهُ) of Jahannama (جَهَنَّمَ) those they the Khasiruna (الْخَاسِرُونَ).”
So that Allah distinctively characterizes (لِيَمِيزَ) aspects that are unpleasant, undesirable, despised, disliked, unlawful and illegal (الْخَبِيثَ) from the aspects that are pleasant, the best desirable, and most favorite, lawful, and legally acquired (الطَّيِّبِ) and are appointed for duties (وَيَجْعَلَ) these aspects that are unpleasant, undesirable, despised, disliked, unlawful and illegal (الْخَبِيثَ) some (بَعْضَهُ) more than, at the height of (عَلَىٰ) others (بَعْضٍ). Then gather and heap (فَيَرْكُمَهُ) them together (جَمِيعًا). Then appoint for duties (فَيَجْعَلَهُ) of pain and sufferings (جَهَنَّمَ) those- they are the losers in both the worlds (الْخَاسِرُونَ).
This ayah highlights the divine system of distinction between what is good, lawful and desirable (Tayyib) and what is corrupt, unlawful, and undesirable (Khabees). Through natural processes and divine laws, Allah’s system ensures a clear separation between truth and falsehood, justice and injustice, sincerity and hypocrisy. This distinction is not arbitrary but unfolds systematically, allowing both Khabees and Tayyib elements—whether in individuals, societies, laws, or systems—to reveal their true nature over time.
To facilitate this distinction, certain Khabees elements are appointed in a dominant capacity over other Khabees. This means that within systems of corruption and falsehood, there exists a hierarchy where some forms of injustice, deception, and oppression overshadow others. This arrangement is not meant as an endorsement of their power but as part of a divine process that amplifies their inherent flaws, making their corruption more evident and self-destructive. When injustice and falsehood are allowed to accumulate and reach their peak, they expose themselves fully, making it easier for those who seek truth to recognize and reject them.
At the time of accountability, all Khabees elements—whether corrupt individuals, unjust practices, exploitative systems, or false ideologies—will be gathered and heaped together. This accumulation ensures that all forces of corruption are grouped together, leaving no ambiguity about their alignment and making them fully deserving of their recompense. Their ultimate fate is Jahannam—a state of deep pain and suffering.
The ayah makes it clear that those who remain aligned with corruption will face complete failure, deprived of success both in this world and the hereafter. Their misguided choices, once driven by arrogance, greed, and deception, ultimately lead to their downfall. This ayah serves as a profound reminder that the separation of truth from falsehood is an inherent function of the divine system, ensuring that justice prevails even if corruption appears powerful for a time. It reassures that those who stand with Tayyib—what is lawful, just, and morally upright—are on the path of success, while those who align with falsehood will inevitably face the consequences of their own choices.
Ayah 8:38, “Qul (قُلْ) those who Kafaru (كَفَرُوا).’ Indeed Yantahu (يَنْتَهُوا) Yughfar (يُغْفَرْ) to them what Indeed Salafa (سَلَفَ).’ And if they Yau’du (يَعُودُوا) so indeed Mazatu (مَضَتْ) Sunnatu (سُنَّتُ) the Awwalina (الْأَوَّلِينَ).”
Reflect from your conducts and speech to (قُلْ) those who blindly follow others concealing their intellectual faculties, Allah’s Ayats in self-righteous, arrogant manner (كَفَرُوا), ‘Indeed have stopped, ceased, have blocked (يَنْتَهُوا) the protection of Allah (يُغْفَرْ) to them like what happened in the past (سَلَفَ).’ And indeed, they have familiarized, accustomed and gotten used to it (يَعُودُوا). So, indeed, there is nothing new, it’s the same old patterns- (مَضَتْ) the practices (سُنَّتُ) of those who came before, the former people (الْأَوَّلِينَ).
This ayah presents a direct and firm declaration to those who persist in rejecting divine guidance—those who, despite having access to the truth, deliberately conceal it, reject it out of arrogance, and blindly follow inherited traditions without intellectual engagement. The instructions to the addressee of the Quran to reflect from your conducts and speech, signifies a command to convey this message clearly and unequivocally to such individuals.
The ayah states that if they continue in their path of denial and arrogance, then the protection of Allah’s system has ceased for them—just as it ceased for those who came before them. This means that once individuals reach a point where they persistently reject the truth and refuse to ignore the divine guidance, the natural consequences of their actions unfold, leading to the withdrawal of divine protection. This is not an arbitrary punishment but a direct outcome of their own choices, just as seen in the past with previous nations who followed the same patterns of concealment and arrogance.
The ayah then acknowledges that such people have become deeply familiarized and accustomed to these traditions and systems of falsehood, to the extent that rejecting divine guidance has become their norm. They are not in a state of momentary confusion but have built entire structures of beliefs and practices rooted in deception, oppression, and self-righteousness.
Finally, the ayah reminds that there is nothing unprecedented in their actions or fate. This is Mazatu Sunnatu al-Awwalin—the same cycle that has played out time and again in history. Those who persistently reject divine guidance and remain entrenched in their inherited systems of corruption meet the same end as those before them. The repetition of this pattern serves as both a warning and a historical lesson: individuals and societies that follow the path of arrogance, deception, and resistance to divine wisdom will inevitably face the same consequences as those who came before them.
This ayah, therefore, serves as a wake-up call—both to those who reject divine guidance and to the addressees of the Quran—to recognize these recurring patterns, understand the consequences of misguided persistence, and take heed from history. It emphasizes that divine justice operates consistently, and those who refuse to align themselves with truth will inevitably face the same fate as past nations who followed the same trajectory of denial and corruption.
Ayah 8:39, “And Qatiluhum (وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ) Hatta (حَتَّى) Takuna (تَكُونَ) then Fit’natun (فِتْنَةٌ) and Yakuna (وَيَكُونَ) the Dinu (الدِّينُ) Kulluhu (كُلُّهُ) Allah. So indeed Intahaw (انْتَهَوْا) then Indeed Allah with what they Ya’malun (يَعْمَلُونَ) Basirun (بَصِيرٌ).”
And fight them to bring an end to this (وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ) until (حَتَّى) you, through your conducts, reach the killing of this (تَكُونَ) trial (فِتْنَةٌ) and they through their conducts reach the final destination of (وَيَكُونَ) adopts the way of life as per the laws of Allah, to which they are indebted during their lifetime, which is destined to bring out the best in them- (الدِّينُ) in a complete and all-encompassing manner (كُلُّهُ). So indeed cease, stop them (انْتَهَوْا) then Indeed Allah with what they do (يَعْمَلُونَ) all-perceiving (بَصِيرٌ).
This ayah provides a clear directive on the approach to eradicating Fitna—a term that encompasses extreme trials, oppression, and corruption that hinder the establishment of divine system, the absolute truth and justice. It emphasizes the necessity of taking firm action to ensure that oppression and injustice are completely dismantled and replaced with a just and harmonious system based on divine guidance.
The command Qatiluhum does not merely refer to physical confrontation but entails a comprehensive struggle to weaken, diminish, and ultimately eliminate the influence and confidence of oppressive forces. This is necessary until the disruptive and unjust system is entirely removed. Fitna in this context represents any structure, ideology, or practice that creates barriers to divine justice, exploits people, and prevents the establishment of a just and equitable way of life.
The ayah further clarifies that this struggle must persist until the divine system (Deen) is fully established (Kulluhu Lillah)—meaning until society functions in complete alignment with the laws of Allah, ensuring justice, balance, and the well-being of all. Deen here does not refer to ritualistic worship but to an all-encompassing way of life that governs human interactions, societal structures, and the implementation of justice. This transformation is not about forced imposition but about enabling people to adopt a system that is naturally aligned with their innate well-being and destined to bring out the best in them and in humanity.
The ayah then states Intahaw—a directive indicating that once this oppressive and corrupt system ceases, there should be no further hostility. The ultimate goal is not destruction but the cessation of injustice and the establishment of a just and sustainable divine order. The verse reassures that Allah’s system is fully aware (Basirun) of all actions and ensures that those who work toward divine justice will see the outcomes of their efforts, while those who resist will inevitably face the consequences of their misdeeds.
This ayah, therefore, lays out a framework for transformative change: taking active measures to dismantle oppressive systems, ensuring the establishment of divine justice in its complete form, and ceasing conflict once the objective has been achieved. It underscores that Allah’s system is always perceptive and responsive to human actions, ensuring that justice ultimately prevails.
Ayah 8:40, “And if Tawallaw (تَوَلَّوْا) then A’lamu (فَاعْلَمُوا) that Allah Mawlakum (مَوْلَاكُمْ). Na’ima (نِعْمَ) the Mawla (الْمَوْلَى) and Na’ima (وَنِعْمَ) the Nas’iru (النَّصِيرُ).”
And if they disconnect, turn away and reject (تَوَلَّوْا) then know (فَاعْلَمُوا) that Allah is the protector, supporter, guardian, and benefactor (مَوْلَاكُمْ)- Full of blessings, height, role model, unity (نِعْمَ) the protection, support, guardian, and benefactor (الْمَوْلَى) and Full of blessings, height, role model, unity (وَنِعْمَ) the support, the help and source of resources (النَّصِيرُ).
This ayah provides reassurance and a definitive conclusion to the preceding discussion on opposition, struggle, and the establishment of divine justice. It addresses the possibility that, despite all efforts to guide them, some individuals and systems will continue to reject, disconnect, and turn away (Tawallaw) from divine guidance. This rejection is not due to a lack of clarity or understanding but is a deliberate choice to resist the truth and persist in misguidance.
In response, the ayah directs the addressees to internalize a fundamental truth: A’lamu—be fully aware and deeply convinced that Allah’s system is the ultimate source of protection, support, and sustenance. Regardless of opposition, Allah’s divine system remains self-sufficient, independent, and all-encompassing. It serves as Mawla—the ultimate guardian and benefactor—providing stability, guidance, and unity to those who align themselves with it.
The ayah further emphasizes that Allah’s system is Na’ima al-Mawla wa Na’ima al-Nasir—the best and most complete form of protection, guidance and support. This means that those who uphold divine justice will never be left unsupported or vulnerable. Even if people or systems reject the truth, divine laws will continue to operate, ensuring that justice prevails. The divine system does not rely on human approval; rather, those who align with it benefit from its strength, guidance, and infinite resources.
Ultimately, this ayah serves as both a reassurance and a call to steadfastness. It reminds those who strive for truth that their efforts are not in vain, even if faced with rejection. The divine system remains the most reliable source of protection and success, ensuring that those who commit to it will always find support, guidance, and the necessary resources to persevere. The lesson is clear: human rejection cannot weaken divine justice, and those who trust in Allah’s system will always have the strongest foundation to rely upon.
C. LESSONS AS PER THESE AYAHS:
These Ayahs of Surah Al-Anfal give us the following lessons that we can incorporate in our daily lives
- THE MISUSE OF WEALTH AND POWER: The ayahs highlight how those who reject divine guidance not out of ignorance but due to arrogance and self-righteousness actively misuse their wealth, influence, and resources to obstruct the path of Allah. Their investments are not acts of generosity but deliberate strategies aimed at maintaining systems of deception, suppressing truth, and misleading others. However, these efforts are ultimately futile. The divine system instructs the addressees to counter their influence, leading them into a state of exhaustion, regret, and shame as they realize that their actions only burden them further. Despite their attempts to uphold falsehood, they will inevitably face failure and defeat, as their corrupt structures collapse under their own weight.
- THE INEVITABLE SEPERATION OF TRUTH AND FALSEHOOD: A fundamental principle of divine justice is the distinct separation between what is lawful, just, and desirable (Tayyib) and what is corrupt, unlawful, and undesirable (Khabees). This distinction unfolds naturally through divine processes, allowing both truth and falsehood to expose their real nature over time. Even within corrupt systems, some injustices overshadow others, ultimately leading to their own destruction. At the time of accountability, all forms of corruption will be gathered together, ensuring that they receive their due recompense. Those who align with Khabees will face complete failure, both in this world and the hereafter, while those who uphold Tayyib will find themselves on the path of true success.
- THE REPEATING PATTERN OF ARROGANCE AND CONSEQUENCES: History repeatedly shows that those who reject divine guidance follow the same patterns as those before them. They become accustomed to falsehood, normalize injustice, and remain trapped in inherited systems of oppression. This is not a new phenomenon; it is the same recurring cycle seen in past civilizations that met their downfall. Those who stubbornly persist in deception, despite witnessing clear signs of truth, will ultimately face the same consequences. The divine system operates with absolute consistency—aligning with Haqq leads to success, while aligning with falsehood leads to self-destruction.
- THE STRUGGLE AGAINST OPRESSION AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF JUSTICE: The ayahs emphasize the necessity of active engagement in eradicating Fitna—all forms of oppression, corruption, and injustice that prevent divine justice from being established. This struggle is not about forced imposition but about ensuring that society is governed by divine laws that bring out the best in humanity. Once injustice and falsehood are removed, the struggle ceases. The divine system does not endorse perpetual conflict but seeks to restore balance, ensuring that Deen—the way of life based on divine justice—is fully implemented. Those who work towards this goal will always have the support and guidance of Allah’s system.
- THE ULTIMATE SOURCE OF PROTECTION AND SUPPORT: Finally, the ayahs reassure that even if individuals or systems reject divine guidance, the truth remains unaffected. The divine system is self-sustaining and serves as the ultimate protector and source of support for those who uphold justice. No rejection or opposition can weaken divine justice, and those who trust in Allah’s system will always have the strongest foundation. The message is clear: human denial does not diminish divine truth, and aligning with the divine system ensures unwavering guidance, success, and ultimate victory.
- CONCLUSION: These ayahs emphasize the inevitable downfall of those who misuse their wealth and influence to obstruct divine justice, revealing how their efforts only lead to exhaustion, regret, and failure. The divine system naturally separates truth from falsehood, ensuring that corruption is exposed and ultimately destroyed. History serves as a reminder that those who persist in arrogance and deception follow the same patterns as past nations that faced ruin. The struggle against Fitna—oppression, corruption, and injustice—is essential to establishing a just society governed by divine principles, but once justice prevails, conflict ceases. Ultimately, the divine system is the ultimate source of protection and success, ensuring that those who align with Haqq will always have unwavering guidance and support, while those who resist will inevitably face the consequences of their own actions.
Footnotes:
D. THE KEY-WORD VOCABULARY:
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