The Majestic Quran

8. Al-Anfal The Spoils of War This chapter was revealed after the Battle of Badr, which took place in Ramadan in the year 624 ce. The new community in Madinah was growing rapidly, both in numbers and economic strength, under the brilliant leadership of the Messenger r . This growing prowess of the Muslims made the hypocrites and the Jews feel threatened. The Makkans too were uncomfortable, since their trade route to Syria might be blocked. So they repeatedly dispatched small armed bands to attack cattle grazing in pastures outside Madinah, creating “low-intensity conflict”. Hence in 624 ce, when the Prophet r learnt of the Makkan caravan returning from Syria, he openly told his companions of his intention to attack it. This would be retaliation for the repeated raids and the property confiscated from the Muslims who left Makkah. A clear message: give up hostility. When Abu Sufyan heard of the plan, he sent a fast rider to Makkah with an urgent request for help. On receiving this unpleasant news, the Makkans instantly assembled an army of a thousand fighters to defend their caravan. In the meantime, Abu Sufyan changed his route and veered towards the coastal lowlands, to be further away from Madinah. The Muslim army left Madinah, hoping to catch up with the caravan. They hadn’t gone too far when they learnt that Abu Sufyan had safely escaped, and the Makkans were coming with a huge army. After a consultation with the companions, the Prophet r decided to meet the army at Badr, 150 km southwest of Madinah.