Transliteration:( Maa kaana li Nabiyyin ai yakoona lahooo asraa hatta yuskhina fil ard; tureedoona aradad dunyaa wallaahu yureedul Aakhirah; wallaahu 'Azeezun Hakeem )
"It is not fitting for any Prophet [149] to have captives until he has thoroughly defeated in the land. You desire the goods of this world [150], while Allah desires the Hereafter [151]. And Allah is Mighty, Wise."
The Companions had hoped to seize Abu Sufyan’s caravan without battle, but Allah decreed that the situation turn into armed conflict. This verse explains that it is not appropriate for a Prophet ﷺ to take captives without first establishing a decisive victory. The wisdom of battle is that it manifests the bravery, strength, and leadership of the Prophet ﷺ, affirming his divine mission.
During the Battle of Badr, seventy disbelievers were taken as prisoners. When the Prophet ﷺ sought advice, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) suggested they be released for ransom, hoping they might embrace Islam, and the ransom would support the Muslim cause. Hazrat Umar (RA), however, advised executing them, seeing them as the core of disbelief. The Prophet ﷺ chose Abu Bakr’s suggestion, but this verse was revealed to highlight the weight of the decision, showing that the initial goal should be religious triumph, not material gain.
The "goods of this world" refers to the ransom money received from the captives. Allah emphasizes that while the Companions had good intentions, His priority was to elevate them spiritually and prepare them for eternal rewards. Their intent was not sinful, as the aim was to strengthen Islam, but Allah redirects their focus toward the Akhirah (Hereafter), showing that spiritual outcomes take precedence over material benefits.
67. It is not (fitting) for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he has fought (his enemies thoroughly) in the land. You desire the goods of this world, but Allah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. 68. Were it not a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe torment would have touched you for what you took. 69. So enjoy what you have gotten of booty in war, lawful and good, and have Taqwa of Allah. Certainly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Imam Ahmad recorded that Anas said, “The Prophet asked the people for their opinion about the prisoners of war of Badr, saying,
(Allah has made you prevail above them.) `Umar bin Al-Khattab stood up and said, `O Allah’s Messenger! Cut off their necks,’ but the Prophet turned away from him. The Messenger of Allah again asked,
(O people! Allah has made you prevail over them, and only yesterday, they were your brothers.) `Umar again stood up and said, `O Allah’s Messenger! Cut off their necks.’ The Prophet ignored him and asked the same question again and he repeated the same answer. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq stood up and said, `O Allah’s Messenger! I think you should pardon them and set them free in return for ransom.’ Thereupon the grief on the face of Allah’s Messenger vanished. He pardoned them and accepted ransom for their release. Allah, the Exalted and Most Honored, revealed this verse,
(Were it not a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe torment would have touched you for what you took).”
`Ali bin Abi Talhah narrated that Ibn `Abbas said about Allah’s statement,
(Were it not a previous ordainment from Allah…),
“In the Preserved Book, that war spoils and prisoners of war will be made allowed for you,
(would have touched you for what you took), because of the captives.
(a severe torment.) Allah, the Exalted said next,
(So enjoy what you have gotten of booty in war, lawful and good).” eAl-`Awfi also reported this statement from Ibn `Abbas. A similar statement was collected from Abu Hurayrah, Ibn Mas`ud, Sa`id bin Jubayr, `Ata’, Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Qatadah and Al-A`mash. They all stated that,
(Were it not a previous ordainment from Allah. .) refers to allowing the spoils of war for this Ummah.
Supporting this view is what the Two Sahihs recorded that Jabir bin `Abdullah said that the Messenger of Allah said,
(I have been given five things which were not given to any Prophet before me. (They are) Allah made me victorious by awe, (by His frightening my enemies) for a distance of one month’s journey. The earth has been made a place for praying and a purifyer for me. The booty has been made lawful for me, yet it = was not lawful for anyone else before me. I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection). Every Prophet used to be sent to his people only, but I have been sent to all mankind.)
Al-A`mash narrated that Abu Salih said that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,
(War booty was never allowed for any among mankind except us.) ﴿Abu Hurayrah said;﴾ This is why Allah the Most High said,
(So enjoy what you have gotten of booty in war, lawful and good.)
The Muslims then took the ransom for their captives. In his Sunan, Imam Abu Dawud recorded that Ibn `Abbas said that the Messenger of Allah fixed four hundred (Dirhams) in ransom from the people of Jahiliyyah in the aftermath of Badr. The majority of the scholars say that the matter of prisoners of war is up to the Imam. If he decides, he can have them killed, such as in the case of Bani Qurayzah. If he decides, he can accept a ransom for them, as in the case of the prisoners of Badr, or exchange them for Muslim prisoners. The Messenger exchanged a woman and her daughter who were captured by Salamah bin Al-Akwa`, for exchange of some Muslims who were captured by the idolators, or if he decides he can take the prisoner as a captives.
(8:67) It behoves not a Prophet to take captives until he has sufficiently suppressed the enemies in the land. You merely seek the gains of the world whereas Allah desires (for you the good) of the Hereafter. Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
[457]- i.e., material benefit, such as the ransom paid for prisoners.
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