This is a Madani Surah revealed soon after the Battle of Badr in the 2nd year of Hijrah (or 624 CE). This Surah has 75 verses in 10 sections.
The Surah reminds the Believers to obey Allah and His Messenger and keep their relations good with each other. It has given rules of war and peace between Muslims and their enemies. In this Surah, six times Allah has addressed Muslims with "O you who believe" (see vss. 15; 20; 24; 28; 29; 46)
The summary of each section is as follows:
- Commandment relating to the spoils of war. Battle of Badr.
- Allah's help for the Believers in the Battle of Badr.
- Believers must always obey Allah and His Messenger.
- Only the righteous should be the guardians of the Masjid al-Haram.
- The purpose of war and the rules about the distribution of the spoils of war.
- Be firm and united in the combat against the enemy.
- Victory of the Believers against the unbelievers. Allah does not change His blessings unless people change themselves.
- Be prepared always to defend yourself and your people. Make peace if the enemy is inclined towards peace.
- Allah's promise to help the Believers.
- Treatment of the prisoners of war and obligations towards Muslims living among non-Muslims.
