Finding Moderate Interpretation of Verse 8:57 of Al-Qur’an

Article Information

Title: Finding Moderate Interpretation of Verse 8:57 of Al-Qur’an

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Qur'anic Studies

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30

Publisher: Islamia University, Bahawalpur

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2023

Volume: 2

Issue: 2

Language: English

DOI: 10.52461/pjqs.v2i2.2510

Abstract

The existing interpretations of verse 8:57 of Al-Qur’an give punitive directives to deal with the captives if the Muslim fighters dominate the war over the unbelievers. However, many other Qur’anic verses as well as the teachings and actions of the Prophet (PBUH) direct the Muslims that the captives of war should be treated with lenience and honor, and fed them properly. This research aims to find a softer and more moderate version of the interpretation of this verse. The necessary resources required for this research have been taken mainly from the Qur’anic verses and hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH). The existing translations and interpretations (Tafsirs) of verse 8:57 have been studied and the comments of some renowned interpreters have been taken as the background resources for this research work. It has been understood that the "فَشَرِّدْ بِهِم” of this verse may be interpreted differently than as interpreted in the existing Tafsirs. Supporting Qur’anic verses, in this regard, have been identified, and the information from these verses has been taken into account as the resources for this research. The relevant information obtained from these verses has been adopted into the translation and interpretation of verse 8:57. This research gives a modified and moderate version of the interpretation of verse 8:57 of Al-Qur’an. &nbsp;

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To find a softer and more moderate interpretation of verse 8:57 of Al-Qur'an, challenging existing interpretations that suggest punitive directives for war captives.

Methodology

The research involved studying existing translations and interpretations (Tafsirs) of verse 8:57 of Al-Qur'an. It also involved analyzing other Qur'anic verses and Hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH) to identify supporting evidence for a more lenient interpretation. The study focused on re-examining the meanings of specific Arabic words within the verse ("bihim," "bi," and "sharrid") and exploring instances of omitted objects in other Qur'anic verses to support the proposed reinterpretation.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Study existing interpretations of Verse 8:57"] --> B["Analyze other Qur'anic verses and Hadiths"];
    B --> C["Identify alternative meanings for Arabic terms: bihim, bi, sharrid"];
    C --> D["Examine instances of omitted objects in Qur'an"];
    D --> E["Formulate modified translation and interpretation"];
    E --> F["Discuss findings in relation to existing interpretations and Islamic principles"];
    F --> G["Conclude with implications of the moderate interpretation"];

Discussion

The existing interpretations of verse 8:57, which suggest severe punishment for captives, are argued to contradict other Qur'anic verses and the Prophet's (PBUH) teachings on leniency towards captives. The paper posits that the modified interpretation aligns better with Islamic principles of mercy and honor, and that the original directive might have been aimed at informing those behind the enemy lines about the consequences of war to deter future conflict, rather than direct punishment of captives.

Key Findings

The research proposes that the Arabic word "bihim" in verse 8:57 can be interpreted as "in them" or "to them," rather than "with/by them." The object of "sharrid" is suggested to be "information of the war (consequences of the war)," and the object of "bi" is interpreted as "them (those who follow them, i.e., the disbelievers of Makkah and other hostile tribes)." This leads to a modified translation and interpretation where the verse instructs to disperse information about the war to those who follow the defeated, so they may remember and learn a lesson, rather than punishing the captives.

Conclusion

The research presents a modified, softer, and more moderate interpretation of verse 8:57 of Al-Qur'an, which is consistent with the general Islamic teachings and practices regarding the treatment of war captives. This reinterpretation aims to demonstrate the decency of Islam to both Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

Fact Check

1. Verse 8:57: The paper analyzes verse 8:57 of Al-Qur'an.
2. Prophet's (PBUH) Action: The paper cites Hadith 4339 from Bukhari where the Prophet (PBUH) disassociated himself from Khalid Ibn al-Walid's action of killing captives.
3. Prophet's (PBUH) Command: The paper cites Hadith 5649 from Bukhari where the Prophet (PBUH) commanded to "Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and set the captives free."

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