Islamic History
Explanation of the Spoils of Hunayn
Regarding the distribution of the spoils of Huneyn, it is stated in the verses revealed by Allah: “Among them are those who accuse you [O Muhammad] concerning the distribution of alms. If they are given something thereof, they approve; but if they are not given anything, behold! They are enraged! And if only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger gave them, and said, ‘Sufficient for us is Allah! Allah will surely give us of His bounty, and so will His Messenger. To Allah we turn in hope!’ That would have been better for them. Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the funds; for those whose hearts have been recently reconciled [to Truth]; for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.”[630] The softening of hearts can be applied to Jews and Christians as well, even if they are rich. They can be given alms.[631] Our Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered that the excess goods from one-fifth of the spoils be kept in the Marr-uz-zahran area of Medina.[632] Our Prophet (peace be upon him) would distribute these to the desert Arabs he encountered between Mecca and Medina, perhaps to incline them towards Islam and make them accustomed to it.[633]