Surah Al-Anfal — Verse 75

Word Meanings:

• "Min ba'd" (مِن بَعْدُ): After the earlier believers who preceded in faith and migration.
• "Wa ulul-arham" (وَأُولُو الْأَرْحَامِ): Those related by blood and kinship.
• "Awla" (أَوْلَىٰ): More entitled, having greater right and priority.
• "Fi kitabillah" (فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ): In the decree and judgment of Allah, i.e., His divine law and the Preserved Tablet.

Explanation of the Verse:

This noble verse completes the divine legislation regarding the bonds of faith, migration, and kinship. Allah Almighty says: Those who believed after the earlier believers — the Muhajirun (emigrants) and the Ansar (helpers) — and then migrated from the lands of disbelief to the lands of Islam, and strove in the cause of Allah alongside you, O believers, then they are counted as part of you. They share the same rights and bear the same duties as you do — no distinction is made between the earlier and later believers in terms of honor and reward, for Allah elevates them all by their faith and deeds.

Then Allah establishes the definitive rule regarding inheritance: blood relatives have a stronger claim over one another in the inheritance according to Allah's decree. This abrogates the earlier practice at the dawn of Islam when inheritance was based on the bond of faith, migration, or the pact of brotherhood established between the Muhajirun and the Ansar. Now, the inheritance is restored to its natural and just foundation — the ties of kinship and blood, as Allah has prescribed in His divine law.

The verse concludes with a profound statement: "Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing of everything." He knows what is best for His servants in all matters, including the laws of inheritance, and He legislates with perfect wisdom and justice.

A Da'wah Reflection:

How beautiful is this verse in showing the comprehensive mercy and justice of Allah! It teaches us that in Islam, no one is left behind — whether you are among the first to embrace the truth or among those who come later, your faith and sincere efforts are honored by Allah. The door of goodness remains open until the end of time, and every believer who strives for the sake of Allah is embraced as part of this blessed Ummah.

Moreover, this verse reminds us of the sanctity of family ties in Islam. Allah has made kinship a bond of love, care, and mutual responsibility, even in the distribution of inheritance. This is a mercy from Allah, ensuring that families remain connected and that wealth is circulated justly among relatives. Let us cherish our family bonds, honor our relatives, and recognize the wisdom of Allah's perfect legislation in every aspect of our lives. Indeed, Allah knows what is best for us, and His knowledge encompasses all things — so trust in His guidance and submit to His will with contentment and peace.