Reappraisal of the Opinions of the Qur'an Interpreters on the Concept of Ithkhān with an Emphasis on Verse 67 of Sūrat al-Anfāl

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Qur'an and Hadith Sciences, Isfahan University

2 M.A. in Qur'an and Hadith Sciences, Isfahan University

10.22081/jqr.2023.67103.3820

Abstract

Derivatives of the word ithkhān (decimation) are used in the Qur'an only twice and about the ruling of captivity, as one of the rulings and techniques of war. The apparent difference of the ruling in the two verses, ﴾A prophet may not take captives until he has thoroughly decimated [the enemy] in the land. You desire the transitory gains of this world, while Allah desires [for you] [the reward of] the Hereafter, and Allah is all-mighty, all-wise.﴿ (Anfāl: 67) and ﴾When you meet the faithless in battle, strike their necks. When you have thoroughly decimated them, bind the captives firmly. Thereafter either oblige them [by setting them free] or take ransom, until the war lays down its burdens….﴿ (Muhammad: 67), the appearance of reproach in the context, and also the different perception of the concept of ithkhān and its quantity and quality have caused the interpreters of the Qur'an to present different and sometimes contradictory impressions of these verses; although the scope of conflicting interpretations in verse 67 of Sūrat al-Anfāl is more extensive. This research tries to present a coherent interpretation of these two verses by analyzing and criticizing the opinions of the interpreters on this issue and considering the concept of ithkhān [large-scale killing or defeating the enemy], the time of the revelation of these two verses, as well as the analysis of the tone of the verses, and in the end, it is believed that the two verses containing ithkhān indicate a common theme and the concept of ithkhān is a powerful dominance and victory in the battlefield, after which it is permissible to take captives. Also, in these verses, there is no indication for implying the context of reproach and blame, and the tone of both verses conveys a warning.

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