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

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.