Division of Spoils (Ghanimah)

**Definition:** Ghanimah: Property taken from disbelievers by force through fighting in a way that elevates Allah's word. Also called Anfal (additions to Muslim wealth). **Legality:** - **Quran:** "So consume what you have taken of war booty as lawful and good" [8:69] - **Hadith:** "Spoils were made lawful for me, and they were not made lawful for anyone before me" - Ghanimah was made permissible uniquely for the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ **What Ghanimah Includes:** - Movable property - Captives - Land **Division (According to Majority):** **1. The Imam's Fifth (1/5):** Divided into 5 parts as per Quran [8:41]: | Recipient | Distribution | |-----------|-------------| | For Allah and His Messenger | Goes to treasury (bayt al-mal) for Muslim interests | | Relatives of Prophet ﷺ | Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib, according to need | | Orphans | Those whose father died before puberty (male/female, rich/poor) | | The Poor | Includes the destitute | | Travelers | Those stranded, given what takes them to destination | **2. Four-Fifths (4/5) for Fighters:** For all who witnessed the battle: adult, free, sane men who prepared for fighting. | Type | Shares | |------|--------| | Infantry (Rajil) | 1 share | | Cavalry (Faris) | 3 shares (1 for rider, 2 for horse) | **Evidence:** - **Hadith of Ibn Umar:** "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ divided the spoils: two shares for the horse and one for the rider" [Bukhari & Muslim] **Women, Slaves, Children:** - If they attended the battle, they receive a gift (radhkh), not a share - **Hadith of Ibn Abbas:** "There is nothing for them (share), but they may be given a gift" **Land:** The Imam may choose between: 1. Dividing it among the fighters 2. Making it waqf for Muslim interests with continuous tax (kharaj) from whoever holds it