Ghanimah
Ghanimah (Arabic: غنيمة, Turkish: Ganimet) refers to the wealth or spoils acquired during military campaigns or battles in classical Islamic tradition. These spoils can include property, weapons, goods, and sometimes prisoners. The handling and distribution of ghanimah were subjects of significant scholarly debate among classical jurists, but there was consensus that the management of these spoils should conform to the guidelines provided in the Qur’an, specifically Surah Al-Anfal (8:41).
Etymology
The term “ghanimah” is derived from the Arabic root “غ-ن-م” (G-N-M), which means to earn or to gain, implying something obtained through effort or contest.
Scriptural Reference
The primary textual basis for the laws concerning ghanimah can be found in the Qur’an. Surah Al-Anfal (8:41) states:
<p>“And know that anything you obtain of war booty (ghanimah), then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for (his) near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the (stranded) traveler, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion - the day when the two armies met. And Allah, over all things, is competent.”</p>
Jurisprudential Views
Classical jurists like Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi’i, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal have discussed various aspects of ghanimah law, including the division of the spoils, the rights of warriors, and the protection of certain categories of people (like women and children) among captured enemies.
Distribution
The consensus on distribution based on Surah Al-Anfal (8:41) is as follows:
- One-fifth (known as “khums”) of the ghanimah is allocated for Allah, the Prophet, and specific charitable causes.
- The remaining four-fifths are divided among those who participated in the battle.
Related Terms
Fai (فَيء): Fai refers to land or property obtained without the usual warfare methods, generally through treaties or submission of the enemy without resistance. It has different guidelines for distribution as compared to ghanimah.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Concept of War in Islam” by Masudul Alam Choudhury
- “Islamic Law and Society” by Joseph Schacht
- “Outlines of Islamic Jurisprudence” by Ahmed Shafi
- “Classical Islamic Theology: The Ash`arites” by Richard M. Frank
- “War and Peace in Islam” by Ghazi Bin Mohammed and Ibrahim Kalin
Takeaways
- Structuring Warfare Ethics: Ghanimah plays a central role in classical discussions on the sinews of war, reflecting an organized approach to warfare ethics.
- Humanitarian Commitments: The allocation of one-fifth for charitable purposes underscores Islam’s commitment to humanitarian and social welfare, even in the context of war.
- Legal Nuances: The debate among classical jurists highlights the complexities and nuances inherent in Islamic jurisprudence.
Conclusion
Ghanimah represents a critical intersection between faith, ethics, and war in Islamic tradition. Understanding its jurisprudential and theological dimensions offers deeper insights into both classical and contemporary Muslim legal and ethical thought.
This entry aims to present a comprehensive examination of ghanimah by contextualizing its legal provisions, theological foundations, and broader humanitarian implications within Islamic law.
