وَمَا كَانَ لِنَبِىٍّ أَن يَغُلَّ ۚ وَمَن يَغْلُلْ يَأْتِ بِمَا غَلَّ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ ۚ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ 161
Translations
It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully [in regard to war booty]. And whoever betrays, [taking unlawfully], will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection. Then will every soul be [fully] compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.
Transliteration
Wa mā kāna li-nabiyyin an yaghullo wa man yaghlul ya'ti bi-mā ghalla yawma al-qiyāmah thum tuwaffā kullu nafsin mā kasabat wa hum lā yuẓlamūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes that it is impossible for a prophet to commit ghulul (embezzlement or misappropriation of war booty), as prophets are protected from such betrayal by Allah. The verse then affirms the universal principle that whoever commits theft—whether prophet, believer, or disbeliever—will bear what they stole on the Day of Judgment, and every soul will receive the full recompense of their deeds without any injustice. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize this as both a vindication of the prophets' integrity and a stern warning to all believers about accountability before Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period within the context of Surah Ali 'Imran's discussion of the Battle of Uhud (3:121-180). It follows verses addressing the defeat at Uhud and appears to refute rumors or accusations that some might have leveled against the leadership or soldiers regarding the distribution of booty, while simultaneously affirming the absolute trustworthiness of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Related Hadiths
Hadith in Sahih Bukhari (Book of Jihad) where the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned soldiers against ghulul, stating it is one of the greatest sins. Additionally, a hadith in Sunan Abu Dawud describes the Prophet carrying wood on his back and forbidding anyone from taking even the smallest item from the spoils without permission, demonstrating his absolute integrity.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that true leadership—especially in religious and communal matters—demands absolute integrity and honesty, as all deeds will be accounted for before Allah. It should inspire both leaders to maintain the highest ethical standards and followers to trust in divine justice, knowing that no dishonesty, however hidden, will escape accountability on the Day of Judgment.