It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: For any people with black hair before you, the spoils of war were not made lawful; rather, a fire would descend from the sky and consume all of the spoils. When the Battle of Badr took place, people began to hasten in acquiring the spoils of war. Upon this, Allah revealed this verse: "If Allah had not already decreed a decision, a great punishment would have touched you for what you took of the spoils." Now, whatever spoils you have acquired, consume them as lawful and pure.