8:68
Had it not been for a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe penalty would have reached you for the (ransom) that ye took.
Ali explains that although any intention of worldly gain among some members of the victorious Muslim forces is criticized and considered deserving of severe reproach, the overall outcome of the event is understood as part of God’s preordained plan. Among the captives taken after the battle were the Prophet Muhammad’s uncle, al-ʿAbbās, and ʿAqīl, the brother of ʿAlī, both of whom later accepted Islam. Al-ʿAbbās subsequently became the ancestor of the ʿAbbāsid dynasty, which later played a significant role in Islamic history. In this context, Ali notes that the promise mentioned in Qur’an 8:70 was fulfilled in his case. More generally, Ali suggests that for many of the prisoners, their confrontation with the Muslim community and subsequent capture ultimately led them to embrace Islam. In this way, events that initially appeared unfavorable were interpreted as part of a divine plan through which positive outcomes emerged (Ali, 1989).
References:
Yusuf Ali, Abdullah. Translation and Commentary of the Quran. (surah 8 verse 68).