They asked the Prophet (S) to remit those captives to them...

They asked the Prophet (S) to remit those captives to them so that they could take ransom from them for their emancipation. When the Prophet (S) was waiting for the descent of revelation in this regard, the verse was revealed and the permission of taking ‘ransom’ for their emancipation was issued. However, the verse lets Muslims use this spoil of the war, (i.e. the amount they used to take for emancipating captives).

It says: “Eat then of what you have acquired in war as booty, (which is) lawful and good...” This sentence may have a vast meaning, and, besides the subject of ‘ransom’, it encompasses other booties, too. Then, it commands them to be Godwary and to avoid disobeying Allah. The verse continues saying: “...and be in awe of Allah;” This…