Amir Al Shabi said “The Prophet ﷺ had a special portion in the booty called safi. This would be a slave if he desired or a slave girl if he desired or a horse if he desired. He would choose it before taking out the fifth. ”
Explanation & Benefits
Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi
Benefits and Issues:
The Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, if he liked any particular item from the spoils of war, could take it before the khums (one-fifth) was set aside.
For example:
A slave woman,
A slave man,
A sword,
Or any other item—this is called "safiy" (special selection).
Source: Sunan Abu Dawood – Commentary by Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi, Page: 2991