At-Tawbah 9:61–119

(And of them) of the hypocrites: Judham Ibn Khalid, Iyyas Ibn Qays, Sammak Ibn Yazid and 'Ubayd Ibn Malik (are those who vex the Prophet) by slandering and vilifying him (and say) to one another: (He is only a hearer) he listens to us and believes us when we tell him we have not said anything against you. (Say) to them, O Muhammad: (A hearer of good) and not evil (for you) i.e. he listens to you and believes what is good rather than believes that you are lying; it is also said that this means: if he is a hearer, then it is good for you, (who believeth in Allah) he believes in the word of Allah (and is true to the believers) and he believes the word of sincere believers, (and a mercy) preventing from torment (for such of you as believe) both inwardly and outwardly. (Those who vex the Messenger of Allah) by not joining him at the Battle of Tabuk. The reference here is to Jallas Ibn Suwayd, Sammak Ibn 'Amr, Mikhsha' Ibn Humayr and their host, (for them there is a painful doom) in the life of this world and in the Hereafter.

(They swear by Allah to you (Muslims) to please you) about not joining you in the military expedition, (but Allah, with His messenger, hath more right that they should please Him if they are believers) if they were sincere in their faith.

(Know they not) i.e. Jallas and his host (that whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger) inwardly, (his portion verily is hell, to abide therein? That is the extreme abasement) severe punishment.

(The hypocrites) 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his host (fear lest a surah should be revealed) to their Prophet (concerning them, proclaiming) informing about (what is in their hearts) of hypocrisy. (Say) O Muhammad, to Wadi'ah Ibn Judham, Jadd Ibn Qays and Juhayr Ibn Humayr: (Scoff (your fill)) Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an! (Lo! Allah is disclosing what ye fear) what you conceal regarding Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions.

(And if thou ask them) O Muhammad, about what they are laughing about (they will say: We did but talk) about the troop (and jest) and joke with each other. (Say) to them, O Muhammad: (was it at Allah and His revelations) the Qur'an (and His Messenger that ye did scoff?)

(Make no excuse) for what you said. (Ye have disbelieved after your (confession of) belief) while claiming you are believers. (If We forgive a party of you) i.e. Juhayr Ibn Humayr because he did not make fun of Allah or the Messenger but laughed with the others, (a party of you) Wadi'ah Ibn Judham and Jadd Ibn Qays (We shall punish because they have been guilty) because they were inwardly idolaters.

(The hypocrites, both men and women, proceed one from another) they follow inwardly each other's religion. (They enjoin the wrong) disbelief and opposition of the Messenger, (and they forbid the right) faith and compliance with the Messenger, (and they withhold their hands) from spending in works of goodness. (They forget Allah) they have left Allah's obedience inwardly, (so He hath forgotten them) He has forsaken them in the life of this world and left them in the Hereafter in hell. (Lo! the hypocrites, they are the transgressors) the disbelievers inwardly.

(Allah promiseth the hypocrites, both men and women, and the disbelievers fire of hell for their abode) i.e. dwelling therein. (It will suffice them) it will be their destiny. (Allah curseth them) Allah torments them, (and theirs is lasting torment).

(Even as those) even as the punishment of those (before you) of hypocrites who (were mightier than you in strength) physically, (and more affluent than you in wealth and children. They enjoyed their lot awhile) they expend their share of the Hereafter in the life of this world, (so ye enjoy your lot awhile) you expended your share of the Hereafter in the life of this world (even as those before you) of hypocrites (did enjoy) expend (their lot awhile) their share of the Hereafter in the life of this world. (And ye prate) speak falsehood (even as they prated) and inwardly gave the lie to Muhammad (pbuh) just as those before them indulged in falsehood and gave the lie to the prophets of Allah. (Such are they whose works have perished) their good works have been thwarted (in the world and the Hereafter. Such are they who are the losers) in that they will face punishment.

(Hath not the fame) the news (of those before them reached them) how We destroyed them (the folk of Noah) We destroyed them by drowning, ('Aad) the people of Hud, We destroyed them by the wind, (Thamud) the people of Salih, We destroyed them by means of the earthquake, (the folk of Abraham) We destroyed them by razing them down, (the dwellers of Midian) the people of Shu'ayb, We destroyed them by the earthquake (and the disasters) the deniers who were swallowed up by the earth, i.e. the people of Lot who were destroyed by being swallowed up by the earth and also by a rain of stones? (Their messengers (from Allah) came unto them with proofs) with commands and prohibitions as well as signs, but they refused to believe in them and Allah destroyed them. (So Allah surely wronged them not) by destroying them, (but they did wrong themselves) through disbelief and giving the lie to the prophets.

(And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another) they follow the religion of one another inwardly and outwardly; (they enjoin the right) the confession of Allah's divine unity and the following of Muhammad (pbuh) (and forbid the wrong) disbelief, idolatry and abstention from following Muhammad (pbuh) (and they establish worship) they perform the five daily prayers (and they pay the poor-due) from their wealth, (and they obey Allah and His messenger) in secret and in the open. (As for these, Allah will have mercy on them) He will not punish them. (Lo! Allah is Mighty) in his dominion and sovereignty, (Wise) in His command and ordinance.

(Allah promiseth to the believers, men and women, Gardens beneath which) beneath its tress and habitations (rivers) rivers of wine, water, honey and milk (flow, wherein they will abide) in Paradise (blessed dwellings) seemly dwellings which Allah has made fragrant with musk and sweet basil; it is also said that (blessed dwellings) means: beautiful dwellings; and it is said that this means: dwellings filled with people (in Gardens of Eden) a high degree. (And greater (far)! acceptance from Allah) the good pleasure of Allah is greater than that which they are in. (That) which I have mentioned (is the Supreme Triumph) abounding safety.

(O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers) with the sword (and the hypocrites) with words! (Be harsh) be tough (with them) with both parties with words and actions. (Their ultimate abode is hell) their destiny is hell, (a hapless journey's end) they shall come to.

(They swear by Allah that they said nothing (wrong)) Jallas Ibn Suwayd swore by Allah that he did not say what 'Amir Ibn Qays said he did, (yet they did say the word of disbelief) the word of the disbelievers because when the Prophet (pbuh) mentioned the defects of the hypocrites and their inward illnesses, Jallas Ibn Suwayd said: �by Allah, if Muhammad is true in what he says about our brothers, we are worse than asses�. When 'Amir Ibn Qays informed the Prophet (pbuh) Jallas swore by Allah that he did not say this. But Allah gave him the lie and said (yet they did say the word of disbelief, and did disbelieve after their Surrender (to Allah). And they purposed that which they could not attain) they wanted to expel and kill the Messenger without success, (and they sought revenge) they could not find anything wrong with the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions (only that Allah by His messenger should enrich them of His bounty) through the spoils of war. (If they repent) from disbelief and hypocrisy (it will be better for them) than disbelief and hypocrisy; (and if they turn away) from repentance, (Allah will afflict them with a painful doom in the world and the Hereafter, and they have no protecting friend) who will protect them (nor helper in the earth) to prevent them from that which is wanted with them.

(And of them) i.e. of the hypocrites (is he who made a covenant with Allah) he who swore by Allah, the reference here is to Hatib Ibn Abi Balta'ah ((saying): If He give us of His bounty) the wealth that he has in Historic Syria (We will give alms) for the sake of Allah's religion: we shall give from it what is due to Allah and will use it to keep our ties of kinship (and become of the righteous) of the thankful.

(Yet when He gave them of His bounty) of the wealth which was in Historic Syria, (they hoarded it) they failed to give the right due to Allah as they had promised (and turned away) from their promise, (averse) denying;

(So He hath made the consequence (to be) hypocrisy in their hearts) his end was that Allah cast hypocrisy in his heart (until the day when they shall meet Him) until the day of Judgement, (because they broke their word to Allah that they promised Him) because of breaking his promise, (and because they lied) and because he lied about what he said.

(Know they not) i.e. the hypocrites (that Allah knoweth both their secret) that which is between them (and the thought that they confide) when they are alone, (and that Allah is the Knower of Things Hidden) from His servants?

(Those who point at such of the believers as give the alms willingly) those who find fault with 'Abd al-Rahman [Ibn 'Awf] and his fellow Companions who give alms, accusing them of showing off and seeking fame (and such as can find naught to give but their endeavours) and discredit those who do not find anything to give away except their effort. This refers to Abu 'Uqayl 'Abd al-Rahman Ibn Tijan who could not find anything to give for alms except a measure of dates, (and deride them) because of the little alms he gave. The hypocrites said about him: he did not bring this except that he wished to be mentioned and be given more alms than he gave himself, (Allah (Himself) derideth them) on the day of Judgement. (Theirs will be a painful doom) in the Hereafter.

(Ask forgiveness for them (O Muhammad)) Allah says: if you ask forgiveness for 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, Jadd Ibn Qays, and Mu'attib Ibn Qushayr and their followers-who were about 70 men-, (or ask not forgiveness for them) it is all the same for them; (though thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times Allah will not forgive them) that punishment. (That is because they disbelieved in Allah and His messenger) in secret, (and Allah guideth not) forgives not (wrong-doing folk) the hypocrites: 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his host.

(Those who were left behind rejoiced) the hypocrites were pleased (at sitting still) at staying behind and not joining the battle of Tabuk (behind the Messenger of Allah, and were averse to striving with their wealth and their lives in Allah's way) in obedience of Allah. (And they said) to one another: (Go not forth in the heat!) do not go with Muhammad (pbuh) to the battle of Tabuk in the scorching heat. (Say) to them, O Muhammad: (The heat of hell is more intense of heat) is most intense in firebrands, (if they but understood) and believed.

(Then let them laugh a little) in the life of this world: (they will weep much) in the Hereafter, (as the award of what they used to earn) of what they used to say and do of transgression.

(If Allah bring thee back) from the Battle of Tabuk (unto a party of them) a party of the hypocrites in Medina (and they ask of thee leave to go out (to fight)) in another battle, (then say unto them) O Muhammad: (Ye shall never more go out with me) after the Battle of Tabuk (nor fight with me against a foe. Ye were content with sitting still the first time) upon leaving for the Battle of Tabuk. (So sit still) not participating in jihad, (with the useless) with the women and children.

(And never (O Muhammad) pray for one of them who dieth) i.e. any of the hypocrites after the death of 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, (nor stand by his grave. Lo! they disbelieved in Allah and His messenger) in secret, (and they died while they were evil-doers) hypocrites.

(Let not their wealth) the abundance of their wealth (nor their children) nor the abundance of their children (please thee! Allah purposeth only to punish them thereby in the world) and in the Hereafter, (and that their souls shall pass away while they are disbelievers) and that they shall die while they are unbelievers.

(And when a surah) from the Qur'an (is revealed (which saith)) as a command: (Believe in Allah) be genuine in your belief in Allah (and strive along with His messenger, the men of wealth among them) among the hypocrites: 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, Jadd Ibn Qays and Mu'attib Ibn Qushayr (still ask leave of you) O Muhammad (and say: Suffer us to be with those who sit (at home)) without any excuse.

(They are content that they should be with the useless) with the women and children (and their hearts are sealed, so that they apprehend not) the command of Allah.

(But the messenger) Muhammad (pbuh) (and those who believe) in secret and in the open (with him strive with their wealth and their lives) in the way of Allah. (Such are they for whom are the good things) accepted good deeds in the life of this world; it is also said that the good things means: beautiful maidens in the Hereafter. (Such are they who are the successful) those who escape Allah's wrath and torment.

(Allah hath made ready for them Gardens underneath which) beneath its trees and habitations (rivers) rivers of wine, water, honey and milk (flow, wherein they will abide) they will dwell in Paradise: never to die or be removed. (That) which I have mentioned (is the Supreme Triumph) the abounding safety: they earned Paradise and that which is in it and were saved from hell and that which is in it.

(And those among the wandering Arabs) from the Banu Ghifar (who had an excuse came) to you, O Muhammad (in order that permission might be granted them) so that Allah's Messenger gives them permission not to take part in the Battle of Tabuk. (And those who lied to Allah and His messenger) in secret; it is also said this means: those who opposed Allah's Messenger in secret regarding jihad without having a permission from him (sat at home. A painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve) of the hypocrites: 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his host.

(Not unto the weak) among the elderly or the chronically ill (nor unto the sick) among the youth (nor unto those who can find naught to spend) in jihad (is any fault (to be imputed though they stay at home) if they are true to Allah) in relation to His religion (and His messenger) regarding his practice. (Not unto the good) in their works and words (is there any road (of blame). Allah is Forgiving) of those who repent, (Merciful) towards he who dies in a state of repentance.

(Nor unto those whom, when they came to you (asking) that thou shouldest mount them) spend on them so that they take part in jihad. The reference here is to 'Abdullah Ibn Maghfal Ibn Yasar al-Muzani, Salim Ibn 'Umayr al-Ansari and their fellow Companions, (thou didst tell) them: (I cannot find) provision (whereon to mount you) for jihad. (They turned back) they left you (with eyes flowing with tears, for sorrow that they could not find the means to spend) for jihad.

(The road (of blame) is only against those who ask for leave of thee) to stay at home (when they are rich) these are 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, Jadd Ibn Qays, Mu'attib Ibn Qushayr and their host who were about 70 men. (They are content to be with the useless) with the women and children. (Allah hath sealed their hearts so that they know not) Allah's command nor do they genuinely believe.

(They will make excuse to you (Muslims) when ye return) from the Battle of Tabuk (unto them) in Medina, saying: we were not able to go forth with you. (Say) O Muhammad, to them: (Make no excuse) for staying behind, (for we shall not believe you) we will not believe your excuses. (Allah hath told us tidings of you) of your secrets and hypocrisy. (Allah and His messenger will see your conduct) after this, if you repent, (and then ye will be brought back) in the Hereafter (unto Him Who knoweth the invisible) Who knows that which is hidden from His servants; it is also said that the invisible is that which the servants do not know; it is also said that this means: that which will happen (as well as the visible) that which the servants do know; it is also said that this means: that which has already happened, (and He will tell you what ye used to do) and say whether it is good or bad.

(They) 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his host (will swear by Allah unto you, when ye return) from the Battle of Tabuk (unto them) in Medina, (that ye may let them be) that you may pardon them and not punish them. (Let them be) and do not punish them, (for lo! they are unclean) impure and filthy, (and their abode) their destiny (is hell as the reward for what they used to earn) for what they used to say and do of evil.

(They swear unto you, that ye may accept them) due to their swearing. (Though ye accept them) due to lying with their oaths, (Allah verily accepteth not wrong-doing folk) the hypocrites.

(The wandering Arabs) the tribes of Asad and Ghatafan (are more hard in disbelief and hypocrisy) they are harder in disbelief and hypocrisy than others, (and more likely to be ignorant of the limits which Allah hath revealed) the obligations that Allah has revealed (unto His messenger) in the Scripture. (And Allah is Knower) of the hypocrites, (Wise) regarding the punishment He has decreed upon them; it is also said this means: Allah is Knower of he who abstains from learning, Wise in that He decreed that whoever does not learn remains ignorant.

(And of the wandering Arabs) i.e. Asad and Ghatafan (there is he who taketh) who presumes that (that which he expendeth) in jihad, (as a loss, and awaiteth (evil) turns of fortune) death and perishing (for you (that he may be rid of it). The evil turn of fortune will be theirs) the evil turn of events and consequence will be theirs. (Allah is Hearer) of what they say, (Knower) of their punishment.

(And of the wandering Arabs) the tribes of Muzaynah, Juhaynah and Aslam (there is he who believeth in Allah and the Last Day) in secret and in the open, (and taketh that which he expandeth) in jihad (and also the prayers of the messenger as acceptable offering for in the sight of Allah) as means of drawing near to Allah in degrees. (Lo! verily it) i.e. the expenditure (is an acceptable offering for them) to Allah which raises them in degrees. (Allah will bring them into His mercy) into His Paradise. (Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful) towards he who repents.

(And the first to lead the way) through faith: those who had prayed towards the two Qiblahs and fought at Badr, (of the Muhajirun and the Ansar, and those who followed them in goodness) through fulfilling the obligations and shunning transgression, this being applicable until the Day of Judgement (Allah is well pleased with them) because of their goodness (and they are well pleased with Him) owing to His reward and the honour He bestowed upon them (and He hath made ready for them Gardens underneath which) beneath its trees and habitations (rivers) rivers of water, wine, honey and milk (flow, wherein they will abide for ever) they will dwell in Paradise, never to die or be taken out of it. (That is the Supreme Triumph) Allah's good pleasure and Paradise.

(And among those around you of the wandering Arabs) the tribes of Asad and Ghatafan (there are hypocrites, and among the townspeople of Medina) 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his host ((there are some who) persist in hypocrisy whom thou (O Muhammad) knowest not) whose hypocrisy you do not know. (We, We know them) We know their hypocrisy, (and We shall chastise them twice) once upon taking away their souls and another time in the grave; (then they will be relegated to a painful doom) to the chastisement of hell.

(And (there are) others) and of the people of Medina, there are other people: Wadi'ah Ibn Judham al-Ansari, Abu Lubabah Ibn 'Abd al-Mundhir al-Ansari and Abu Tha'labah (who have acknowledged their faults) by not joining in the Battle of Tabuk. (They mixed a righteous action) they went forth with the Prophet (pbuh) once (with another that was bad) and stayed behind once. (It may be) 'may be' ['asa] when used in connection with Allah denotes a requisite (that Allah will relent towards them) forgive them. (Lo! Allah is Relenting) towards those who repent among them, (Merciful) towards he who dies in a state of repentance.

Allah then explained to the Prophet (pbuh) what he should take of their wealth because they had asked him to take some of it because they had stayed behind and not taken part in the Battle of Tabuk. But the Prophet (pbuh) initially refused to take anything from them until, that is, Allah explained the matter to him, saying: (Take alms) a third (of their wealth) the wealth of those who stayed behind, wherewith thou mayst purify them) from their sins (and mayst make them grow) and reform them with it, (and pray for them) ask forgiveness for them and make supplication for them. (Lo! Your prayer) your asking for their forgiveness and your supplications (is an assuagement for them) tranquillity for their hearts that their repentance will be accepted. (Allah is Hearer) of what they say, i.e. their saying: take our wealth, (Knower) of their repentance and intention.

(Know they not that Allah is He Who accepteth repentance from His bondmen and taketh the alms) and accepts the alms, (and that Allah is He Who is the Relenting) the Forgiving, (the Merciful) towards he who repents.

(And say (unto them)) O Muhammad: (Act!) do good deeds after your repentance (Allah will behold your actions, and (so will) His messenger and the believers, and ye will be brought back) after death (to the Knower of the invisible) that which is hidden from His servants; it is also said that this means: that which will happen in the future (and the visible) that which His servants know; it is also said that this means: that which has already happened, (and He will tell you what ye used to do) and say of good and evil.

(And (there are) others) there are other people of Medina: Ka'b Ibn Malik, Murarah Ibn al-Rabi' and Hilal Ibn Umayyah (who await Allah's decree) their matter awaits Allah's command, (whether He will punish them) because of their staying behind and not taking part in the Battle of Tabuk (or will forgive them) for so doing. (Allah is Knower) of their repentance and also of their staying behind, (Wise) in that which ordained concerning them.

(And as for those who chose) built (a place of worship) the reference here is to 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, Jadd Ibn Qays, Mu'attib Ibn Qushayr and their friends, who were about 17 in number, (out of opposition) out of harm for the believers (and disbelief) in their hearts; standing firm in their disbelief, i.e. hypocrisy, (and in order to cause dissent among the believers) such that a party of the believers performed their prayers in their mosque and a party in the Mosque of the Messenger, (and as an outpost) waiting (for those who warred against Allah and His messenger) for those who disbelieved in Allah and his Messenger (aforetime) before them, referring here to Abu 'Amir, the monk, whom the Prophet (pbuh) called a sinner [fasiq], (they will surely swear: We purposed) by building the mosque (naught save good) save good for the believers so that those who miss the prayer in Quba' Mosque can pray therein. (Allah beareth witness) Allah knows (that they verily are liars) in their oaths.

(Never stand (to pray) there) never pray in the mosque of opposition. (A place of worship) i.e. the mosque of Quba' (which was founded upon duty (to Allah)) which was founded upon obedience and remembrance of Allah (from the first day) the Prophet (pbuh) entered Medina; it is also said this means: the first mosque ever built in Medina (is more worthy) is more right (that thou shouldst stand (to pray) therein) in the mosque of Quba', (wherein are men who love to purify themselves) men who wash their behinds with water [after defecating]. (Allah loveth the purifiers) those who purify themselves from filth with water.

(Is he who founded his building) is he who builds its foundation (upon duty to Allah) upon obedience and remembrance of Allah (and His good pleasure) they built the will of their Lord's good pleasure, i.e. the mosque of Quba' (better; or he who founded his building) or he who builds its foundation, i.e. the mosque of opposition (on the brink of a crumbling, overhanging precipice) without a base (so that it toppled with him) the one who build it (into the fire of hell? Allah guideth not wrong-doing folk) Allah neither forgives the hypocrites nor saves them.

(The building which they built will never cease to be) after its destruction (a misgiving) a distress and a regret (in their hearts unless their hearts be torn to pieces) unless they die. (Allah is Knower) of their building of a mosque of opposition as well as of their intentions, (Wise) when He ordained the destruction and burning of this mosque. After returning from the Battle of Tabuk, the Prophet (pbuh) sent 'Amir Ibn Qays and Wahshiyy, the client of Mut'am Ibn 'Adiyy, who destroyed and burnt this mosque of opposition.

(Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers) who are sincere (their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs) in exchange for the Garden (they shall fight in the way of Allah) in obedience of Allah (and shall slay) the enemy (and be slain) by the enemy. (It is a promise) from Allah (which is binding on Him) that He must fulfil (in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who fulfilleth His covenant better than Allah? Rejoice then in your bargain that ye have made) with Allah, i.e. the Garden, (for that is the Supreme Triumph) the abounding safety.

Allah then explained who they were, saying: ((Triumphant) are those who turn repentant (to Allah)) those who repent of sins, (those who serve (Him)) the obedient, (those who praise (Him)) the thankful, (those who fast, these who bow down, those who fall prostrate (in worship)) in the five daily prayers, (those who enjoin the right) the confession of Allah's divine Oneness and goodness (and who forbid the wrong) disbelief and all that which is not known in the Sacred Law or the Prophetic Practice (and those who keep the limits (ordained) of Allah) those who observe the obligations of Allah (And give glad tidings to believers) that they shall have Paradise!

(It is not for the Prophet) it is not permissible for Muhammad (pbuh) (and those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an, (to pray for the forgiveness of idolaters even though they may be near of kin (to them) after it hath become clear that they are people of hellfire) i.e. that they have died in a state of disbelief.

(The prayer of Abraham for the forgiveness of his father was only because of a promise he had promised him) that he would surrender, (but when it had become clear unto him that he (his father) was an enemy to Allah) that he had died an unbeliever (he (Abraham) disowned him) and his religion. (Lo! Abraham was soft of heart) in the face of ignorance, (long-suffering) compassionate; it is also said that Abraham used to complain about fire even before being thrown in it.

(It was never Allah's (part) that he should send a folk astray) that he should leave a folk in error; it is also said this means: Allah will never thwart the works of a folk (after He had guided them) to faith (until He had made clear unto them what they should avoid) that which has been abrogated by means of that which has abrogated it. (Lo! Allah is Aware of all things) the abrogated and the abrogating.

(Lo! Allah! Unto Him belongeth the sovereignty of the heavens) the stores of the heavens: the sun, the moon, etc., (and the earth) the stores of the earth such as the trees, beasts, mountains, seas, etc. (He quickeneth) for the resurrection (and He giveth death) in the life of this world. (And ye have, instead of Allah) against the punishment of Allah, (no protecting friend) to benefit you (nor helper) to save you from His punishment.

(Allah hath turned in mercy to the Prophet) Allah has forgiven the Prophet, (and to the Muhajirin and the Ansar) as He has forgiven the Emigrants and the Helpers who prayed towards the two Qiblahs and had participated in the Battle of Badr. Allah then explained who these were, saying: (who followed him) who followed the Prophet in the Battle of Tabuk (in the hour of hardship) at a time of hardship and adversity. They were short of provision and mounts and in great hardship because of the heat, the enemy and the long distance they had to travel. (After the hearts of a party of them had almost swerved aside) a party of sincere believers almost refrained from going forth with the Prophet (pbuh) (then turned He unto them in mercy) He forgave them and made their hearts firm such that they went with the Prophet (pbuh). (Lo! He is Full of Pity, Merciful for them).

(And to the three also (did He turn in mercy) who were left behind) He also turned in mercy to the three who stayed behind: Ka'b Ibn Malik and his two Companions: (when the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for them, and their own souls were straitened for them) their hearts became straitened because of the delay in the acceptance of their repentance (till they bethought) until they knew and became certain (them that there is no refuge from Allah) that there is no safety from Allah (save towards Him) save in repenting to Him for failing to join in the Battle of Tabuk. (Then turned He unto them in mercy) He pardoned and forgave them (that they (too) might turn (repentant unto Him)) for failing to join in the Battle of Tabuk. (Lo! Allah! He is the Relenting) the Forgiving, (the Merciful) towards he who repents.

(O ye who believe!) 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and his followers as well as all other believers (Be careful of your duty to Allah) obey Allah in that which He has commanded you, (and be with the Truthful) with Abu Bakr, 'Umar and their companions when they stay behind and when they participate in jihad.