009 At-Tawba

“Therefore move freely in the land[2] for four months, but know that you cannot escape Allah and that Allah will humiliate the disbelievers.”

Translation notes: [2] They were encouraged to repent or find a safe place to depart to.

A declaration from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage[3], that Allah and His Messenger are free from obligation to the polytheists. If you repent, it is better for you, but if you turn away, then know that you cannot escape Allah[4]. And give the disbelievers tidings of a painful punishment.

Translation notes: [3] Hajj; ‘Umrah is a minor pilgrimage. [4] i.e., you cannot escape His punishment.

Except those polytheists with whom you have a treaty and who have not broken it in the least, nor have backed up anyone against you – so fulfill your treaty with them until the end of their term[5]. Indeed, Allah loves those who fear Him.

Translation notes: [5] This is an exception from the four months reprieve.

Then when the [four] sacred months[6] are over, kill the polytheists wherever you find them, seize them, besiege them and lie in wait for them on every route[7]. But if they repent, establish prayers and give zakah, then set them free, for Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful[8].

Translation notes: [6] i.e., Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qa‘dah and Dhul-Hijjah. [7] Some prominent scholars of Islam are of the opinion that this applies especially to combatant disbelievers who pose a threat to Muslims. [8] The next few verses reveal who these really are and why they deserve such retaliatory measures.

If any of the polytheists asks you for protection, give it to him, so that he may hear the Word of Allah[9], then escort him to his place of safety; that is because they are a people who do not know.

Translation notes: [9] Because their belligerence and animosity stem from their ignorance about Islam.

How can the polytheists have a treaty with Allah and with His Messenger, except those whom you made a treaty with at the Sacred Mosque[10]? Should they fulfill their pledge to you, fulfill your pledge to them[11], for Allah loves those who fear Him.

Translation notes: [10] The Treaty of Hudaybiyah made in the environs of the Sacred Mosque. [11] i.e., maintain the terms of the treaty.

How [can there be a treaty] – if they were to overcome you, they would neither respect ties of kinship nor treaty[12]? They please you with their tongues, while their hearts are averse to it, and most of them are wicked.

Translation notes: [12] They cannot be trusted because they constantly renege on their pledges and break their promises.

They have sold the verses of Allah for a small price and prevented [people] from His way[13]. Terrible is indeed what they have done!

Translation notes: [13] In order to maintain their source of income, they barred their people from embracing Islam.

They do not honor the ties of kinship or treaties with regard to the believers. It is they who are the transgressors.

Yet if they repent, establish prayer and give zakah, then they are your brothers in faith. We explain the verses in detail for people who know.

But if they break their oaths after making a pledge and revile your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief – whose oaths mean nothing to them – so that they may desist.

Will you not fight people who broke their oaths, conspired to expel the Messenger[14], and initiated the war against you first[15]? Do you fear them? Rather it is Allah Whom you should fear, if you are [truly] believers.

Translation notes: [14] From Makkah. [15] By helping the clan of Bakr to kill mercilessly the clan of Khuza‘ah, the allies of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Fight them, Allah will punish them at your hands and will disgrace them and give you victory over them, and will soothe the hearts of people who believe,

and He will remove rage from their hearts. Allah turns in forgiveness to whom He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Do you think that you will be left untested, when Allah has not yet proven who among you strove [in His cause] and did not take any trusted allies other than Allah, His Messenger and the believers? Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

It is not for the polytheists to maintain Allah’s mosques[16] while openly displaying their disbelief. Their deeds have become worthless, and they will abide in the Fire forever.

Translation notes: [16] i.e., building them and taking care of them, or performing acts of devotional worship.

The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah[17] and the Last Day, establish prayer, give zakah and fear none but Allah. It is they who are expected to be rightly guided.

Translation notes: [17] Not associating anyone or anything with Allah in worship.

Do you consider giving water to the pilgrims and maintaining the Sacred Mosque as equal to believing in Allah and the Last Day and striving for Allah’s cause? They are not equal before Allah, and Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

Those who believed, emigrated, and strove in Allah’s cause with their wealth and their lives are of a higher rank before Allah; it is they who will triumph.

Their Lord gives them glad tidings of mercy from Him and His pleasure, and of gardens in which they will have everlasting bliss,

abiding therein forever. Indeed, with Allah is a great reward.

O you who believe, do not take your parents and brothers as allies if they choose disbelief over belief; whoever among you takes them as allies, it is they who are the wrongdoers.

Say, “If your parents, your children, your brothers, your spouses, your clan, the wealth you have acquired, the trade you fear to decline, and the homes you cherish – [if these] are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger[18], and striving in His cause, then wait until Allah executes His decree[19]. For Allah does not guide disobedient people.”

Translation notes: [18] The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There are three traits, whoever has them will taste the sweetness of Faith by their virtue: that Allah and His Messenger are dearer to him than anything else...” [Al-Bukhārī: 16, Muslim: 43] [19] His punishment.

Allah has given you victory in many battlefields, and on the day of Hunayn[20] when you took pride in your great number, but they were of no use to you; the earth, despite its vastness, became constricted to you, then you turned back running away.

Translation notes: [20] In the battle of Hunayn, the Prophet (ﷺ) fought along with his noble Companions, when they were certain of victory due to their number and said: “We shall not be defeated today because of our number”, so they were made to suffer retreat.

Then Allah sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers[21], and sent down soldiers that you did not see[22], and chastised those who disbelieved. Such was the recompense of the disbelievers.

Translation notes: [21] When they realized humbly how much they were in need of Allah, He came to their aid. [22] The angels.

Then afterward, Allah will accept the repentance of whom He wills, for Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

O you who believe, the polytheists are impure[23], so do not let them come near the Sacred Mosque after this year. If you fear poverty, Allah will enrich you out of His bounty[24], if He wills. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Translation notes: [23] Impurity here means: disbelief, vile manners and unholy character. [24] Because the pilgrimage site was the major trading season in Arabia at that time.

Fight those of the People of the Book who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day, nor do they consider forbidden what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, nor adopt the religion of truth [i.e., Islam], until they pay the protection tax[25] willingly while they are humbled.

Translation notes: [25] Jizyah: is a tax levied from the people of the Book (Jews and Christians). It is only taken from those who can afford it; to enjoy privileges such as protection, freedom of religion, and fair treatment. Furthermore, they are exempted from military service as well as zakah is not taken from them, which are only due upon Muslims.

The Jews say, “Ezra[26] is the son of Allah,” and the Christians say, “The Messiah is the son of Allah[27].” These are mere words that they utter, imitating the words of the disbelievers before them[28]. May Allah ruin them; how can they be deluded?

Translation notes: [26] ‘Uzayr or Ezra: It was he who restored and codified the Torah after it had been lost during the Babylonian Exile, and edited it in more or less in the form which it is today. [27] See 2:116. [28] In saying that Allah has taken to Himself a son, as polytheists before them said that angels are Allah’s daughters.

They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords[29] besides Allah, as well as the Messiah, son of Mary, even though they were commanded to worship only One God; none has the right to be worshiped except Him, glorified is He far above what they associate with Him[30].

Translation notes: [29] By obeying them rather than obeying Allah’s commandments. [30] ‘Adiyy ibn Hātim al-Tā’iyy (رضي الله عنه), who was Christian before embracing Islam, narrated that he came to the Messenger (ﷺ) while he was reciting this verse, and he said to the Messenger: “We do not worship them!” He asked: “Do they not deem unlawful what Allah allowed and you follow them making it unlawful, and declare lawful what Allah forbade and you follow them making it lawful?” ‘Adiyy said: “Indeed!” then he (ﷺ) said: “That is their worship!” [At-Tirmidhī: 3095; also see: Matthew 15:1-9, Isaiah 29:13, Jeremiah 8:8]

They seek to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah refuses except to perfect His light, even if the disbelievers hate it.

It is He Who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, so that He may make it prevail over all other religions, even though the polytheists dislike it.

O you who believe, there are many rabbis and monks who consume people’s wealth unlawfully and prevent people from Allah’s way. Those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, give them tidings of a painful punishment.

On the Day when their treasures[31] will be heated up in the Fire of Hell, and their foreheads, sides and backs will be branded therewith. [They will be told], “This is what you hoarded for yourselves; so taste [the punishment of] what you used to hoard.”

Translation notes: [31] The hoarded gold and silver whose zakah was not paid.

The number of months with Allah is twelve, in the Record of Allah[32] since the day He created the heavens and earth; of which four are sacred. This is the straight way, so do not wrong yourselves during these months[33], and fight the polytheists all together[34], just as they fight you all together. And know that Allah is with those who fear Him.

Translation notes: [32] i.e., the Preserved Tablet. [33] i.e., do not violate the sacred months or commit aggression therein; they are: 1st, 7th, 11th, 12th months of the lunar calendar. [34] See 2:193, 8:73.

The postponement of [Sacred Months] is an act of disbelief[35], which leads them further astray. They declare a month lawful in one year and sacred the next year, in order to match the number of months that Allah has declared as sacred, thus making lawful what Allah has made forbidden[36]; their evil deeds have been made appealing to them, and Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.

Translation notes: [35] Fighting during a sacred month. [36] If they found it advantageous to violate a sacred month, they would do so, designating another month sacrosanct instead to observe the restrictions of fighting.

O you who believe, what is the matter with you that when you are asked to march forth in the cause of Allah, you cling heavily to the earth[37]? Are you content with the life of this world instead of the Hereafter? But the enjoyment of the life of this world is insignificant compared to that of the Hereafter.

Translation notes: [37] i.e., inclining toward the comforts of the worldly life.

Unless you march forth, He will chastise you with a painful punishment and replace you with other people, and you cannot harm Him in the least, for Allah is Most Capable of all things.

If you do not support the Prophet, Allah has already supported him when the disbelievers forced him out; when he was second of the two[38] in the cave – saying to his companion, “Do not grieve; Allah is with us.” Thereupon Allah sent down His tranquility upon him, supported him with soldiers that you did not see[39], and rendered the word of the disbelievers[40] the lowest, whereas the Word of Allah[41] is supreme. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

Translation notes: [38] The second was his companion, Abu Bakr. [39] Angels came to the Prophet’s aid in the small cave. [40] i.e., their claims and slogans of disbelief. [41] i.e., "La ilaha illa Allah" (There is no true deity except Allah).

March forth, whether lightly or heavily armed[42], and strive in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is best for you, if only you knew.

Translation notes: [42] i.e., young or old, riding or walking, in ease or in hardship - in all circumstances; those who are exempted is mentioned in the verse 91 below.

If it had been an easy win within reach and a short journey, those [hypocrites] would have followed you, but the distance seemed too far for them. They will swear by Allah[43], “If we had been able, we would have surely joined you,” destroying themselves [through false oaths], and Allah knows that they are liars.

Translation notes: [43] When you return from the Tabūk expedition in which the hypocrites did not participate.

May Allah pardon you [O Prophet]! Why did you give them permission [to stay behind] before it became clear to you as to who were telling the truth, and who were liars[44]?

Translation notes: [44] None should have been given permission, so as to see who would set out with the Muslim army, the truthful; and who would not, the liars.

Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day will not ask you to be exempted from striving with their wealth and their lives in Allah’s cause. Allah is All-Knowing of those who fear Him.

Only those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day ask permission to be exempted; they have doubts in their hearts, so they will continue to waver in their doubts.

If they had truly intended to march forth, they would have made necessary preparations for it. But Allah disliked their going forth, so He made them lag behind, and they were told, “Stay behind with those who are staying behind[45].”

Translation notes: [45] i.e., the terminally weak, women and children.

If they had gone forth with you, they would have only increased you in disorder and would have scurried around, sowing discord among you, and some of you would have listened to them. And Allah is All-Knowing of the wrongdoers.

They had surely sought to sow discord before and devised plots against you [O Prophet][46] until the truth [i.e., victory] came and Allah’s decree [i.e., religion] prevailed, even though they were averse.

Translation notes: [46] They spared no effort to put their insidious artifice into action against the Prophet (ﷺ) and the believers.

There are some among them who say, “Exempt me and do not expose me to temptation.” They have already fallen into temptation[47]. Hell will certainly encompass the disbelievers.

Translation notes: [47] By avoiding their obligations, they fell into destruction.

If something good happens to you, it grieves them, but if a disaster befalls you, they say, “We have taken our precautions beforehand[48],” and they turn away rejoicing.

Translation notes: [48] The hypocrites claim to have protected themselves by not setting out on the campaign.

Say, “Nothing will ever befall us except that which Allah has decreed for us; He is our Protector.” And in Allah alone let the believers put their trust.

Say, “Are you awaiting to befall us except one of the two fine things [i.e., victory or martyrdom][49]? But we are awaiting that Allah will afflict you with punishment from Himself or at our hands. So wait; we too are waiting with you.”

Translation notes: [49] The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When your brothers were struck down in the Battle of Badr, Allah placed their souls in the abdominal cavities of green fowls, they drink from the rivers of Paradise, eat from its fruits and come back at the end of the day to repose in chandeliers hung in the Shadow of the Majestic Throne...” [Abū Dāwūd: 2520, Ahmad: 2388]

Say, “Whether you spend willingly or unwillingly, it will never be accepted from you, for you have been a wicked people.”

Nothing prevents the acceptance of their spending except that they disbelieve in Allah and His Messenger, they do not come to prayer but lazily[50], and they do not spend but reluctantly.

Translation notes: [50] The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "No prayer is heavier for the hypocrites than the Fajr and the ‘Isha’ prayers; but if they knew the reward for these prayers at their respective times, they would certainly attend even if they had to crawl..." [Sahih al-Bukhāri: 626]

So do not let their wealth or their children impress you; Allah only intends to punish them through these things in the life of this world and to let their souls depart while they are still disbelievers.

They swear by Allah that they belong to you[51], but they do not belong to you; rather they are a people who are afraid [of you].

Translation notes: [51] In their precarious situation, they lie as a line of defence.

If they could find a refuge, caves, or a place to hide, they would rush headlong to it[52].

Translation notes: [52] A vividly depiction of their life of constant distress and anguish.

There are some among them who criticize you [O Prophet] concerning alms[53]; if they are given something thereof, they are pleased, but if they are not given, they are enraged.

Translation notes: [53] The hypocrites would insinuate that the noble Messenger (ﷺ) was not fair in dividing zakah revenues.

If only they had been pleased with that which Allah and His Messenger gave them, and said, “Allah is sufficient for us; Allah will give us out of His bounty, and so will His Messenger; to Allah alone we turn with hope.”

Alms [i.e., zakah] is only for the poor and the needy; those in charge of it; those whose hearts may be attracted [to Islam]; for freeing those in bondage; for those in debt; for the cause of Allah; and for [the stranded] traveler[54] – as ordained by Allah, for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Translation notes: [54] See 2:83, 2:273.

Among those [hypocrites] are some who offend the Prophet and say, “He listens to everyone[55].” Say [O Prophet], “He listens to what is best for you[56]; he believes in Allah, trusts the believers, and is a mercy for those of you who believe.” But for those who offend the Messenger of Allah, there will be a painful punishment.

Translation notes: [55] i.e., he believes everything he hears. [56] i.e., he listens but to what is good and not to evil; he listens and overlooks; he turns a blind eye when you come with fabrications.

They swear by Allah to you [O Muslims] to please you, but it is Allah and His Messenger whose pleasure they should seek, if they are true believers.

Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger will dwell in the Fire of Hell forever? That is the ultimate disgrace.

The hypocrites fear that a chapter should be sent down about them, informing [the believers] of what is in their hearts[57]. Say [O Prophet], “Keep on mocking! Allah will certainly expose what you fear.”

Translation notes: [57] i.e., exposing their disbelief.

If you question them, they will surely say, “We were only indulging in idle talk and playing.” Say, “Was it Allah, His verses and His Messenger that you were mocking[58]?”

Translation notes: [58] ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما) reported: “During the Tabuk Expedition a man said in a gathering: “I have not seen anyone who is more gluttonous, lying and cowardly than these reciters of ours!” A man in the same gathering replied to him: “Liar! You are indeed a hypocrite! I shall tell the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)!” When the news reached the Messenger (ﷺ), verses from the Qur’an came down regarding the incident.” The narrator continues: “I saw him clinging to the belly strap of the Messenger’s (ﷺ) she-camel, saying: “Messenger of Allah! We were only chit-chatting and passing time!” While the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was reciting: “Were you mocking of Allah, His Signs, and His Messenger”. [cf. Ibn Abī Hātim, al-Tabarī, al-Shinqītī]

Make no excuses; you have disbelieved after having believed[59]. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others because they are wicked.

Translation notes: [59] However, the door of repentance is still open for them.

The hypocrites, both men and women, are all alike; they enjoin what is evil and forbid what is good, and they withhold their hands [from giving][60]. They forgot Allah, so He forgot them. Indeed, the hypocrites are the rebellious.

Translation notes: [60] i.e., from spending in the way of Allah.

Allah has promised the hypocrites, both men and women, and the disbelievers the Fire of Hell, abiding therein forever – it is sufficient for them. Allah has cursed them, and for them there will be an everlasting punishment.

[O hypocrites, you are] like those who came before you, who were more powerful than you and more abundant in wealth and children. They enjoyed their share, and you too have enjoyed your share just as those who came before you enjoyed their share; and you have indulged in idle talk just as they did. Such are those whose deeds have become worthless in this world and in the Hereafter; it is they who are the losers.

Have they not received the stories of those who came before them: the people of Noah, ‘Ād, Thamūd, the people of Abraham, the dwellers of Midian, and the overturned cities [of Lot]? Their messengers came to them with clear signs. It was not Allah who wronged them, but it was they who wronged themselves.

The believers, both men and women, are allies of one another; they enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, they establish prayer, give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they who will receive Allah’s mercy, for Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

Allah has promised the believers, both men and women, gardens under which rivers flow, abiding therein forever, and splendid dwellings in the Gardens of Eternity, and Allah’s pleasure, which is the greatest of all; that is the supreme triumph.

O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh with them. Their abode is Hell. What a terrible destination!

They swear by Allah that they said nothing [blasphemous], while they indeed uttered a word of blasphemy[61], and disbelieved after accepting Islam, and plotted what they could not achieve[62]. They are spiteful [against believers] for no reason except that Allah and His Messenger have enriched them out of His bounty. If they repent, it will be better for them, but if they turn away, Allah will chastise them with a painful punishment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have on earth no protector or helper.

Translation notes: [61] such as insulting the Messenger (ﷺ) and attacking the religion. [62] They devised to assassinate the Prophet (ﷺ) upon his return from the Tabuk Expedition, but their plot was foiled.

There are some among them who made a covenant with Allah: “If He gives us out of His bounty, we will surely spend in charity and be among the righteous.”

But when He did give them out of His bounty, they grew stingy and turned away in aversion.

So as a consequence, He caused hypocrisy to take root in their hearts until the Day they meet Him, because of breaking their promise to Allah, and because of their persistent lying.

Do they not know that Allah knows their secret and private conversations and that Allah is the All-Knower of all unseen?

Those who disparage the believers who voluntarily give charities and ridicule them for having nothing to give except their effort[63]. Allah will ridicule them, and for them there will be a painful punishment.

Translation notes: [63] They hurtle sneering comments on both the well-off who give generously, saying that they do so out of show off, and those who can only help with the very little they have, and deride them for it.

Whether you [O Prophet] seek forgiveness for them or not, even if you seek forgiveness for them seventy times[64], Allah will never forgive them[65]; that is because they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger. Allah does not guide the rebellious people.

Translation notes: [64] The number 70 is not meant, but is rather used to denote numerousness per se. [65] ‘Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (رضي الله عنه) reported: “When ‘Abdullāh ibn ’Ubayy ibn Salūl died, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was summoned to Pray for him. As He (ﷺ) stood up, I sprang to him and said: “Messenger of Allah, will you pray over Ibn ’Ubayy, in spite of him saying so and so on the day of so and so!” I recounted to him (ﷺ) what he said. The Messenger (ﷺ) smiled and said: “Move away from me ‘Umar.” When I had argued a great deal with him, he said: “I was given a choice and I made my choice. Had I known that if I were to seek forgiveness for him more than seventy times he would be forgiven, I would have sought it more!” The Messenger (ﷺ) prayed and then left. It was just a short while after that the two verses in Barā’ah (al-Tawbah) came down: “Do not ever pray over anyone of them who dies … died while in a state of contravention”…” [Al-Bukhārī: 1366].

Those who remained behind rejoiced for doing so in defiance of the Messenger of Allah, and disliked to strive in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives[66], and said, “Do not march forth in this heat[67].” Say, “The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat.” – If only they could understand!

Translation notes: [66] While in reality, Allah had prevented their participation knowing of their hypocrisy and evil intent. [67] In the Tabuk Expedition.

Let them laugh a little and weep a lot as a recompense for what they used to do.

If Allah brings you back to a group of them and they ask your permission to go forth with you, say, “You will never go forth with me, nor will you ever fight an enemy with me. You were content to remain behind the first time, so now stay with those who remained behind[68].”

Translation notes: [68] It is used here to impart a derogatory sense because of their incapacity.

Never offer the funeral prayer for any of them who dies, nor stand by his grave, for they have disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger, and died as evildoers.

Do not let their wealth or their children impress you; Allah only intends to punish them with these things in this world, and to let their souls depart while they are disbelievers[69].

Translation notes: [69] The wording of this verse is almost identical to verse 55 above, reiterating its message.

Whenever a Chapter is sent down [saying], “Believe in Allah and fight along with His Messenger,” the affluent among them would ask you to excuse them, saying, “Let us remain with those who stay behind[70].”

Translation notes: [70] i.e., the weak, the terminally ill and the incapacitated.

They are content to be with those helpless who stay behind[71]; their hearts have been sealed, so that they do not understand.

Translation notes: [71] They are mainly women.

But the Messenger and those who believe with him strive with their wealth and their lives. It is they who will have all kinds of good, and it is they who are successful.

Allah has prepared for them gardens under which rivers flow, abiding therein forever; that is the supreme triumph.

Some of the Bedouins came with excuses, seeking to be exempted, while others who lied to Allah and His Messenger stayed behind. Those who disbelieved among them will be afflicted with a painful punishment.

There is no blame on the weak, the sick, or those who have nothing to spend, as long as they are sincere to Allah and His Messenger. There is no blame on those who do good, and Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Nor is there any blame on those who came to you asking you for mounts to take them along, and you said, “I can find no mounts for you;” they turned away with their eyes overflowing with tears out of grief that they had nothing to spend.

Blame is only on those who ask you for exemption even though they are affluent. They are content to stay behind with the helpless[72], and Allah has sealed their hearts so they do not know.

Translation notes: [72] i.e., women who stayed home.

They will make excuses to you when you return to them. Say, “Make no excuses; we will never believe you[73]. Allah has already informed us about your affairs. Allah and His Messenger will see your deeds, then you will be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will inform you of what you used to do.”

Translation notes: [73] What really matters are deeds not mere words.

When you return to them, they will swear to you by Allah so that you may leave them alone. So leave them alone, for they are evil. Their abode is Hell, as a recompense for what they used to do.

They will swear to you in order to please you. Even if you are pleased with them, Allah will not be pleased with the rebellious people.

The Bedouins are worse in disbelief and hypocrisy, and less likely to know the limits sent down by Allah to His Messenger. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Among the Bedouins are some who consider what they spend as a loss and await some misfortune to befall you. May ill fortune befall them! And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

However, there are some among the Bedouins who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and consider what they spend as a means of drawing closer to Allah, and of deserving the invocations of the Messenger. It is certainly a means of drawing closer for them. Allah will admit them to His mercy, for Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

As for the first forerunners of the Emigrants[74] and the Helpers[75], and those who followed them in righteous deeds, Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. He has prepared for them gardens under which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. That is the supreme triumph.

Translation notes: [74] Those who emigrated from Makkah to Madīnah. [75] The Muslims of Madīnah who helped the Prophet (ﷺ) and other Muslims.

Among the Bedouins around you are some hypocrites, as are from the people of Madinah; they are obstinate in their hypocrisy[76]. You do not know them; We know them. We will punish them twice[77], and then they will be brought back to a great punishment[78].

Translation notes: [76] These are society’s worst elements. [77] Twice: once in this life and then in their graves. [78] In the lowest depths of the Hellfire. See 4:145.

And there are others who admitted their sins; they have mixed righteous deeds with others that were evil[79]. It is likely that Allah will turn to them in mercy, for Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Translation notes: [79] i.e., their previous participation in jihād but abstaining on the occasion of Tabūk.

Take charity from their wealth [O Prophet] to cleanse and purify them, and pray for them. Your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

Do they not know that it is Allah Who accepts the repentance of His slaves and accepts their charities, and that it is Allah Who is the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful?

And say, “Do as you will; Allah will see your deeds, and so will His Messenger and the believers, then you will be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will inform you of what you used to do.”

And there are yet others who await Allah’s decision; either He will punish them or turn to them in mercy. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

There are those [hypocrites] who built a mosque to cause harm[80], promote disbelief and create division among the believers, and as a base for those who had previously fought against Allah and His Messenger. They will surely swear, “We intend nothing but good,” but Allah testifies that they are indeed liars.

Translation notes: [80] The most conniving hypocrites in Madinah built a mosque ‘masjid al-dirār’ (the mosque of harm) to cause dissension and discord among Muslims.

Never pray therein [O Prophet]. A mosque that was founded on piety[81] from the first day is more deserving for you to pray therein. In it are men who love to keep themselves pure, and Allah loves those who keep themselves pure.

Translation notes: [81] This is the description of the Qubā’ mosque.

Who is better – one who laid the foundation of his building on piety and seeking Allah’s pleasure; or one who laid the foundation of his building on the edge of a crumbling precipice, so it tumbled down with him into the Fire of Hell? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This building which they built will not cease to be a source of unrest in their hearts until their hearts are cut into pieces. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their wealth, and in return they will have Paradise[82]; they fight in the cause of Allah and they kill or are killed. This is a true promise, given by Him in the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an. Who is more faithful to his promise than Allah? Rejoice then in the transaction you have made with Him; that is the supreme triumph.

Translation notes: [82] Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah (رضي الله عنهما) reported: "On the day of the battle of Uhud, a man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: "Can you tell me where I will be if I am martyred?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied: "In Paradise." The man threw away some dates he was carrying in his hand, and fought till he was martyred." [Sahih al-Bukhāri: 377]

[Those believers] are the ones who repent, who constantly worship, who praise Him, who fast, who bow down and prostrate, who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and who observe the limits set by Allah; give glad tidings to the believers.

It is not fitting for the Prophet and those who believe to seek forgiveness for the polytheists[83], even if they are close relatives, after becoming clear to them that they are the people of Blazing Fire.

Translation notes: [83] When Abu Tālib, the Prophet’s uncle, died as a disbeliever, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “By Allah, I shall keep on asking for forgiveness for you, unless I am told to cease!” Then this verse was revealed. [Al-Bukhārī: 3884, Muslim: 24].

As for the prayer of Abraham for his father’s forgiveness, it was only because of a promise he had made to him. However, when it became clear to him that he was an enemy of Allah, he dissociated himself from him[84]. Indeed, Abraham was tender-hearted and forbearing.

Translation notes: [84] This prohibition is not exclusive to Islam as it has been in effect since the time of Abraham (عليه السلام)

Allah will not cause a people to go astray after He has guided them until He makes clear to them what they should avoid[85]. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing of everything.

Translation notes: [85] ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما) reported regarding al-Haruriyah (the kharijites) that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "They will go out of Islam as an arrow darts out of the game’s body." [Sahih al-Bukhāri: 66]

Indeed, to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and earth. He gives life and causes death. You have no protector or helper besides Allah.

Indeed, Allah has turned in mercy to the Prophet, the Emigrants and the Helpers who followed him in the hour of hardship [at Tabūk], after some of them were about to lose heart. Then He turned to them in mercy, for He is All-Gracious, Most Merciful to them.

[And Allah also turned in mercy to] the three who stayed behind[86], until the earth became constrained to them, despite its vastness, and their souls became a burden to them, and they realized that there was no refuge from Allah except in Him. Then He turned to them in mercy, so that they might repent, for Allah is the Accepter of Repentance, the Most Merciful.

Translation notes: [86] Or whose cases were deferred. They were: Ka‘b ibn Mālik, Hilāl ibn ’Umayyah and Murārah ibn al-Rabī‘, who were sincere Companions but failed to join the Messenger’s (ﷺ) campaign in Tabūk Expedition. When he came back, unlike the hypocrites, they told the truth that they had no excuse. So, the Messenger (ﷺ) imposed a ban on them and forbade people to talk to them. This lasted for fifty nights until this verse was revealed. During this time, they endured huge mental anguish for being ostracized by the whole society. [For further details see: Al-Bukhārī: 4418, and Muslim: 2769]

O you who believe, fear Allah and be with those who are truthful[87].

Translation notes: [87] The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “...A man speaks the truth and heeds it until he is recorded with Allah as an affirmer of the truth (siddīq)...” [Al-Bukhārī: 6094, Muslim: 2607]

It was not for the people of Madinah and the Bedouins around them to stay behind the Messenger of Allah[88] or to prefer their own lives to his. That is because whenever they suffer any thirst, weariness or hunger in the cause of Allah, or tread a place which enrages the disbelievers, or inflict any loss upon an enemy, a righteous deed is recorded for them. Allah does not let the reward of those who do good to go to waste.

Translation notes: [88] In times of hardship, they should have endured sufferings along with the Prophet (ﷺ) instead of staying behind.

Nor do they spend anything [for Allah’s cause], small or large, or cross a valley, but it is recorded for them, so that Allah may give them the best reward for what they used to do.

It is not right for the believers to march forth all at once; a group should go forth to acquire deeper knowledge of the religion, in order to admonish their people when they return to them, so that they may be cautious.

O you who believe, fight those disbelievers who are around you[89], and let them find harshness in you; and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.

Translation notes: [89] Ensuring that the borders are secure and the enemy does not think of attacking Muslims.

Whenever a Chapter is sent down, some of those [hypocrites] say, “Which of you has had his Faith increased by it[90]?” As for those who believe, it does increase them in faith and they rejoice.

Translation notes: [90] They flippantly did so to ridicule the believers.

But as for those in whose hearts is sickness, it only increases them in wickedness[91] to their wickedness, and they will die while they are disbelievers.

Translation notes: [91] Lit, "filth," i.e., hypocrisy and disbelief.

Do they not see that they are put to trial once or twice every year? Yet they neither repent nor do they take heed.

Whenever a Chapter is revealed, they look at one another [saying], “Is anyone watching you?” Then they slip away[92]. Allah has turned their hearts away because they are a people who do not understand.

Translation notes: [92] They would exchange glances as if saying to one another: “Who is this person who sees you while you plot in secret and tells Muhammad (ﷺ) about it?” Instead of paying heed, they would turn away reverting to their ways.

There has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves; he is grieved by your suffering, and is concerned for you, and is gracious and merciful towards the believers[93].

Translation notes: [93] The Messenger (ﷺ) was keen on guiding people and teaching them all that is good, particularly the believers.

But if they turn away, then say, “Allah is sufficient for me; none has the right to be worshiped except Him[94]; in Him I put my trust, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.”

Translation notes: [94] The surah ends with a comforting note to the Messenger (ﷺ) in the face of all stiff opposition and resistance, to seek support in Allah and find solace in these words.