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At-Tawbah

Surah 9 · 129 verses
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91

لَّيۡسَ عَلَى ٱلضُّعَفَآءِ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلۡمَرۡضَىٰ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَجِدُونَ مَا يُنفِقُونَ حَرَجٌ إِذَا نَصَحُواْ لِلَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ‌ۚ مَا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

There is not upon the weak or upon the ill or upon those who do not find anything to spend any discomfort when they are sincere to Allah and His Messenger. There is not upon the doers of good any cause [for blame]. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Tafsir

After Allah mentioned the sins of the hypocrites, He praised the faithful believers and described their reward in the Hereafter,

﴿ لَـٰكِنِ ٱلرَّسُولُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُ ۥ جَـٰهَدُواْ ﴾

(But the Messenger and those who believed with him strove hard and fought) until the end of these two Ayat (9:88-89). This describes the qualities, as well as, the reward of faithful believers. Allah said,

﴿ وَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتُ‌ۖ ﴾

(Such are they for whom are the good things), in the Hereafter, in the gardens of Al-Firdaws and the high grades.

﴿ وَجَآءَ ٱلۡمُعَذِّرُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ لِيُؤۡذَنَ لَهُمۡ وَقَعَدَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَبُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ‌ۚ سَيُصِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ مِنۡہُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(90. And those who made excuses from the bedouins came asking your permission to exempt them (from the battle), and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home (without asking the permission for it); a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve.) Allah describes here the condition of the bedouins who lived around Al-Madinah, who asked for permission to remain behind from Jihad when they came to the Messenger to explain to him their weakness and inability to join the fighting. Ad-Dahhak said that Ibn `Abbas said that they were those who had valid excuses, for Allah said next,

﴿ وَقَعَدَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَبُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ‌ۚ ﴾

(and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home), and did not ask for permission for it; and Allah warned them of painful punishment,

﴿ سَيُصِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ مِنۡہُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve.)

﴿ لَّيۡسَ عَلَى ٱلضُّعَفَآءِ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلۡمَرۡضَىٰ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَجِدُونَ مَا يُنفِقُونَ حَرَجٌ إِذَا نَصَحُواْ لِلَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ‌ۚ مَا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ • وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا مَآ أَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ قُلۡتَ لَآ أَجِدُ مَآ أَحۡمِلُڪُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ تَوَلَّواْ وَّأَعۡيُنُهُمۡ تَفِيضُ مِنَ ٱلدَّمۡعِ حَزَنًا أَلَّا يَجِدُواْ مَا يُنفِقُونَ • إِنَّمَا ٱلسَّبِيلُ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَـٔۡذِنُونَكَ وَهُمۡ أَغۡنِيَآءُ‌ۚ رَضُواْ بِأَن يَكُونُواْ مَعَ ٱلۡخَوَالِفِ وَطَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ ﴾

(91. There is no blame on those who are weak or ill or who find no resources to spend, if they are sincere and true (in duty) to Allah and His Messenger. No means (of complaint) can there be against the doers of good. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.) (92. Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, when you said: "I can find no mounts for you,'' they turned back, with their eyes overflowing with tears of grief that they could not find anything to spend.) (93. The means (of complaint) is only against those who are rich, and yet ask exemption. They are content to be with (the women) who sit behind (at home) and Allah has sealed up their hearts so that they know not (what they are losing).)

92

وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا مَآ أَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ قُلۡتَ لَآ أَجِدُ مَآ أَحۡمِلُڪُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ تَوَلَّواْ وَّأَعۡيُنُهُمۡ تَفِيضُ مِنَ ٱلدَّمۡعِ حَزَنًا أَلَّا يَجِدُواْ مَا يُنفِقُونَ

Nor [is there blame] upon those who, when they came to you that you might give them mounts, you said, "I can find nothing for you to ride upon." They turned back while their eyes overflowed with tears out of grief that they could not find something to spend [for the cause of Allah].

Tafsir

After Allah mentioned the sins of the hypocrites, He praised the faithful believers and described their reward in the Hereafter,

﴿ لَـٰكِنِ ٱلرَّسُولُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُ ۥ جَـٰهَدُواْ ﴾

(But the Messenger and those who believed with him strove hard and fought) until the end of these two Ayat (9:88-89). This describes the qualities, as well as, the reward of faithful believers. Allah said,

﴿ وَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتُ‌ۖ ﴾

(Such are they for whom are the good things), in the Hereafter, in the gardens of Al-Firdaws and the high grades.

﴿ وَجَآءَ ٱلۡمُعَذِّرُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ لِيُؤۡذَنَ لَهُمۡ وَقَعَدَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَبُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ‌ۚ سَيُصِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ مِنۡہُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(90. And those who made excuses from the bedouins came asking your permission to exempt them (from the battle), and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home (without asking the permission for it); a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve.) Allah describes here the condition of the bedouins who lived around Al-Madinah, who asked for permission to remain behind from Jihad when they came to the Messenger to explain to him their weakness and inability to join the fighting. Ad-Dahhak said that Ibn `Abbas said that they were those who had valid excuses, for Allah said next,

﴿ وَقَعَدَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَبُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ‌ۚ ﴾

(and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home), and did not ask for permission for it; and Allah warned them of painful punishment,

﴿ سَيُصِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ مِنۡہُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve.)

﴿ لَّيۡسَ عَلَى ٱلضُّعَفَآءِ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلۡمَرۡضَىٰ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَجِدُونَ مَا يُنفِقُونَ حَرَجٌ إِذَا نَصَحُواْ لِلَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ‌ۚ مَا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ • وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا مَآ أَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ قُلۡتَ لَآ أَجِدُ مَآ أَحۡمِلُڪُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ تَوَلَّواْ وَّأَعۡيُنُهُمۡ تَفِيضُ مِنَ ٱلدَّمۡعِ حَزَنًا أَلَّا يَجِدُواْ مَا يُنفِقُونَ • إِنَّمَا ٱلسَّبِيلُ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَـٔۡذِنُونَكَ وَهُمۡ أَغۡنِيَآءُ‌ۚ رَضُواْ بِأَن يَكُونُواْ مَعَ ٱلۡخَوَالِفِ وَطَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ ﴾

(91. There is no blame on those who are weak or ill or who find no resources to spend, if they are sincere and true (in duty) to Allah and His Messenger. No means (of complaint) can there be against the doers of good. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.) (92. Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, when you said: "I can find no mounts for you,'' they turned back, with their eyes overflowing with tears of grief that they could not find anything to spend.) (93. The means (of complaint) is only against those who are rich, and yet ask exemption. They are content to be with (the women) who sit behind (at home) and Allah has sealed up their hearts so that they know not (what they are losing).)

93

۞ إِنَّمَا ٱلسَّبِيلُ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَـٔۡذِنُونَكَ وَهُمۡ أَغۡنِيَآءُ‌ۚ رَضُواْ بِأَن يَكُونُواْ مَعَ ٱلۡخَوَالِفِ وَطَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ

The cause [for blame] is only upon those who ask permission of you while they are rich. They are satisfied to be with those who stay behind, and Allah has sealed over their hearts, so they do not know.

Tafsir

After Allah mentioned the sins of the hypocrites, He praised the faithful believers and described their reward in the Hereafter,

﴿ لَـٰكِنِ ٱلرَّسُولُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُ ۥ جَـٰهَدُواْ ﴾

(But the Messenger and those who believed with him strove hard and fought) until the end of these two Ayat (9:88-89). This describes the qualities, as well as, the reward of faithful believers. Allah said,

﴿ وَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتُ‌ۖ ﴾

(Such are they for whom are the good things), in the Hereafter, in the gardens of Al-Firdaws and the high grades.

﴿ وَجَآءَ ٱلۡمُعَذِّرُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ لِيُؤۡذَنَ لَهُمۡ وَقَعَدَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَبُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ‌ۚ سَيُصِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ مِنۡہُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(90. And those who made excuses from the bedouins came asking your permission to exempt them (from the battle), and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home (without asking the permission for it); a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve.) Allah describes here the condition of the bedouins who lived around Al-Madinah, who asked for permission to remain behind from Jihad when they came to the Messenger to explain to him their weakness and inability to join the fighting. Ad-Dahhak said that Ibn `Abbas said that they were those who had valid excuses, for Allah said next,

﴿ وَقَعَدَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَبُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ‌ۚ ﴾

(and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home), and did not ask for permission for it; and Allah warned them of painful punishment,

﴿ سَيُصِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ مِنۡہُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve.)

﴿ لَّيۡسَ عَلَى ٱلضُّعَفَآءِ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلۡمَرۡضَىٰ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَجِدُونَ مَا يُنفِقُونَ حَرَجٌ إِذَا نَصَحُواْ لِلَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ‌ۚ مَا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ • وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا مَآ أَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ قُلۡتَ لَآ أَجِدُ مَآ أَحۡمِلُڪُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ تَوَلَّواْ وَّأَعۡيُنُهُمۡ تَفِيضُ مِنَ ٱلدَّمۡعِ حَزَنًا أَلَّا يَجِدُواْ مَا يُنفِقُونَ • إِنَّمَا ٱلسَّبِيلُ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَـٔۡذِنُونَكَ وَهُمۡ أَغۡنِيَآءُ‌ۚ رَضُواْ بِأَن يَكُونُواْ مَعَ ٱلۡخَوَالِفِ وَطَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ ﴾

(91. There is no blame on those who are weak or ill or who find no resources to spend, if they are sincere and true (in duty) to Allah and His Messenger. No means (of complaint) can there be against the doers of good. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.) (92. Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, when you said: "I can find no mounts for you,'' they turned back, with their eyes overflowing with tears of grief that they could not find anything to spend.) (93. The means (of complaint) is only against those who are rich, and yet ask exemption. They are content to be with (the women) who sit behind (at home) and Allah has sealed up their hearts so that they know not (what they are losing).)

94

يَعۡتَذِرُونَ إِلَيۡكُمۡ إِذَا رَجَعۡتُمۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ قُل لَّا تَعۡتَذِرُواْ لَن نُّؤۡمِنَ لَڪُمۡ قَدۡ نَبَّأَنَا ٱللَّهُ مِنۡ أَخۡبَارِڪُمۡ‌ۚ وَسَيَرَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَلَكُمۡ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَـٰلِمِ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ

They will make excuses to you when you have returned to them. Say, "Make no excuse – never will we believe you. Allah has already informed us of your news. And Allah will observe your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger; then you will be taken back to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do."

Tafsir

Legitimate Excuses for staying away from Jihad

Allah mentions here the valid excuses that permit one to stay away from fighting. He first mentions the excuses that remain with a person, the weakness in the body that disallows one from Jihad, such as blindness, limping, and so forth. He then mentions the excuses that are not permanent, such as an illness that would prevent one from fighting in the cause of Allah, or poverty that prevents preparing for Jihad. There is no sin in these cases if they remain behind, providing that when they remain behind, they do not spread malice or try to discourage Muslims from fighting, but all the while observing good behavior in this state, just as Allah said,

﴿ مَا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(No means (of complaint) can there be against the doers of good. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.) Al-Awza`i said, "The people went out for the Istisqa' (rain) prayer. Bilal bin Sa`d stood up, praised Allah and thanked Him then said, `O those who are present! Do you concur that wrong has been done' They said, `Yes, by Allah!' He said, `O Allah! We hear your statement,

﴿ مَا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ۬‌ۚ ﴾

(No means (of complaint) can there be against the doers of good.) O Allah! We admit our errors, so forgive us and give us mercy and rain.' He then raised his hands and the people also raised their hands, and rain was sent down on them.'' Mujahid said about Allah's statement,

﴿ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا مَآ أَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ ﴾

(Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts) Mujahid said; "It was revealed about Bani Muqarrin from the tribe of Muzaynah. '' Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Al-Hasan said that the Messenger of Allah said,

« لَقَدْ خَلَّفْتُمْ بِالْمَدِينَةِ أَقْوَامًا مَا أَنْفَقْتُمْ مِنْ نَفَقَةٍ وَلَا قَطَعْتُمْ وَادِيًا وَلَا نِلْتُمْ مِنْ عَدُوَ نَيْلًا إِلَّا وَقَدْ شَرَكُوكُمْ فِي الْأَجْر »

(Some people have remained behind you in Al-Madinah; and you never spent anything, crossed a valley, or afflicted hardship on an enemy, but they were sharing the reward with you.) He then recited the Ayah,

﴿ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا مَآ أَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ قُلۡتَ لَآ أَجِدُ مَآ أَحۡمِلُڪُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ ﴾

(Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, when you said: "I can find no mounts for you.'') This Hadith has a basis in the Two Sahihs from Anas, the Messenger of Allah said,

« إِنَّ بِالْمَدِينَةِ أَقْوَامًا مَا قَطَعْتُمْ وَادِيًا وَلَا سِرْتُمْ سَيْرًا إِلَّا وَهُمْ مَعَكُم »

(Some people have remained behind in Al-Madinah and you never crossed a valley or marched forth, but they were with you.) They said, "While they are still at Al-Madinah'' He said,

« نَعَمْ حَبَسَهُمُ الْعُذْر »

(Yes, as they have been held back by a (legal) excuse.) Then, Allah criticized those who seek permission to remain behind while they are rich, admonishing them for wanting to stay behind with women who remained in their homes,

﴿ وَطَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ ﴾

(and Allah has sealed up their hearts, so that they know not (what they are losing).)

﴿ يَعۡتَذِرُونَ إِلَيۡكُمۡ إِذَا رَجَعۡتُمۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ قُل لَّا تَعۡتَذِرُواْ لَن نُّؤۡمِنَ لَڪُمۡ قَدۡ نَبَّأَنَا ٱللَّهُ مِنۡ أَخۡبَارِڪُمۡ‌ۚ وَسَيَرَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَلَكُمۡ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَـٰلِمِ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ • سَيَحۡلِفُونَ بِٱللَّهِ لَڪُمۡ إِذَا ٱنقَلَبۡتُمۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ لِتُعۡرِضُواْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ فَأَعۡرِضُواْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّہُمۡ رِجۡسٌ۬‌ۖ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُمۡ جَهَنَّمُ جَزَآءَۢ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ • يَحۡلِفُونَ لَڪُمۡ لِتَرۡضَوۡاْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ فَإِن تَرۡضَوۡاْ عَنۡہُمۡ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَرۡضَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقِينَ ﴾

(94. They (the hypocrites) will present their excuses to you (Muslims), when you return to them. Say "Present no excuses, we shall not believe you. Allah has already informed us of the news concerning you. Allah and His Messenger will observe your deeds. In the end you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He (Allah) will inform you of what you used to do.'') (95. They will swear by Allah to you (Muslims) when you return to them, that you may turn away from them. So turn away from them. Surely, they are Rijs (impure), and Hell is their dwelling place -- a recompense for that which they used to earn.) (96. They (the hypocrites) swear to you (Muslims) that you may be pleased with them, but if you are pleased with them, certainly Allah is not pleased with the people who are Fasiqin (rebellious).)

95

سَيَحۡلِفُونَ بِٱللَّهِ لَڪُمۡ إِذَا ٱنقَلَبۡتُمۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ لِتُعۡرِضُواْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ فَأَعۡرِضُواْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّہُمۡ رِجۡسٌ۬‌ۖ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُمۡ جَهَنَّمُ جَزَآءَۢ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ

They will swear by Allah to you when you return to them that you would leave them alone. So leave them alone; indeed they are evil; and their refuge is Hell as recompense for what they had been earning.

Tafsir

Legitimate Excuses for staying away from Jihad

Allah mentions here the valid excuses that permit one to stay away from fighting. He first mentions the excuses that remain with a person, the weakness in the body that disallows one from Jihad, such as blindness, limping, and so forth. He then mentions the excuses that are not permanent, such as an illness that would prevent one from fighting in the cause of Allah, or poverty that prevents preparing for Jihad. There is no sin in these cases if they remain behind, providing that when they remain behind, they do not spread malice or try to discourage Muslims from fighting, but all the while observing good behavior in this state, just as Allah said,

﴿ مَا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(No means (of complaint) can there be against the doers of good. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.) Al-Awza`i said, "The people went out for the Istisqa' (rain) prayer. Bilal bin Sa`d stood up, praised Allah and thanked Him then said, `O those who are present! Do you concur that wrong has been done' They said, `Yes, by Allah!' He said, `O Allah! We hear your statement,

﴿ مَا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ۬‌ۚ ﴾

(No means (of complaint) can there be against the doers of good.) O Allah! We admit our errors, so forgive us and give us mercy and rain.' He then raised his hands and the people also raised their hands, and rain was sent down on them.'' Mujahid said about Allah's statement,

﴿ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا مَآ أَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ ﴾

(Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts) Mujahid said; "It was revealed about Bani Muqarrin from the tribe of Muzaynah. '' Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Al-Hasan said that the Messenger of Allah said,

« لَقَدْ خَلَّفْتُمْ بِالْمَدِينَةِ أَقْوَامًا مَا أَنْفَقْتُمْ مِنْ نَفَقَةٍ وَلَا قَطَعْتُمْ وَادِيًا وَلَا نِلْتُمْ مِنْ عَدُوَ نَيْلًا إِلَّا وَقَدْ شَرَكُوكُمْ فِي الْأَجْر »

(Some people have remained behind you in Al-Madinah; and you never spent anything, crossed a valley, or afflicted hardship on an enemy, but they were sharing the reward with you.) He then recited the Ayah,

﴿ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا مَآ أَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ قُلۡتَ لَآ أَجِدُ مَآ أَحۡمِلُڪُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ ﴾

(Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, when you said: "I can find no mounts for you.'') This Hadith has a basis in the Two Sahihs from Anas, the Messenger of Allah said,

« إِنَّ بِالْمَدِينَةِ أَقْوَامًا مَا قَطَعْتُمْ وَادِيًا وَلَا سِرْتُمْ سَيْرًا إِلَّا وَهُمْ مَعَكُم »

(Some people have remained behind in Al-Madinah and you never crossed a valley or marched forth, but they were with you.) They said, "While they are still at Al-Madinah'' He said,

« نَعَمْ حَبَسَهُمُ الْعُذْر »

(Yes, as they have been held back by a (legal) excuse.) Then, Allah criticized those who seek permission to remain behind while they are rich, admonishing them for wanting to stay behind with women who remained in their homes,

﴿ وَطَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ ﴾

(and Allah has sealed up their hearts, so that they know not (what they are losing).)

﴿ يَعۡتَذِرُونَ إِلَيۡكُمۡ إِذَا رَجَعۡتُمۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ قُل لَّا تَعۡتَذِرُواْ لَن نُّؤۡمِنَ لَڪُمۡ قَدۡ نَبَّأَنَا ٱللَّهُ مِنۡ أَخۡبَارِڪُمۡ‌ۚ وَسَيَرَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَلَكُمۡ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَـٰلِمِ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ • سَيَحۡلِفُونَ بِٱللَّهِ لَڪُمۡ إِذَا ٱنقَلَبۡتُمۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ لِتُعۡرِضُواْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ فَأَعۡرِضُواْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّہُمۡ رِجۡسٌ۬‌ۖ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُمۡ جَهَنَّمُ جَزَآءَۢ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ • يَحۡلِفُونَ لَڪُمۡ لِتَرۡضَوۡاْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ فَإِن تَرۡضَوۡاْ عَنۡہُمۡ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَرۡضَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقِينَ ﴾

(94. They (the hypocrites) will present their excuses to you (Muslims), when you return to them. Say "Present no excuses, we shall not believe you. Allah has already informed us of the news concerning you. Allah and His Messenger will observe your deeds. In the end you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He (Allah) will inform you of what you used to do.'') (95. They will swear by Allah to you (Muslims) when you return to them, that you may turn away from them. So turn away from them. Surely, they are Rijs (impure), and Hell is their dwelling place -- a recompense for that which they used to earn.) (96. They (the hypocrites) swear to you (Muslims) that you may be pleased with them, but if you are pleased with them, certainly Allah is not pleased with the people who are Fasiqin (rebellious).)

96

يَحۡلِفُونَ لَڪُمۡ لِتَرۡضَوۡاْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ فَإِن تَرۡضَوۡاْ عَنۡہُمۡ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَرۡضَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقِينَ

They swear to you so that you might be satisfied with them. But if you should be satisfied with them – indeed, Allah is not satisfied with a defiantly disobedient people.

Tafsir

Legitimate Excuses for staying away from Jihad

Allah mentions here the valid excuses that permit one to stay away from fighting. He first mentions the excuses that remain with a person, the weakness in the body that disallows one from Jihad, such as blindness, limping, and so forth. He then mentions the excuses that are not permanent, such as an illness that would prevent one from fighting in the cause of Allah, or poverty that prevents preparing for Jihad. There is no sin in these cases if they remain behind, providing that when they remain behind, they do not spread malice or try to discourage Muslims from fighting, but all the while observing good behavior in this state, just as Allah said,

﴿ مَا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(No means (of complaint) can there be against the doers of good. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.) Al-Awza`i said, "The people went out for the Istisqa' (rain) prayer. Bilal bin Sa`d stood up, praised Allah and thanked Him then said, `O those who are present! Do you concur that wrong has been done' They said, `Yes, by Allah!' He said, `O Allah! We hear your statement,

﴿ مَا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ۬‌ۚ ﴾

(No means (of complaint) can there be against the doers of good.) O Allah! We admit our errors, so forgive us and give us mercy and rain.' He then raised his hands and the people also raised their hands, and rain was sent down on them.'' Mujahid said about Allah's statement,

﴿ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا مَآ أَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ ﴾

(Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts) Mujahid said; "It was revealed about Bani Muqarrin from the tribe of Muzaynah. '' Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Al-Hasan said that the Messenger of Allah said,

« لَقَدْ خَلَّفْتُمْ بِالْمَدِينَةِ أَقْوَامًا مَا أَنْفَقْتُمْ مِنْ نَفَقَةٍ وَلَا قَطَعْتُمْ وَادِيًا وَلَا نِلْتُمْ مِنْ عَدُوَ نَيْلًا إِلَّا وَقَدْ شَرَكُوكُمْ فِي الْأَجْر »

(Some people have remained behind you in Al-Madinah; and you never spent anything, crossed a valley, or afflicted hardship on an enemy, but they were sharing the reward with you.) He then recited the Ayah,

﴿ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا مَآ أَتَوۡكَ لِتَحۡمِلَهُمۡ قُلۡتَ لَآ أَجِدُ مَآ أَحۡمِلُڪُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ ﴾

(Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, when you said: "I can find no mounts for you.'') This Hadith has a basis in the Two Sahihs from Anas, the Messenger of Allah said,

« إِنَّ بِالْمَدِينَةِ أَقْوَامًا مَا قَطَعْتُمْ وَادِيًا وَلَا سِرْتُمْ سَيْرًا إِلَّا وَهُمْ مَعَكُم »

(Some people have remained behind in Al-Madinah and you never crossed a valley or marched forth, but they were with you.) They said, "While they are still at Al-Madinah'' He said,

« نَعَمْ حَبَسَهُمُ الْعُذْر »

(Yes, as they have been held back by a (legal) excuse.) Then, Allah criticized those who seek permission to remain behind while they are rich, admonishing them for wanting to stay behind with women who remained in their homes,

﴿ وَطَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ ﴾

(and Allah has sealed up their hearts, so that they know not (what they are losing).)

﴿ يَعۡتَذِرُونَ إِلَيۡكُمۡ إِذَا رَجَعۡتُمۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ قُل لَّا تَعۡتَذِرُواْ لَن نُّؤۡمِنَ لَڪُمۡ قَدۡ نَبَّأَنَا ٱللَّهُ مِنۡ أَخۡبَارِڪُمۡ‌ۚ وَسَيَرَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَلَكُمۡ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَـٰلِمِ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ • سَيَحۡلِفُونَ بِٱللَّهِ لَڪُمۡ إِذَا ٱنقَلَبۡتُمۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ لِتُعۡرِضُواْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ فَأَعۡرِضُواْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّہُمۡ رِجۡسٌ۬‌ۖ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُمۡ جَهَنَّمُ جَزَآءَۢ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ • يَحۡلِفُونَ لَڪُمۡ لِتَرۡضَوۡاْ عَنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ فَإِن تَرۡضَوۡاْ عَنۡہُمۡ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَرۡضَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقِينَ ﴾

(94. They (the hypocrites) will present their excuses to you (Muslims), when you return to them. Say "Present no excuses, we shall not believe you. Allah has already informed us of the news concerning you. Allah and His Messenger will observe your deeds. In the end you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He (Allah) will inform you of what you used to do.'') (95. They will swear by Allah to you (Muslims) when you return to them, that you may turn away from them. So turn away from them. Surely, they are Rijs (impure), and Hell is their dwelling place -- a recompense for that which they used to earn.) (96. They (the hypocrites) swear to you (Muslims) that you may be pleased with them, but if you are pleased with them, certainly Allah is not pleased with the people who are Fasiqin (rebellious).)

97

ٱلۡأَعۡرَابُ أَشَدُّ ڪُفۡرً۬ا وَنِفَاقً۬ا وَأَجۡدَرُ أَلَّا يَعۡلَمُواْ حُدُودَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِۦ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ۬

The Bedouins are stronger in disbelief and hypocrisy and more likely not to know the limits of what [laws] Allah has revealed to His Messenger. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.

Tafsir

Exposing the Deceitful Ways of Hypocrites

Allah said that when the believers go back to Al-Madinah, the hypocrites will begin apologizing to them.

﴿ قُل لَّا تَعۡتَذِرُواْ لَن نُّؤۡمِنَ لَڪُمۡ ﴾

(Say "Present no excuses, we shall not believe you.''), we shall not believe what you say,

﴿ قَدۡ نَبَّأَنَا ٱللَّهُ مِنۡ أَخۡبَارِڪُمۡ‌ۚ ﴾

(Allah has already informed us of the news concerning you.) Allah has exposed your news to us,

﴿ وَسَيَرَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَلَكُمۡ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ ﴾

(Allah and His Messenger will observe your deeds.) your actions will be made public to people in this life,

﴿ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَـٰلِمِ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ ﴾

(In the end you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He (Allah) will inform you of what you used to do.) Allah will inform you of your deeds, whether they were good or evil, and will recompense you for them. Allah said that the hypocrites will swear to the believers in apology, so that the believers turn away from them without admonishing them. Therefore, Allah ordered disgracing them by turning away from them, for they are,

﴿ رِجۡسٌ۬‌ۖ ﴾

(Rijs) meaning, impure inwardly and in their creed. Their destination in the end will be Jahannam,

﴿ جَزَآءَۢ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ ﴾

(a recompense for that which they used to earn.) of sins and evil deeds. Allah said that if the believers forgive the hypocrites when they swear to them,

﴿ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَرۡضَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقِينَ ﴾

(certainly Allah is not pleased with the people who are Fasiqin.) who rebel against the obedience of Allah and His Messenger . `Fisq', means, `deviation'.

﴿ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابُ أَشَدُّ ڪُفۡرً۬ا وَنِفَاقً۬ا وَأَجۡدَرُ أَلَّا يَعۡلَمُواْ حُدُودَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِۦ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ۬ • وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ مَغۡرَمً۬ا وَيَتَرَبَّصُ بِكُمُ ٱلدَّوَآٮِٕرَ‌ۚ عَلَيۡهِمۡ دَآٮِٕرَةُ ٱلسَّوۡءِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬ • وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ مَن يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَيَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ قُرُبَـٰتٍ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَصَلَوَٲتِ ٱلرَّسُولِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّہَا قُرۡبَةٌ۬ لَّهُمۡ‌ۚ سَيُدۡخِلُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِى رَحۡمَتِهِۦۤ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(97. The bedouins are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely to not know the limits which Allah has revealed to His Messenger. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.) (98. And of the bedouins there are some who look upon what they spend (in Allah's cause) as a fine and watch for calamities for you, on them be the calamity of evil. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.) (99. And of the bedouins there are some who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and look upon what they spend (in Allah's cause) as means of nearness to Allah, and a cause of receiving the Messenger's invocations. Indeed these (expenditures) are a means of nearness for them. Allah will admit them to His mercy. Certainly Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.)

98

وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ مَغۡرَمً۬ا وَيَتَرَبَّصُ بِكُمُ ٱلدَّوَآٮِٕرَ‌ۚ عَلَيۡهِمۡ دَآٮِٕرَةُ ٱلسَّوۡءِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬

And among the Bedouins are some who consider what they spend as a loss and await for you turns of misfortune. Upon them will be a misfortune of evil. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

Tafsir

Exposing the Deceitful Ways of Hypocrites

Allah said that when the believers go back to Al-Madinah, the hypocrites will begin apologizing to them.

﴿ قُل لَّا تَعۡتَذِرُواْ لَن نُّؤۡمِنَ لَڪُمۡ ﴾

(Say "Present no excuses, we shall not believe you.''), we shall not believe what you say,

﴿ قَدۡ نَبَّأَنَا ٱللَّهُ مِنۡ أَخۡبَارِڪُمۡ‌ۚ ﴾

(Allah has already informed us of the news concerning you.) Allah has exposed your news to us,

﴿ وَسَيَرَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَلَكُمۡ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ ﴾

(Allah and His Messenger will observe your deeds.) your actions will be made public to people in this life,

﴿ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَـٰلِمِ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ ﴾

(In the end you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He (Allah) will inform you of what you used to do.) Allah will inform you of your deeds, whether they were good or evil, and will recompense you for them. Allah said that the hypocrites will swear to the believers in apology, so that the believers turn away from them without admonishing them. Therefore, Allah ordered disgracing them by turning away from them, for they are,

﴿ رِجۡسٌ۬‌ۖ ﴾

(Rijs) meaning, impure inwardly and in their creed. Their destination in the end will be Jahannam,

﴿ جَزَآءَۢ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ ﴾

(a recompense for that which they used to earn.) of sins and evil deeds. Allah said that if the believers forgive the hypocrites when they swear to them,

﴿ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَرۡضَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقِينَ ﴾

(certainly Allah is not pleased with the people who are Fasiqin.) who rebel against the obedience of Allah and His Messenger . `Fisq', means, `deviation'.

﴿ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابُ أَشَدُّ ڪُفۡرً۬ا وَنِفَاقً۬ا وَأَجۡدَرُ أَلَّا يَعۡلَمُواْ حُدُودَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِۦ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ۬ • وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ مَغۡرَمً۬ا وَيَتَرَبَّصُ بِكُمُ ٱلدَّوَآٮِٕرَ‌ۚ عَلَيۡهِمۡ دَآٮِٕرَةُ ٱلسَّوۡءِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬ • وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ مَن يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَيَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ قُرُبَـٰتٍ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَصَلَوَٲتِ ٱلرَّسُولِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّہَا قُرۡبَةٌ۬ لَّهُمۡ‌ۚ سَيُدۡخِلُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِى رَحۡمَتِهِۦۤ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(97. The bedouins are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely to not know the limits which Allah has revealed to His Messenger. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.) (98. And of the bedouins there are some who look upon what they spend (in Allah's cause) as a fine and watch for calamities for you, on them be the calamity of evil. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.) (99. And of the bedouins there are some who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and look upon what they spend (in Allah's cause) as means of nearness to Allah, and a cause of receiving the Messenger's invocations. Indeed these (expenditures) are a means of nearness for them. Allah will admit them to His mercy. Certainly Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.)

99

وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ مَن يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَيَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ قُرُبَـٰتٍ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَصَلَوَٲتِ ٱلرَّسُولِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّہَا قُرۡبَةٌ۬ لَّهُمۡ‌ۚ سَيُدۡخِلُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِى رَحۡمَتِهِۦۤ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

But among the Bedouins are some who believe in Allah and the Last Day and consider what they spend as means of nearness to Allah and of [obtaining] invocations of the Messenger. Unquestionably, it is a means of nearness for them. Allah will admit them to His mercy. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Tafsir

Exposing the Deceitful Ways of Hypocrites

Allah said that when the believers go back to Al-Madinah, the hypocrites will begin apologizing to them.

﴿ قُل لَّا تَعۡتَذِرُواْ لَن نُّؤۡمِنَ لَڪُمۡ ﴾

(Say "Present no excuses, we shall not believe you.''), we shall not believe what you say,

﴿ قَدۡ نَبَّأَنَا ٱللَّهُ مِنۡ أَخۡبَارِڪُمۡ‌ۚ ﴾

(Allah has already informed us of the news concerning you.) Allah has exposed your news to us,

﴿ وَسَيَرَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَلَكُمۡ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ ﴾

(Allah and His Messenger will observe your deeds.) your actions will be made public to people in this life,

﴿ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَـٰلِمِ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ ﴾

(In the end you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He (Allah) will inform you of what you used to do.) Allah will inform you of your deeds, whether they were good or evil, and will recompense you for them. Allah said that the hypocrites will swear to the believers in apology, so that the believers turn away from them without admonishing them. Therefore, Allah ordered disgracing them by turning away from them, for they are,

﴿ رِجۡسٌ۬‌ۖ ﴾

(Rijs) meaning, impure inwardly and in their creed. Their destination in the end will be Jahannam,

﴿ جَزَآءَۢ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ ﴾

(a recompense for that which they used to earn.) of sins and evil deeds. Allah said that if the believers forgive the hypocrites when they swear to them,

﴿ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَرۡضَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقِينَ ﴾

(certainly Allah is not pleased with the people who are Fasiqin.) who rebel against the obedience of Allah and His Messenger . `Fisq', means, `deviation'.

﴿ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابُ أَشَدُّ ڪُفۡرً۬ا وَنِفَاقً۬ا وَأَجۡدَرُ أَلَّا يَعۡلَمُواْ حُدُودَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِۦ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ۬ • وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ مَغۡرَمً۬ا وَيَتَرَبَّصُ بِكُمُ ٱلدَّوَآٮِٕرَ‌ۚ عَلَيۡهِمۡ دَآٮِٕرَةُ ٱلسَّوۡءِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬ • وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ مَن يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَيَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ قُرُبَـٰتٍ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَصَلَوَٲتِ ٱلرَّسُولِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّہَا قُرۡبَةٌ۬ لَّهُمۡ‌ۚ سَيُدۡخِلُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِى رَحۡمَتِهِۦۤ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(97. The bedouins are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely to not know the limits which Allah has revealed to His Messenger. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.) (98. And of the bedouins there are some who look upon what they spend (in Allah's cause) as a fine and watch for calamities for you, on them be the calamity of evil. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.) (99. And of the bedouins there are some who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and look upon what they spend (in Allah's cause) as means of nearness to Allah, and a cause of receiving the Messenger's invocations. Indeed these (expenditures) are a means of nearness for them. Allah will admit them to His mercy. Certainly Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.)

100

وَٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ وَٱلۡأَنصَارِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬ رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى تَحۡتَهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدً۬ا‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ٱلۡفَوۡزُ ٱلۡعَظِيمُ

And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhajireen and the Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct – Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him, and He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment.

Tafsir

The Bedouins are the Worst in Disbelief and Hypocrisy

Allah states that there are disbelievers, hypocrites and believers among the bedouins. He also states that the disbelief and hypocrisy of the bedouins is worse and deeper than the disbelief and hypocrisy of others. They are the most likely of being ignorant of the commandments that Allah has revealed to His Messenger . Al-A`mash narrated that Ibrahim said, "A bedouin man sat next to Zayd bin Sawhan while he was speaking to his friends. Zayd had lost his hand during the battle of Nahawand. The bedouin man said, `By Allah! I like your speech. However, your hand causes me suspicion.' Zayd said, `Why are you suspicious because of my hand, it is the left hand (that is cut)' The bedouin man said, `By Allah! I do not know which hand they cut off (for committing theft), is it the right or the left' Zayd bin Sawhan said, `Allah has said the truth,

﴿ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابُ أَشَدُّ ڪُفۡرً۬ا وَنِفَاقً۬ا وَأَجۡدَرُ أَلَّا يَعۡلَمُواْ حُدُودَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِۦ‌ۗ ﴾

(The bedouins are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely to not know the limits which Allah has revealed to His Messenger.)'' Imam Ahmad narrated that Ibn `Abbas said that the Messenger of Allah said,

« مَنْ سَكَنَ الْبَادِيَةَ جَفَا، وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَ الصَّيْدَ غَفَلَ، وَمَنْ أَتَى السُّلْطَانَ افْتُتِن »

(He who lives in the desert becomes hard-hearted, he who follows the game becomes heedless, and he who associates with the rulers falls into Fitnah.) Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i collected this Hadith. At-Tirmidhi said, "Hasan Gharib.'' The Prophet once had to give a bedouin man many gifts because of what he gave him as a gift, until the bedouin became satisfied. The Prophet said,

« لَقَدْ هَمَمْتُ أَنْ لَا أَقْبَلَ هَدِيَّةً إِلَّا مِنْ قُرَشِيَ أَوْ ثَقَفِيَ أَوْ أَنْصَارِيَ أَوْ دَوْسِي »

(I almost decided not to accept a gift except from someone from Quraysh, Thaqafi, the Ansar or Daws.) This is because these people lived in cities, Makkah, At- Ta'if, Al-Madinah and Yemen, and therefore, their conduct and manners are nicer than that of the hard-hearted bedouins. Allah said next,

﴿ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.) Allah knows those who deserve to be taught faith and knowledge, He wisely distributes knowledge or ignorance, faith or disbelief and hypocrisy between His servants. He is never questioned as to what He does, for He is the All-Knower, All-Wise. Allah also said that among bedouins are those,

﴿ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ ﴾

(who look upon what they spend), in the cause of Allah,

﴿ مَغۡرَمً۬ا ﴾

(as a fine), as a loss and a burden,

﴿ وَيَتَرَبَّصُ بِكُمُ ٱلدَّوَآٮِٕرَ‌ۚ ﴾

(and watch for calamities for you), awaiting afflictions and disasters to strike you,

﴿ عَلَيۡهِمۡ دَآٮِٕرَةُ ٱلسَّوۡءِ‌ۗ ﴾

(on them be the calamity of evil), evil will touch them instead,

﴿ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.) Allah hears the invocation of His servants and knows who deserves victory, who deserve failure. Allah's said;

﴿ وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ مَن يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَيَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ قُرُبَـٰتٍ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَصَلَوَٲتِ ٱلرَّسُولِ‌ۚ ﴾

(And of the bedouins there are some who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and look upon what they spend (in Allah's cause) as means of nearness to Allah, and a cause of receiving the Messenger's invocations.) This is the type of praiseworthy bedouins. They give charity in Allah's cause as way of achieving nearness to Allah and seeking the Messenger's invocation for their benefit,

﴿ أَلَآ إِنَّہَا قُرۡبَةٌ۬ لَّهُمۡ‌ۚ ﴾

(Indeed these are a means of nearness for them.) they will attain what they sought,

﴿ سَيُدۡخِلُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِى رَحۡمَتِهِۦۤ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ ﴾

(Allah will admit them to His mercy. Certainly Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.)

﴿ وَٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ وَٱلۡأَنصَارِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬ رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى تَحۡتَهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَآ أَبَدً۬ا‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ٱلۡفَوۡزُ ٱلۡعَظِيمُ ﴾

(100. And the foremost to embrace Islam of the Muhajirin and the Ansar and also those who followed them exactly (in faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.)