Sura al-Tawba

9:1. (This is) a (declaration of) acquittal from Allah and His Messenger (addressed) to those (Meccan) polytheists with whom you had made a treaty (of peace and they breached it).

براءة من الله ورسوله إلى الذين عاهدتم من المشركين

9:2. (O breachers of the peace!) You may (still) travel freely in the land for four months (as a truce period) and know that you cannot escape Allah (by frustrating Him). And Allah will disgrace the disbelievers (who persecuted the peaceful civilians).

فسيحوا في الأرض أربعة أشهر واعلموا أنكم غير معجزي الله وأن الله مخزي الكافرين

9:3. (This is) a proclamation from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the Day of the Great Pilgrimage that Allah and His Messenger are absolved from all obligations to the (peace breaching) polytheists.* So, if you repent, it would be better for you. But if you turn away, know that you cannot escape Allah. And warn the (persecuting) disbelievers of a painful punishment.

* This proclamation was made as a response to the massacre of the peaceful people of Banu Khuza‘a, who, according to the Treaty of Hudaybiya, were allies of the state of Medina. The Quraysh supported the people of Banu Bakr with arms and men in launching a murderous attack on Banu Khuza‘a. As a result of this act, many innocent people were killed, while others were persecuted, tortured and detained. This act of breaching the Treaty of Hudaybiya absolved the state of Medina from all obligations. Hence, verses 1–16 were revealed in this historical context, referring to a specific event, and do not apply to non-Muslims in general.

وأذان من الله ورسوله إلى الناس يوم الحج الأكبر أن الله بريء من المشركين ورسوله فإن تبتم فهو خير لكم وإن توليتم فاعلموا أنكم غير معجزي الله وبشر الذين كفروا بعذاب أليم

9:4. Except for those polytheists with whom you made a treaty and who did not breach any of its terms with you, nor did they support anyone against you. So, fulfil the treaty with them until the end of their term. Indeed, Allah loves the God-conscious.

إلا الذين عاهدتم من المشركين ثم لم ينقصوكم شيئا ولم يظاهروا عليكم أحدا فأتموا إليهم عهدهم إلى مدتهم إن الله يحب المتقين

9:5. So when the forbidden months are over, kill the (combatant) idolaters (those who have initiated a war against you) wherever you find them (on the battlefield), or capture them and imprison them, or lie in wait for them at every place of ambush (to besiege them). But, if they repent (after being taken as prisoners of war), and they perform the prayer and give the alms due, then leave their way open (by releasing them). Indeed, Allah is Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

فإذا انسلخ الأشهر الحرم فاقتلوا المشركين حيث وجدتموهم وخذوهم واحصروهم واقعدوا لهم كل مرصد فإن تابوا وأقاموا الصلاة وآتوا الزكاة فخلوا سبيلهم إن الله غفور رحيم

9:6. And if any of the polytheists seeks asylum from you, grant him asylum so that he may hear the Word of Allah. Then, convey him to his place of security. That is because they are a people who do not know (the truth).

وإن أحد من المشركين استجارك فأجره حتى يسمع كلام الله ثم أبلغه مأمنه ذلك بأنهم قوم لا يعلمون

9:7. How can the (treacherous) idolaters have any (valid) treaty with Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him)? But as for those with whom you made a treaty near the Sacred Mosque (at al-Hudaybiya), so long as they remain steadfast with you (in fulfilment of their promise), remain steadfast with them. Indeed, Allah loves the God-conscious.

كيف يكون للمشركين عهد عند الله وعند رسوله إلا الذين عاهدتم عند المسجد الحرام فما استقاموا لكم فاستقيموا لهم إن الله يحب المتقين

9:8. How (can they have a treaty)? If they prevail over you, they will not observe, in your case, any ties of relationship (or principle of diplomacy) or treaty. They please you with their mouths (by flattering words) while their hearts contain the opposite. And most of them are disobedient.

كيف وإن يظهروا عليكم لا يرقبوا فيكم إلا ولا ذمة يرضونكم بأفواههم وتأبى قلوبهم وأكثرهم فاسقون

9:9. They have sold the revelations of Allah for a paltry price and have turned from His way. Indeed, evil is what they have been doing.

اشتروا بآيات الله ثمنا قليلا فصدوا عن سبيله إنهم ساء ما كانوا يعملون

9:10. In the case of a believer, they observe neither any bond of relationship nor any (term of) treaty. It is they who are the transgressors.

لا يرقبون في مؤمن إلا ولا ذمة وأولـئك هم المعتدون

9:11. But if they repent, establish the prayer and give the alms due, then they are your brethren in faith.* We make the messages clear for people who understand.

* In this case, the Muslims do not need a separate treaty to establish peaceful relations with them. Their embracing Islam will serve as a peace treaty unless they do not betray their commitments.

فإن تابوا وأقاموا الصلاة وآتوا الزكاة فإخوانكم في الدين ونفصل الآيات لقوم يعلمون

9:12. If they break their pledges after having made their treaty and openly revile your religion (causing a potential threat to state security), then fight the leaders of militancy (to pre-empt their aggression and invasion). Indeed, they have no (commitment to their) pledges. (This pre-emptive action is needed) so that they might stop (their offensive designs).

وإن نكثوا أيمانهم من بعد عهدهم وطعنوا في دينكم فقاتلوا أئمة الكفر إنهم لا أيمان لهم لعلهم ينتهون

9:13. Will you not fight the (treacherous) people who broke their pledges (violating the peace treaty), conspired to expel the Messenger ([blessings and peace be upon him] from Mecca) and initiated (hostilities) against you first? Do you fear them? But Allah is most deserving that you should fear Him if you are (true) believers.

ألا تقاتلون قوما نكثوا أيمانهم وهموا بإخراج الرسول وهم بدؤوكم أول مرة أتخشونهم فالله أحق أن تخشوه إن كنتم مؤمنين

9:14. Fight those (who breached the Peace Treaty of Hudaybiya and initiated war against you). Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them. And He will grant you victory over them and heal the breasts of the believing people (who were tortured by the Meccan leaders of militancy),

قاتلوهم يعذبهم الله بأيديكم ويخزهم وينصركم عليهم ويشف صدور قوم مؤمنين

9:15. and He will remove rage from their hearts. Allah turns mercifully to whomever He pleases, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

ويذهب غيظ قلوبهم ويتوب الله على من يشاء والله عليم حكيم

9:16. Do you suppose that you will be left untested, while Allah has not (yet) made known which of you have struggled hard and not taken besides Allah, His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and the believers someone as (their) intimate confidant? And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

أم حسبتم أن تتركوا ولما يعلم الله الذين جاهدوا منكم ولم يتخذوا من دون الله ولا رسوله ولا المؤمنين وليجة والله خبير بما تعملون

9:17. It is not for the polytheists to maintain the mosques of Allah while they testify to their disbelief against themselves. The deeds of such people have become void, and they shall abide in the Fire forever.

ما كان للمشركين أن يعمروا مساجد الله شاهدين على أنفسهم بالكفر أولئك حبطت أعمالهم وفي النار هم خالدون

9:18. Only they should maintain Allah’s mosques who believe in Allah and the Last Day, who establish the prayer, give the alms due and fear none but Allah. Hopefully, such people will be among the rightly guided.

إنما يعمر مساجد الله من آمن بالله واليوم الآخر وأقام الصلاة وآتى الزكاة ولم يخش إلا الله فعسى أولـئك أن يكونوا من المهتدين

9:19. Do you consider providing water to the Hajj pilgrims and maintaining the Sacred Mosque to be like (the deeds of) someone who believes in Allah and the Last Day and struggles hard in the way of Allah? They are not equal in Allah’s sight, and Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

أجعلتم سقاية الحاج وعمارة المسجد الحرام كمن آمن بالله واليوم الآخر وجاهد في سبيل الله لا يستوون عند الله والله لا يهدي القوم الظالمين

9:20. Those who believe and migrate (from their homelands) and struggle hard in the way of Allah with their possessions and their lives are much higher in rank in Allah’s sight. And they are the ones who are successful.

الذين آمنوا وهاجروا وجاهدوا في سبيل الله بأموالهم وأنفسهم أعظم درجة عند الله وأولئك هم الفائزون

9:21. Their Lord gives them the glad tidings of Mercy from Himself and (His) good pleasure and Gardens, wherein they shall have eternal blessings.

يبشرهم ربهم برحمة منه ورضوان وجنات لهم فيها نعيم مقيم

9:22. They will reside in them forever. Indeed, with Allah is the mighty reward.

خالدين فيها أبدا إن الله عنده أجر عظيم

9:23. O believers! Do not take your fathers and brothers as trusted allies (against the Muslims) if they choose disbelief over faith. And those of you who take them as trusted allies are the ones who are the wrongdoers.

يا أيها الذين آمنوا لا تتخذوا آباءكم وإخوانكم أولياء إن استحبوا الكفر على الإيمان ومن يتولهم منكم فأولـئك هم الظالمون

9:24. (Esteemed Prophet!) Say: ‘If your fathers, your children, your brothers, your spouses, your tribe, the possessions which you have acquired, the business whose decline you may fear and the dwellings which you find pleasing are more beloved to you than Allah, His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and striving in His way, then wait until Allah issues His command (of torment). And Allah does not guide the disobedient people.’

قل إن كان آباؤكم وأبنآؤكم وإخوانكم وأزواجكم وعشيرتكم وأموال اقترفتموها وتجارة تخشون كسادها ومساكن ترضونها أحب إليكم من الله ورسوله وجهاد في سبيله فتربصوا حتى يأتي الله بأمره والله لا يهدي القوم الفاسقين

9:25. Allah had helped you (believers) in many situations (and especially) on the day of Hunayn when you took pride in your large number, but it did not benefit you in any way. The earth became narrow upon you despite its expanse; then you turned back to flee.

لقد نصركم الله في مواطن كثيرة ويوم حنين إذ أعجبتكم كثرتكم فلم تغن عنكم شيئا وضاقت عليكم الأرض بما رحبت ثم وليتم مدبرين

9:26. Then Allah sent down His tranquillity upon His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and upon the believers and sent down armies (of angels) you could not see. And He punished the (combatant) disbelievers. That is the recompense of the disbelievers.

ثم أنزل الله سكينته على رسوله وعلى المؤمنين وأنزل جنودا لم تروها وعذب الذين كفروا وذلك جزاء الكافرين

9:27. But after (all of this), Allah turns mercifully to whomever He pleases. Indeed, Allah is Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

ثم يتوب الله من بعد ذلك على من يشاء والله غفور رحيم

9:28. O believers! The polytheists are indeed unclean. So let them not come near the Sacred Mosque after this year.* If you fear poverty (due to loss of trade), Allah will soon enrich you out of His Grace if He wishes. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

* It was from the year 9 AH onwards.

يا أيها الذين آمنوا إنما المشركون نجس فلا يقربوا المسجد الحرام بعد عامهم هـذا وإن خفتم عيلة فسوف يغنيكم الله من فضله إن شاء إن الله عليم حكيم

9:29. Fight (the treacherous people) among those given the book who do not believe in Allah, nor the Last Day, nor do they forbid what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, nor do they practise the true religion (instead, they have breached the Treaty of Medina by committing an act of treason against the state), until they pay the indemnity tax (al-Jizya) with a willing hand*, and they submit to the command of the state.**

* Jizya legally refers to an indemnity tax received from non-Muslim combatants who surrendered to the Muslim State through a treaty, demanding their security, indemnity from military services and exemption from prescribed alms, payable to the state. These non-Muslims were not citizens of the state; instead, they were security seekers after surrendering from the battlefield. They used to contribute tax to military defence for their exemption from army services, whereas, in contrast, Muslim citizens would offer their personal services for the protection of the state whenever invaded by their enemies. The Jizya tax would also exempt those non-Muslims from Zakat and Kharaj taxes (trade and agricultural taxes), which were obligatory for Muslims. This particular category of non-Muslims, being non-citizens, were known as ‘Treaty People’ (Ahl al-Dhimma) or ‘Covenant Holders’. The Islamic State would provide them with all rights of security, equality and freedom against the tax, known as Jizya, which means reward or compensation. Women, children, the elderly, the clergy, the poor, the sick and those unable to work were exempt from this tax. Those who opted to join the army were also exempt. Instead, the poor among them were supported financially by the state. The Muslim rulers would refund the Jizya, if they failed to protect their lives or possessions. This kind of taxation system has existed since ancient times; the Old Testament and the New Testament in the Bible provide several references regarding this practice. Islam did not introduce it; instead, Islam introduced many humanitarian reforms in this old existing tradition among the nations. This term does not entail disgrace, inequality or humiliation of non-Muslims, nor does it uniformly apply to any non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state. ** This verse refers to a retributive or punitive action taken against certain tribes, such as Qurayza and al-Nadir, who, in violation of the terms of alliance and the constitution, had supported the Meccan armies during their invasions of Medina, particularly in the battle of the confederates (al-Ahzab) by mobilizing them and providing them arms, ammunition and strategic information. Such punitive action against any party who breached the peace treaty and acted treacherously was repeatedly demanded in various articles of the constitution of Medina, jointly signed by the Jews and the Muslims years before.

قاتلوا الذين لا يؤمنون بالله ولا باليوم الآخر ولا يحرمون ما حرم الله ورسوله ولا يدينون دين الحق من الذين أوتوا الكتاب حتى يعطوا الجزية عن يد وهم صاغرون

9:30. And the Jews say: ‘‘Uzayr (Ezra) is the son of Allah,’ and the Christians say: ‘The Messiah is the son of Allah.’ That is the utterance of their mouths. They resemble the words of those who disbelieved before. May Allah destroy them! How deluded they are!

وقالت اليهود عزير ابن الله وقالت النصارى المسيح ابن الله ذلك قولهم بأفواههم يضاهؤون قول الذين كفروا من قبل قاتلهم الله أنى يؤفكون

9:31. They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords besides Allah and also the Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), though they were commanded to worship only One God. There is no god except Him. His Glory is far above any partners they ascribe (to Him).

اتخذوا أحبارهم ورهبانهم أربابا من دون الله والمسيح ابن مريم وما أمروا إلا ليعبدوا إلـها واحدا لا إلـه إلا هو سبحانه عما يشركون

9:32. They wish to extinguish the Light of Allah with their mouths, and Allah refuses but to bring His Light to its fullness, though the disbelievers dislike it.

يريدون أن يطفؤوا نور الله بأفواههم ويأبى الله إلا أن يتم نوره ولو كره الكافرون

9:33. He is the One Who has sent His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) with guidance and the religion of truth so that He may elevate it over all religions, though the polytheists dislike it.

هو الذي أرسل رسوله بالهدى ودين الحق ليظهره على الدين كله ولو كره المشركون

9:34. O believers! Indeed, many of the rabbis and monks falsely consume the wealth of people and bar (them) from the way of Allah. As for those who treasure up gold and silver and do not spend it for the cause of Allah, inform them of a painful punishment.

يا أيها الذين آمنوا إن كثيرا من الأحبار والرهبان ليأكلون أموال الناس بالباطل ويصدون عن سبيل الله والذين يكنزون الذهب والفضة ولا ينفقونها في سبيل الله فبشرهم بعذاب أليم

9:35. The day when it (i.e. their treasure) shall be heated in the Fire of Hell, their foreheads, their sides, and their backs shall be branded with it: ‘This is what you treasured up for yourselves. Now taste what you have been treasuring.’

يوم يحمى عليها في نار جهنم فتكوى بها جباههم وجنوبهم وظهورهم هـذا ما كنزتم لأنفسكم فذوقوا ما كنتم تكنزون

9:36. Indeed, the number of months, according to Allah’s decree, is twelve months. It is (laid down) in Allah’s Book since the day He created the heavens and the earth. Out of them, four (Dhu al-Qa‘da, Dhu al-Hijja, Muharram and Rajab) are sacred. That is the upright calculation. So do not wrong yourself during these months (by getting involved in warfare). And fight all the (combatant) polytheists (in case they attack you) as they fight you all together. And know that Allah is with the God-conscious.

إن عدة الشهور عند الله اثنا عشر شهرا في كتاب الله يوم خلق السماوات والأرض منها أربعة حرم ذلك الدين القيم فلا تظلموا فيهن أنفسكم وقاتلوا المشركين كآفة كما يقاتلونكم كآفة واعلموا أن الله مع المتقين

9:37. Indeed, postponing (the sacred months to continue fighting) is an increase in disbelief, by which the disbelievers are (further) led astray. They make it lawful one year, and forbid it another year, to reconcile (outwardly) with the number Allah has made inviolable. But in doing so, they permit what Allah has forbidden. Their evil deeds have been made fair-seeming to them. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.

إنما النسيء زيادة في الكفر يضل به الذين كفروا يحلونه عاما ويحرمونه عاما ليواطؤوا عدة ما حرم الله فيحلوا ما حرم الله زين لهم سوء أعمالهم والله لا يهدي القوم الكافرين

9:38. O believers! What excuse do you have when it is said to you, ‘Go forth in the way of Allah’, and you sink heavily to the ground? Are you so pleased with the life of this world instead of the Hereafter? Yet the provision of the life of this world, compared with the Hereafter, is insignificant.

يا أيها الذين آمنوا ما لكم إذا قيل لكم انفروا في سبيل الله اثاقلتم إلى الأرض أرضيتم بالحياة الدنيا من الآخرة فما متاع الحياة الدنيا في الآخرة إلا قليل

9:39. If you do not move forth, He will punish you with a painful torment and replace you with other people, and you will not harm Him in the least. And Allah is All-Capable of everything.

إلا تنفروا يعذبكم عذابا أليما ويستبدل قوما غيركم ولا تضروه شيئا والله على كل شيء قدير

9:40. (O people!) If you do not help him (i.e. the Esteemed Prophet), Allah has already helped him when the disbelievers drove him out (of Mecca, and he was) the second of the two (emigrants). When the two of them (i.e. the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr) were in the cave (of Mount Thawr), he (the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said to his companion (Abu Bakr): ‘Do not worry, surely Allah is with us.’ Then Allah sent down His tranquillity upon him and strengthened him with armies (of angels), which you could not see, and He made the word of the disbelievers the lowest. And the word of Allah is the highest, and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

إلا تنصروه فقد نصره الله إذ أخرجه الذين كفروا ثاني اثنين إذ هما في الغار إذ يقول لصاحبه لا تحزن إن الله معنا فأنزل الله سكينته عليه وأيده بجنود لم تروها وجعل كلمة الذين كفروا السفلى وكلمة الله هي العليا والله عزيز حكيم

9:41. Go forth, lightly or heavily, and strive with your possessions and your persons for the cause of Allah. That is better for you if you know.

انفروا خفافا وثقالا وجاهدوا بأموالكم وأنفسكم في سبيل الله ذلكم خير لكم إن كنتم تعلمون

9:42. Were it an accessible gain or a short journey, they would certainly have followed you, but the distance seemed too far for them. Yet they will swear by Allah: ‘If we had been able to, we would surely have gone forth with you.’ They are (just) ruining themselves. Allah knows that they are indeed liars.

لو كان عرضا قريبا وسفرا قاصدا لاتبعوك ولـكن بعدت عليهم الشقة وسيحلفون بالله لو استطعنا لخرجنا معكم يهلكون أنفسهم والله يعلم إنهم لكاذبون

9:43. May Allah excuse you (O Esteemed Prophet)! Why did you grant them leave (to stay behind from the expedition to Tabuk) before it became clear to you who spoke the truth, and you had (also) ascertained the liars?

عفا الله عنك لم أذنت لهم حتى يتبين لك الذين صدقوا وتعلم الكاذبين

9:44. Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day will not ask you for exemption from striving with their possessions and their persons. And Allah is All-Knowing of the God-conscious.

لا يستأذنك الذين يؤمنون بالله واليوم الآخر أن يجاهدوا بأموالهم وأنفسهم والله عليم بالمتقين

9:45. Only those ask you (for exemption) who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day and whose hearts are in doubt. So they keep wavering in their doubt.

إنما يستأذنك الذين لا يؤمنون بالله واليوم الآخر وارتابت قلوبهم فهم في ريبهم يترددون

9:46. And if they (i.e. the hypocrites) had (really) desired to go forth, they would have surely made some preparations for it. But Allah did not like their going forth (for the expedition). So, He held them back, and it was said (to them): ‘Stay back with those who stay back (i.e. women, children and the infirm).’

ولو أرادوا الخروج لأعدوا له عدة ولـكن كره الله انبعاثهم فثبطهم وقيل اقعدوا مع القاعدين

9:47. Had they gone forth with you (O believers), they would have only added to your trouble. And they would have surely spread rumours in your midst, seeking to cause friction and confusion between you. And among you are some who listen for them (to spy on you). And Allah is All-Knowing of the wrongdoers.

لو خرجوا فيكم ما زادوكم إلا خبالا ولأوضعوا خلالكم يبغونكم الفتنة وفيكم سماعون لهم والله عليم بالظالمين

9:48. (O Esteemed Prophet!) Indeed, they (the hypocrites) had sought to cause turbulence earlier and turn things upside down for you until the truth came, and the command of Allah prevailed (manifestly), though they disliked (it).

لقد ابتغوا الفتنة من قبل وقلبوا لك الأمور حتى جاء الحق وظهر أمر الله وهم كارهون

9:49. Among them, there are some who say: ‘Grant me leave (to stay at home) and do not put me to trial.’ They have already fallen into trial. And indeed, Hell surrounds the disbelievers.

ومنهم من يقول ائذن لي ولا تفتني ألا في الفتنة سقطوا وإن جهنم لمحيطة بالكافرين

9:50. If good fortune comes to you, it troubles them, but if calamity befalls you, they say: ‘Indeed, we had taken our precautions beforehand.’ And they turn away, rejoicing.

إن تصبك حسنة تسؤهم وإن تصبك مصيبة يقولوا قد أخذنا أمرنا من قبل ويتولوا وهم فرحون

9:51. Say: ‘Nothing will ever befall us except what Allah has decreed for us. He is our Master, and let the believers put their trust in Allah.’

قل لن يصيبنا إلا ما كتب الله لنا هو مولانا وعلى الله فليتوكل المؤمنون

9:52. Say (to the hypocrites): ‘Do you anticipate for us except one of the two most wonderful things (i.e. victory or martyrdom)? But we anticipate for you that Allah shall afflict you with a punishment from Himself or through our hands. So wait! We (too) are waiting along with you.’

قل هل تربصون بنا إلا إحدى الحسنيين ونحن نتربص بكم أن يصيبكم الله بعذاب من عنده أو بأيدينا فتربصوا إنا معكم متربصون

9:53. Say: ‘Spend willingly or unwillingly; it shall never be accepted from you, for you have indeed been transgressing people.’

قل أنفقوا طوعا أو كرها لن يتقبل منكم إنكم كنتم قوما فاسقين

9:54. Nothing prevents their charities from being accepted, except that they disbelieve in Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him), and do not perform prayer but lazily (and unwillingly). And they do not spend (in charity) but reluctantly.

وما منعهم أن تقبل منهم نفقاتهم إلا أنهم كفروا بالله وبرسوله ولا يأتون الصلاة إلا وهم كسالى ولا ينفقون إلا وهم كارهون

9:55. So let not their wealth nor their children impress you. Allah only wants to punish them through these things in this worldly life, and their souls will depart while they are disbelievers.

فلا تعجبك أموالهم ولا أولادهم إنما يريد الله ليعذبهم بها في الحياة الدنيا وتزهق أنفسهم وهم كافرون

9:56. (O believers!) They swear by Allah that they are part of you, but they are not part of you. Instead, they are cowardly people.

ويحلفون بالله إنهم لمنكم وما هم منكم ولـكنهم قوم يفرقون

9:57. If they could find a refuge, or a cave, or a hole to enter (into the earth), they would turn towards it with great haste.

لو يجدون ملجأ أو مغارات أو مدخلا لولوا إليه وهم يجمحون

9:58. Some of them blame you regarding (the distribution of) charitable offerings. If they are given some of it, they are pleased, but if they are not given some of it, they are enraged.

ومنهم من يلمزك في الصدقات فإن أعطوا منها رضوا وإن لم يعطوا منها إذا هم يسخطون

9:59. (It would have been better) if they had been pleased with what Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) gave them, and had said: ‘Allah is sufficient for us; Allah will give us out of His grace, and so will His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him). Indeed, to Allah we turn in hope.’

ولو أنهم رضوا ما آتاهم الله ورسوله وقالوا حسبنا الله سيؤتينا الله من فضله ورسوله إنا إلى الله راغبون

9:60. The prescribed charities (i.e. zakat) are only for the poor, the needy, the officials employed to collect them, and those whose hearts are (to be) reconciled, and for (the freedom of) the captives, and for the debtors, and (those) in the way of Allah and for the travellers. (This is) an obligation from Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

إنما الصدقات للفقراء والمساكين والعاملين عليها والمؤلفة قلوبهم وفي الرقاب والغارمين وفي سبيل الله وابن السبيل فريضة من الله والله عليم حكيم

9:61. Among them are those who hurt the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and say: ‘He is an ear (i.e. believes everything he hears).’ Say: ‘(He is) an ear that is good for you; he believes in Allah, trusts the believers and is a mercy for those who believe among you. As for those who hurt the Messenger of Allah, they shall have a painful punishment.’

ومنهم الذين يؤذون النبي ويقولون هو أذن قل أذن خير لكم يؤمن بالله ويؤمن للمؤمنين ورحمة للذين آمنوا منكم والذين يؤذون رسول الله لهم عذاب أليم

9:62. They (the hypocrites) swear to you by Allah that they might please you. But Allah, as well as His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him), has a greater right that they should please Him if they are (true) believers.

يحلفون بالله لكم ليرضوكم والله ورسوله أحق أن يرضوه إن كانوا مؤمنين

9:63. Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him), surely for him shall be the Fire of Hell, to remain there forever? That is the ultimate disgrace.

ألم يعلموا أنه من يحادد الله ورسوله فأن له نار جهنم خالدا فيها ذلك الخزي العظيم

9:64. The hypocrites fear that a (Qur’anic) Chapter will be revealed against them, informing them about what is in their hearts. Say: ‘Keep mocking. Allah will indeed disclose what you are fearing.’

يحذر المنافقون أن تنزل عليهم سورة تنبئهم بما في قلوبهم قل استهزؤوا إن الله مخرج ما تحذرون

9:65. If you ask them, they will certainly say: ‘We were just chatting and joking around.’ Say: ‘Were you mocking Allah, His revelations and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him)?

ولئن سألتهم ليقولن إنما كنا نخوض ونلعب قل أبالله وآياته ورسوله كنتم تستهزؤون

9:66. Do not make excuses. You have disbelieved after you had believed.’ If We pardon a group of you, We shall punish another group for they have been guilty.

لا تعتذروا قد كفرتم بعد إيمانكم إن نعف عن طآئفة منكم نعذب طآئفة بأنهم كانوا مجرمين

9:67. The hypocrites, both men and women, are all the same: they enjoin evil, forbid good and keep their hands shut (i.e. they remain reluctant to spend in the way of Allah). They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them. The hypocrites are indeed the disobedient ones.

المنافقون والمنافقات بعضهم من بعض يأمرون بالمنكر وينهون عن المعروف ويقبضون أيديهم نسوا الله فنسيهم إن المنافقين هم الفاسقون

9:68. Allah has promised the hypocrites, both men and women, and the disbelievers, the Fire of Hell, to remain in it forever. It is enough for them; Allah has cursed them, and there shall be a lasting punishment for them.

وعد الله المنافقين والمنافقات والكفار نار جهنم خالدين فيها هي حسبهم ولعنهم الله ولهم عذاب مقيم

9:69. (O hypocrites! You are) like those (disbelievers) before you. They were stronger than you in might and more abundant in wealth and children. So they enjoyed their share (of worldly pleasures). You, too, have enjoyed your share, just like those (disbelievers) before you enjoyed their share. And you have indulged (impiously) in idle talk as they indulged. They are the ones whose deeds have become void in this world and the Hereafter. And it is they who are the losers.

كالذين من قبلكم كانوا أشد منكم قوة وأكثر أموالا وأولادا فاستمتعوا بخلاقهم فاستمتعتم بخلاقكم كما استمتع الذين من قبلكم بخلاقهم وخضتم كالذي خاضوا أولـئك حبطت أعمالهم في الدنيا والآخرة وأولئك هم الخاسرون

9:70. Has the news of those before them not come to them—the people of Nuh (Noah), ‘Ad and Thamud, and the people of Ibrahim (Abraham) and the inhabitants of Madyan (Midian) and the overthrown towns? Their messengers came to them with clear proofs (but they rejected them). Allah would not have wronged them, but they had been unjust to themselves.

ألم يأتهم نبأ الذين من قبلهم قوم نوح وعاد وثمود وقوم إبراهيم وأصحاب مدين والمؤتفكات أتتهم رسلهم بالبينات فما كان الله ليظلمهم ولـكن كانوا أنفسهم يظلمون

9:71. The believing men and the believing women are supporters of one another, enjoining good and forbidding evil, establishing the prayer, giving the alms due and obeying Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him). It is they upon whom Allah will have mercy. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

والمؤمنون والمؤمنات بعضهم أولياء بعض يأمرون بالمعروف وينهون عن المنكر ويقيمون الصلاة ويؤتون الزكاة ويطيعون الله ورسوله أولـئك سيرحمهم الله إن الله عزيز حكيم

9:72. Allah has promised the believing men and the believing women Gardens with rivers flowing beneath them to stay there forever and pleasant dwellings in the Gardens of Eternity. And the greatest of all is Allah’s good pleasure. That is the supreme success.

وعد الله المؤمنين والمؤمنات جنات تجري من تحتها الأنهار خالدين فيها ومساكن طيبة في جنات عدن ورضوان من الله أكبر ذلك هو الفوز العظيم

9:73. O Prophet! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be unyielding to them (against their aggressive designs). And their abode shall be Hell, and it is an evil destination.

يا أيها النبي جاهد الكفار والمنافقين واغلظ عليهم ومأواهم جهنم وبئس المصير

9:74. They (the hypocrites) swear by Allah that they did not say (anything blasphemous). But surely they have uttered the word of disbelief and renounced faith after submitting (to Allah). They had planned what they could not achieve, and they became vengeful only because Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) had enriched them out of His Grace. Yet, if they repent, it would be better for them. But if they turn away, Allah will punish them with a painful torment in this world and the Hereafter. And they shall have on the earth neither any protector nor any helper.

يحلفون بالله ما قالوا ولقد قالوا كلمة الكفر وكفروا بعد إسلامهم وهموا بما لم ينالوا وما نقموا إلا أن أغناهم الله ورسوله من فضله فإن يتوبوا يك خيرا لهم وإن يتولوا يعذبهم الله عذابا أليما في الدنيا والآخرة وما لهم في الأرض من ولي ولا نصير

9:75. Among them are those who pledged to Allah (saying): ‘If He gives us out of His grace, we will surely spend in charity (i.e. the alms due), and we will surely be among the righteous.’

ومنهم من عاهد الله لئن آتانا من فضله لنصدقن ولنكونن من الصالحين

9:76. But when He gave them (wealth) out of His grace, they were miserly with it and turned away, being disregardful (of their pledge).

فلما آتاهم من فضله بخلوا به وتولوا وهم معرضون

9:77. So He caused hypocrisy to develop in their hearts (due to their miserliness) until the day when they would meet Him, as they broke their promise to Allah and because they used to tell lies.

فأعقبهم نفاقا في قلوبهم إلى يوم يلقونه بما أخلفوا الله ما وعدوه وبما كانوا يكذبون

9:78. Do they not realise that Allah knows their hidden (thoughts) and their secret talks, and that Allah is the Most Knowing of all unseen things?

ألم يعلموا أن الله يعلم سرهم ونجواهم وأن الله علام الغيوب

9:79. As for those (hypocrites) who slander the believers regarding charities, those who donate freely and those who can give only a little with great effort, they ridicule such people. Allah shall punish them for their ridiculing. And there shall be a painful punishment for them.

الذين يلمزون المطوعين من المؤمنين في الصدقات والذين لا يجدون إلا جهدهم فيسخرون منهم سخر الله منهم ولهم عذاب أليم

9:80. (It does not matter) whether you seek forgiveness for them or do not seek forgiveness for them, even if you seek forgiveness for them seventy times (out of your kindness and mercy), Allah shall never forgive them. That is because they rejected Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him). And Allah does not guide the transgressing people.

استغفر لهم أو لا تستغفر لهم إن تستغفر لهم سبعين مرة فلن يغفر الله لهم ذلك بأنهم كفروا بالله ورسوله والله لا يهدي القوم الفاسقين

9:81. (These hypocrites are) those who stayed behind (from participating in the expedition to Tabuk with the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and were happy for their sitting back, opposing (the command of) Allah’s Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him), and they hated to strive with their possessions and their persons for the cause of Allah. And they said: ‘Do not go out (with the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) in this heat.’ Say: ‘The Fire of Hell is much hotter if they could understand.’

فرح المخلفون بمقعدهم خلاف رسول الله وكرهوا أن يجاهدوا بأموالهم وأنفسهم في سبيل الله وقالوا لا تنفروا في الحر قل نار جهنم أشد حرا لو كانوا يفقهون

9:82. So let them laugh a little; they will weep much as a reward for what they used to earn.

فليضحكوا قليلا وليبكوا كثيرا جزاء بما كانوا يكسبون

9:83. If Allah brings you back (from the battlefront of Tabuk) to a group of them and they seek your permission to go forth (for any further expeditions), say (to them): ‘By no means shall you ever go forth with me, and by no means shall you ever fight an enemy with me. You were pleased to sit back the first time (i.e. the most crucial moment); therefore, sit (this time again) with those who remain behind.’

فإن رجعك الله إلى طآئفة منهم فاستأذنوك للخروج فقل لن تخرجوا معي أبدا ولن تقاتلوا معي عدوا إنكم رضيتم بالقعود أول مرة فاقعدوا مع الخالفين

9:84. And do not ever offer the (funeral) prayers for any of their dead, nor stand by their grave. Indeed, they defied Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and died rebellious.

ولا تصل على أحد منهم مات أبدا ولا تقم على قبره إنهم كفروا بالله ورسوله وماتوا وهم فاسقون

9:85. And let neither their possessions nor their children impress you. Allah desires only to punish them through these (things) in this world and that their souls may depart while they are disbelievers.

ولا تعجبك أموالهم وأولادهم إنما يريد الله أن يعذبهم بها في الدنيا وتزهق أنفسهم وهم كافرون

9:86. And when a (Qur’anic) Chapter is revealed, (saying:) ‘Believe in Allah and struggle along with His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him),’ the affluent among them ask you for leave and say: ‘Let us remain with those who are sitting back (among the women and children).’

وإذآ أنزلت سورة أن آمنوا بالله وجاهدوا مع رسوله استأذنك أولوا الطول منهم وقالوا ذرنا نكن مع القاعدين

9:87. They are pleased to be among those who stay behind, and their hearts have been sealed. So they do not understand.

رضوا بأن يكونوا مع الخوالف وطبع على قلوبهم فهم لا يفقهون

9:88. But the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and the believers with him strive hard with their possessions and their persons. They are the ones who shall have all the blessings, and it is they who shall be prosperous.

لـكن الرسول والذين آمنوا معه جاهدوا بأموالهم وأنفسهم وأولـئك لهم الخيرات وأولـئك هم المفلحون

9:89. Allah has prepared for them Gardens with rivers flowing beneath them; they will remain in them forever. That is the supreme success.

أعد الله لهم جنات تجري من تحتها الأنهار خالدين فيها ذلك الفوز العظيم

9:90. Some of the Bedouins (also) came to make excuses, asking to be granted an exemption for them, while those who lied to Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) stayed back. Soon, a painful punishment shall befall the disbelievers among them.

وجاء المعذرون من الأعراب ليؤذن لهم وقعد الذين كذبوا الله ورسوله سيصيب الذين كفروا منهم عذاب أليم

9:91. There is no blame on the weak, nor on the sick, nor on those who do not find anything to spend, so long as they are sincere to Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him). There is no reason to blame the virtuous. And Allah is Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

ليس على الضعفاء ولا على المرضى ولا على الذين لا يجدون ما ينفقون حرج إذا نصحوا لله ورسوله ما على المحسنين من سبيل والله غفور رحيم

9:92. Nor (is there any blame) on those who came to you (O Prophet) to provide them with riding animals (so that they may join you in the expedition). (But) you said: ‘I cannot find any mount for you.’ So they turned back while their eyes were overflowing with tears of sorrow because they did not find any means to spend.

ولا على الذين إذا ما أتوك لتحملهم قلت لا أجد ما أحملكم عليه تولوا وأعينهم تفيض من الدمع حزنا ألا يجدوا ما ينفقون

9:93. The blame is only on those who though they are wealthy. They are pleased to remain with those who stay behind. Allah has sealed their hearts, so they do not understand.

إنما السبيل على الذين يستأذنونك وهم أغنياء رضوا بأن يكونوا مع الخوالف وطبع الله على قلوبهم فهم لا يعلمون

9:94. (O believers!) They will make excuses to you when you return to them (from the expedition of Tabuk). Say: ‘Do not make excuses; we shall never believe you. Allah has already informed us about your (state of) affairs. Allah and His Messenger will watch your actions now. Then, you will be returned to the Knower of the Unseen and the seen. And He will inform you concerning what you used to do.’

يعتذرون إليكم إذا رجعتم إليهم قل لا تعتذروا لن نؤمن لكم قد نبأنا الله من أخباركم وسيرى الله عملكم ورسوله ثم تردون إلى عالم الغيب والشهادة فينبئكم بما كنتم تعملون

9:95. They will swear to you by Allah when you return to them so that you may turn aside from them (by accepting their excuses). So leave them alone. Surely, they are unclean (by their intentions and actions). And their abode shall be Hell, a recompense for what they have been earning.

سيحلفون بالله لكم إذا انقلبتم إليهم لتعرضوا عنهم فأعرضوا عنهم إنهم رجس ومأواهم جهنم جزاء بما كانوا يكسبون

9:96. (O believers!) They will swear to you so that you may be pleased with them. But (even) if you are pleased with them, Allah shall not be pleased with the transgressing people.

يحلفون لكم لترضوا عنهم فإن ترضوا عنهم فإن الله لا يرضى عن القوم الفاسقين

9:97. The Bedouins are more stubborn in disbelief and hypocrisy and the least likely to know the limits (of the commandments) that Allah has revealed to His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him), and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

الأعراب أشد كفرا ونفاقا وأجدر ألا يعلموا حدود ما أنزل الله على رسوله والله عليم حكيم

9:98. (O believers!) And among the Bedouins are those who regard what they spend (in charity) as a fine, and they wait for a change in fortune for you. Upon them shall be an evil change of fortune. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

ومن الأعراب من يتخذ ما ينفق مغرما ويتربص بكم الدوائر عليهم دآئرة السوء والله سميع عليم

9:99. Yet among the Bedouins are (also) those who believe in Allah and the Last Day. And they regard what they spend as (a means to attain) nearness to Allah and the blessings of the Messenger. Behold! It shall surely be (a means of attaining) nearness for them. Allah will make them enter into His mercy. Indeed, Allah is Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

ومن الأعراب من يؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر ويتخذ ما ينفق قربات عند الله وصلوات الرسول ألا إنها قربة لهم سيدخلهم الله في رحمته إن الله غفور رحيم

9:100. As for the foremost, the ones who are the first among the Emigrants (from Mecca) and the Helpers (from Medina), and those who followed them in (acts of) excellence, Allah is well pleased with them, and they are (all) well pleased with Him. And He has prepared for them Gardens with rivers flowing beneath them, to abide in them forever. That is the supreme success.

والسابقون الأولون من المهاجرين والأنصار والذين اتبعوهم بإحسان رضي الله عنهم ورضوا عنه وأعد لهم جنات تجري تحتها الأنهار خالدين فيها أبدا ذلك الفوز العظيم

9:101. (O believers!) Some of the Bedouins who dwell (in the deserts) around you are hypocrites, and some of the town people (of Medina) have grown bold in hypocrisy. You do not know them, but We know them well. We shall punish them twice. Then, they will be returned to (face) a grievous punishment (in the Hereafter).

* Firstly, they were identified and the Holy Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) expelled them from the Mosque pointing them out by name during his Friday address. This was the first torment in the form of humiliation and ignominy. Secondly, they were punished through fighting and killings, for which the command came later.

وممن حولكم من الأعراب منافقون ومن أهل المدينة مردوا على النفاق لا تعلمهم نحن نعلمهم سنعذبهم مرتين ثم يردون إلى عذاب عظيم

9:102. (There are) others who have confessed their sins, having mixed up righteous deeds with others that are evil. May be Allah will accept their repentance. Indeed, Allah is Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

وآخرون اعترفوا بذنوبهم خلطوا عملا صالحا وآخر سيئا عسى الله أن يتوب عليهم إن الله غفور رحيم

9:103. (O Prophet,) take charity from their possessions, cleansing them and purifying them thereby, and bless them with your prayer. Indeed, your blessing will be a comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

خذ من أموالهم صدقة تطهرهم وتزكيهم بها وصل عليهم إن صلاتك سكن لهم والله سميع عليم

9:104. Do they not know that Allah is the One Who accepts repentance from His servants and receives (their) charities and that Allah is the One Who is the Most-Clement, the All-Merciful?

ألم يعلموا أن الله هو يقبل التوبة عن عباده ويأخذ الصدقات وأن الله هو التواب الرحيم

9:105. And say: ‘Perform your deeds (as you wish). Allah will see your deeds, as will the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and the believers. And you will be brought back to the Knower of the Unseen and the seen. Then He will inform you of what you used to do.’

وقل اعملوا فسيرى الله عملكم ورسوله والمؤمنون وستردون إلى عالم الغيب والشهادة فينبئكم بما كنتم تعملون

9:106. And (there are) others who are waiting (in suspense) for the command of Allah: either He will punish them, or He will turn to them mercifully. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

وآخرون مرجون لأمر الله إما يعذبهم وإما يتوب عليهم والله عليم حكيم

9:107. And (among the hypocrites are also) those who built a mosque to cause harm, (to promote) disbelief, (to create) a divide between the believers and as a base for those who have waged war against Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him). They will surely swear: ‘We intended nothing but good.’ And Allah testifies that they are indeed liars.

والذين اتخذوا مسجدا ضرارا وكفرا وتفريقا بين المؤمنين وإرصادا لمن حارب الله ورسوله من قبل وليحلفن إن أردنا إلا الحسنى والله يشهد إنهم لكاذبون

9:108. (O Prophet!) Do not ever stand (to pray) therein. Truly, the mosque founded upon God-consciousness from the first day is worthier of your standing in it (for prayer). There are people in it who love to purify themselves. And Allah loves those who purify themselves.

لا تقم فيه أبدا لمسجد أسس على التقوى من أول يوم أحق أن تقوم فيه فيه رجال يحبون أن يتطهروا والله يحب المطهرين

9:109. Is the one who lays the foundation of his building upon God-consciousness and (the pursuit of His) good pleasure better, or the one who lays the foundation of his building upon the edge of a collapsing bank, which collapses with him into the Fire of Hell? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

أفمن أسس بنيانه على تقوى من الله ورضوان خير أم من أسس بنيانه على شفا جرف هار فانهار به في نار جهنم والله لا يهدي القوم الظالمين

9:110. The building they have built (in the name of a mosque) will always be a source of doubt (and hypocrisy) in their hearts till their hearts are torn apart. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

لا يزال بنيانهم الذي بنوا ريبة في قلوبهم إلا أن تقطع قلوبهم والله عليم حكيم

9:111. Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their possessions in exchange for Paradise to be theirs. They fight (against the aggressors) in the way of Allah, slaying (during the war) and being slain. A true promise binding upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel (the Injil) and the Qur’an. And who is truer to his promise than Allah? So rejoice over the bargain you have made with Him. Indeed, that is the supreme success.

إن الله اشترى من المؤمنين أنفسهم وأموالهم بأن لهم الجنة يقاتلون في سبيل الله فيقتلون ويقتلون وعدا عليه حقا في التوراة والإنجيل والقرآن ومن أوفى بعهده من الله فاستبشروا ببيعكم الذي بايعتم به وذلك هو الفوز العظيم

9:112. (The believers are) those who repent, who worship, who praise (Him), who fast (or are the travellers upon Allah’s path), who bow, who prostrate (in prayer), who enjoin good, who forbid evil and who observe the limits set by Allah. And give glad tidings to such believers.

التائبون العابدون الحامدون السائحون الراكعون الساجدون الآمرون بالمعروف والناهون عن المنكر والحافظون لحدود الله وبشر المؤمنين

9:113. It is not fitting for the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and the believers to ask pardon for the polytheists, even though they are near relatives after it has become clear to them that they shall be inhabitants of the Hellfire.

ما كان للنبي والذين آمنوا أن يستغفروا للمشركين ولو كانوا أولي قربى من بعد ما تبين لهم أنهم أصحاب الجحيم

9:114. And Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) asking pardon for his (fostering) father was owing only to a promise he had made to him. But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy of Allah, he acquitted himself from him (and never prayed for him afterwards). Indeed, Ibrahim (Abraham) was very compassionate and forbearing.

وما كان استغفار إبراهيم لأبيه إلا عن موعدة وعدها إياه فلما تبين له أنه عدو لله تبرأ منه إن إبراهيم لأواه حليم

9:115. Allah would never leave a people to stray after He has guided them until He makes them clear what they should be mindful of. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing of everything.

وما كان الله ليضل قوما بعد إذ هداهم حتى يبين لهم ما يتقون إن الله بكل شيء عليم

9:116. Indeed, to Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He gives life and causes death. And besides Allah, you have neither guardian nor helper (who can protect you against Allah’s command).

إن الله له ملك السماوات والأرض يحيـي ويميت وما لكم من دون الله من ولي ولا نصير

9:117. Indeed, Allah turned mercifully towards the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), the Emigrants and the Helpers, who followed him in the hour of adversity (at the expedition of Tabuk), after (the situation emerged wherein) the hearts of a group of them had almost wavered. Then He turned towards them in mercy. Indeed, He is Most Compassionate (and) All-Merciful to them.

لقد تاب الله على النبي والمهاجرين والأنصار الذين اتبعوه في ساعة العسرة من بعد ما كاد يزيغ قلوب فريق منهم ثم تاب عليهم إنه بهم رؤوف رحيم

9:118. And (Allah also turned in mercy) to the three who had remained behind, when the earth, despite its vastness, became narrow upon them, and their souls (also) closed in upon them, and they realised that there was no refuge from Allah except in Him. Then He turned to them in mercy that they might turn (to Him) in repentance. Indeed, Allah is Most-Clement, All-Merciful.

وعلى الثلاثة الذين خلفوا حتى إذا ضاقت عليهم الأرض بما رحبت وضاقت عليهم أنفسهم وظنوا أن لا ملجأ من الله إلا إليه ثم تاب عليهم ليتوبوا إن الله هو التواب الرحيم

9:119. O believers! Be conscious of Allah and stay with the Truthful.

يا أيها الذين آمنوا اتقوا الله وكونوا مع الصادقين

9:120. It was not (suitable) for the people of Medina and the Bedouins around them to hold back from the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) by failing to accompany him during his campaigns and expeditions) and prefer their own lives to his life. That is because no thirst, fatigue or hunger afflicts them in the way of Allah, nor do they take any step enraging the (transgressing) disbelievers, or gain any advantage over an enemy, but a righteous deed is written on its account to their credit. Indeed, Allah does not waste the reward of the excellently virtuous.

ما كان لأهل المدينة ومن حولهم من الأعراب أن يتخلفوا عن رسول الله ولا يرغبوا بأنفسهم عن نفسه ذلك بأنهم لا يصيبهم ظمأ ولا نصب ولا مخمصة في سبيل الله ولا يطؤون موطئا يغيظ الكفار ولا ينالون من عدو نيلا إلا كتب لهم به عمل صالح إن الله لا يضيع أجر المحسنين

9:121. And neither do they spend any sum, small or large, nor do they cross a valley (in Allah’s cause), but it is written down to their credit, so that Allah may reward them with the best of what they used to do.

ولا ينفقون نفقة صغيرة ولا كبيرة ولا يقطعون واديا إلا كتب لهم ليجزيهم الله أحسن ما كانوا يعملون

9:122. And it is not right for the believers to go out (for battle) altogether. So, why should not a group from each section of theirs go out to gain a deep understanding of the religion and warn (or teach) their people when they return to them so that they can guard themselves (against evil)?

وما كان المؤمنون لينفروا كآفة فلولا نفر من كل فرقة منهم طآئفة ليتفقهوا في الدين ولينذروا قومهم إذا رجعوا إليهم لعلهم يحذرون

9:123. O believers! Fight the (combatant) disbelievers near you (on the battlefield).* And let them find firmness in you (regarding your defence). And know that Allah is with the God-conscious.

* It entails that the Muslims are not allowed to fight non-combatant disbelievers, who are not engaged in warfare.

يا أيها الذين آمنوا قاتلوا الذين يلونكم من الكفار وليجدوا فيكم غلظة واعلموا أن الله مع المتقين

9:124. And whenever a (Qur’anic) Chapter is revealed, some of these (hypocrites) ask (mockingly): ‘Which of you has this (Chapter) increased in faith?’ As for the believers, it certainly increases them in faith, and they rejoice (in it).

وإذا ما أنزلت سورة فمنهم من يقول أيكم زادته هـذه إيمانا فأما الذين آمنوا فزادتهم إيمانا وهم يستبشرون

9:125. As for those with sickness in their hearts, it only adds impurity to their impurity. And they die as disbelievers.

وأما الذين في قلوبهم مرض فزادتهم رجسا إلى رجسهم وماتوا وهم كافرون

9:126. Do they not see that they are tried once or twice every year? Yet they neither repent nor do they accept admonition.

أولا يرون أنهم يفتنون في كل عام مرة أو مرتين ثم لا يتوبون ولا هم يذكرون

9:127. And whenever a (Qur’anic) Chapter is revealed, they look at one another (and say): ‘Is anyone watching you?’ Then they turn away. Allah has turned their hearts away (from the truth) because they are a people who do not understand.

وإذا ما أنزلت سورة نظر بعضهم إلى بعض هل يراكم من أحد ثم انصرفوا صرف الله قلوبهم بأنهم قوم لا يفقهون

9:128. Indeed, a Messenger has come to you from among yourselves. Very stressful for him (blessings and peace be upon him) is your suffering. He is deeply concerned for your well-being and is most kind and merciful to the believers.

لقد جاءكم رسول من أنفسكم عزيز عليه ما عنتم حريص عليكم بالمؤمنين رؤوف رحيم

9:129. But if they turn away, say: ‘Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god except Him. In Him, I have put my trust. And He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’

فإن تولوا فقل حسبي الله لا إلـه إلا هو عليه توكلت وهو رب العرش العظيم