As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 9, At-Tauba or Repentance, verses 90-99. These verses talk of genuine exemptions from staying away from battle and those hypocrites who make excuses to avoid serving in armed struggle.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.Some from among the desert Arabs also came with their excuses, begging exemption to stay behind; thus, those who lied to Allah and His Messenger sat inactive. Soon a painful punishment shall seize those of them who disbelieved.[90] There is no blame on the disabled, the sick, and those lacking the means, to stay behind so long as they are sincere to Allah and His Messenger. There is no way (blame) against those righteous people. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.[91] Likewise, there is no blame on those who came to you and requested conveyance to the battlefront and you said: “I am unable to provide you the conveyance,” and they returned with their eyes streaming with tears; they were filled with sorrow that they had no resources of going forth to the battlefield at their own expense.[92] The way (blame) is only against those who begged exemption although they are rich. They preferred to be with those who remained behind. Allah has set a seal upon their hearts; so they do not know what they missed.[93] 9:[90-93]
They will apologize to you with all sorts of excuses when you return to them. Say: “Present no excuses: we shall not believe you: Allah has already revealed to us the whole truth about you. Now Allah and His Messenger will keep a watch over your conduct: in the end you will return to Him Who knows what is hidden and what is open, and He will tell you all that you have been doing.”[94] They will swear to you by Allah when you return to them so that you may leave them alone. So leave them alone: they are filth. Hell shall be their abode, a punishment for their misdeeds.[95] They will swear to you in order to please you, but even if you be pleased with them (accept their excuses), Allah will never be pleased with these transgressors.[96] The Arabs of the desert are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and are least inclined to acknowledge the limits that Allah has revealed to his Messenger. Allah is All-Knowledgeable, All-Wise.[97] Some of the desert Arabs look upon whatever they spend in the way of Allah as a penalty and wait for some misfortune to befall you. May misfortune befall them! Allah hears all and knows all.[98] But some of the desert Arabs believe in Allah and the Last Day, and look on what they spend in the way of Allah as a means of bringing them close to Allah and to the prayers of the Messenger. Indeed, closer they shall be brought: soon Allah will admit them to His mercy. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.[99] 9:[94-99]
Ameen.
This concludes today’s episode of the 17 Verses Podcast. I hope that this selection has helped increase your understanding of the holy Qur’an just a little bit.
Thank you and be well.