3. Aal-i-Imraan

Allah then mentioned the defeat of the unbelievers on the Day of Uhud, saying: (We shall cast terror) fear of you such that they run from you (into the hearts of those who disbelieve) the unbelievers of Mecca (because they ascribe unto Allah partners, for which no warrant hath been revealed) either in a Scripture nor taught by a messenger. (Their habitation) their dwelling-place (is the Fire, and hapless the abode of the wrong-doers) the dwelling-place of the unbelievers is the Fire.

Then Allah mentioned how they turned their back on the Prophet (pbuh) because of their fear of the enemy, saying: (When ye climbed) the hill after being defeated (and paid no heed to anyone) paid no heed to the Prophet and did not wait for him, (while the messenger) Muhammad, (in your rear, was calling you (to fight)) he was behind you, O group of believers, saying: I am Allah's Messenger, stop and fight! (Therefore He rewarded you grief for (his) grief) in addition to the grief wrought upon you by Khalid Ibn al-Walid, He also inflicted on you the grief of death and defeat, (that (He might teach) you not to sorrow either for that which ye missed) of booty (or for that which befell you) and that you do not sorrow for that which befell you of deaths and injuries. (Allah is Informed of what ye do) in jihad as well as in defeat.

Allah then mentioned His blessings upon them, saying: (Then, after grief, He sent down security for you) from the enemy. (As slumber did it overcome a party of you) such that those among you who had sincerity and certitude slept, (while (the other) party, who were anxious on their own account) who were overcome with anxiousness about themselves. This refers to Mu'attib Ibn Qushayr, the hypocrite, and his fellows who were not overcome by sleep, (thought wrongly of Allah) that He would not come to the help of His Messenger and his Companions, (the thought of ignorance) as they did think of Him in the time of ignorance [before the advent of Islam]. (They said: Have we any part in the cause) any part in triumph and domination? (Say) O Muhammad: (The cause) triumph and domination (belongeth wholly to Allah) they are in the Hand of Allah. (They hide within themselves (a thought) which they reveal not unto you) for fear that they would be killed, (saying: Had we had any part in the cause we should not have been slain here. Say) to the hypocrites, O Muhammad: (Even though ye had been in your houses) in Medina, (those appointed to be slain would have gone forth to the places where they were to lie) where they were to be killed at Uhud. ((All this has been) in order that Allah might try) test (what is in your breasts) what is in the breast of the hypocrites (and prove) bring to the fore (what is in your hearts) of hypocrisy. (Allah is Aware of what is hidden in the breasts (of men)) He knows what is in people's hearts of good and evil, i.e. the hearts of hypocrites; it is also said that it refers to the hearts of the archers.

Allah then mentioned those who fled on the Day of Uhud, saying (Lo! those of you who turned back) defeated, meaning: 'Uthman Ibn 'Affan and his fellow believers (on the day when the two hosts) the hosts of Muhammad and Abu Sufyan (met, Satan alone it was who caused them to backslide) Satan enticed them to believe that Muhammad was killed and thus fled to a place about six parasangs (farasikh) from the scene. They were six people in all, (because of some of that which they have earned) because of leaving their positions. (Now Allah hath forgiven them) since He did not exterminate them. (Lo! Allah is Forgiving) of those who repented among them. (Clement) for He did not hasten their punishment.

Then Allah said to the Companions of Muhammad: (O ye who believe!) in Muhammad and the Qur'an. (Be not) in war (as those who disbelieved) in secret, i.e. 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and his followers who returned to Medina (and said of their brethren) the hypocrites (who went abroad in the land) who journeyed with the Companions of Muhammad (or were fighting in the field) or went with their Prophet in a fighting expedition: (If they had been (here) with us) in Medina (they would not have died) on their journey (or been killed) during the fighting expedition; (that Allah may make it) make that doubt (anguish) grief (in their hearts. Allah giveth life) on the journey (and causeth death) settlement; (and Allah is Seer of what ye do) of what you say.

(And what though ye be slain in Allah's way) O group of hypocrites (or die therein?) in your own homes while being sincere. (Surely pardon from Allah) of your sins (and mercy) by being spared punishment (are better than all that they amass) in this world of wealth.

(What though ye be slain) on a journey or in settlement (or die) in a fighting expedition, (when unto Allah you are gathered?) after you die.

(It was by the mercy of Allah that thou wert lenient with them (O Muhammad), for if thou hadst been stern) harsh in speech (and fierce of heart) coarse with them (they would have dispersed from round about thee. So pardon them) pardon your Companions for that which may ensue from them (and ask forgiveness for them) from that transgression which ensues from them (and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs) in matter of war. (And when thou art resolved) to do something, (then put your trust in Allah) to give you triumph and domination. (Lo! Allah loveth those who put their trust) in Him.

(If Allah is your helper) as on the Day of Badr (none can overcome you) none of your enemy shall overcome you, (and if He withdraw His help from you) as on the Day of Uhud, (who is there who can help you) He will make that no one overcomes your enemy? (In Allah let believers put their trust) the believers should put their trust in Allah that He will give them triumph and domination.