9. At-Tawba

(Nor spend they any spending, small or great) upon going or returning, (nor do they cross a valley) in pursuit of the enemy, (but it is recorded for them) as a reward of a good deed, (that Allah may repay them the best of what they used to do) in jihad.

(And the believers should not all) it is not permissible for all the believers to (go out to fight) and leave the Prophet (pbuh) alone in Medina. (Of every troop of them, a party only should go forth) while another party should stay in Medina, (that they (who are left behind) may gain sound knowledge in religion) that they may learn the religion from the Prophet (pbuh) (and that they may warn) and that they may inform (their folk when they return to them) from their military expedition, (so that they may beware) in order to know that which they have been commanded to do and that which they have been prohibited from doing. It is also said that this verse was revealed about the Banu Asad who came to the Prophet (pbuh) in Medina after being hit by drought. Their arrival caused prices in Medina to rise and all the streets became filthy with excrement. And so Allah prohibited them from this.

(O ye who believe!) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an (Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you) the Banu Qurayzah, Banu'l-Nadir, Fadak and Khaybar, (and let them find harshness in you) toughness from you, (and know) O believers (that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him)) Allah helps the believers: Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions, by making them victorious over their enemies.

(And whenever a surah is revealed) whenever a verse is revealed and Muhammad (pbuh) recites it to them (there are some of them) i.e. of the hypocrites (who say) to one another: (Which one of you hath this) surah or verse (increased in faith) in fear, hope and certainty in what Muhammad (s)aid? (As for those who believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in hid Companions, (it hath increased them in faith) it has increased them in fear, hope and certainty (and they rejoice (therefore)) they rejoice in that which is revealed of the Qur'an.

(See they not) i.e. the hypocrites (that they are tested) that they are tried by the revelation of their evil scheming and betrayal; it is also said that they are tried by the breaking of their covenants (once or twice in every year? Still they turn not in repentance) for their deeds and for the breaking of their treaties, (neither pay they heed) nor do they accept any admonition.

(And whenever a surah is revealed) whenever Gabriel brings down a surah exposing the fault of the hypocrites and the Prophet (pbuh) used to recite to them, (they) the hypocrites (look one at another (as who should say): Doth anybody) among the sincere believers (see you? Then they turn away) from the prayer, the sermon, the Truth and guidance. (Allah turns away their hearts) from the Truth and guidance; it is also said: they swerved from the Truth and guidance, and so Allah swerved their hearts from the Truth and guidance (because they are a folk who understand not) nor believe in the command of Allah.

(There hath come unto you) O people of Mecca (a messenger, (one) of yourselves) an Arab and Hashimite like yourselves, (and it grieves him) it is hard on him (unto whom aught) of sins (that ye are overburdened is grievous, full of concern for you) for your faith, (for the believers) for all the believers he is (full of pity, merciful).

(Now, if they turn away) from faith, repentance and that which you have told them ((O Muhammad) say: Allah sufficeth me) my trust is in Allah. (There is no God save Him) there is no protector or helper except Him. (In Him have I put my trust) I put my trust in and rely on Him, (and He is Lord of the Tremendous Throne)'.