Halaman 201 صفحة ٢٠١

they prefer to be with those who stay behind. Their hearts have been sealed: they do not comprehend.

But the Messenger and those who believe with him strive hard with their possessions and their persons. The best things belong to them; it is they who will prosper.

God has prepared Gardens graced with flowing streams for them and there they will stay. That is the supreme triumph.

Some of the desert Arabs, too, came to make excuses, asking to be granted exemption. Those who lied to God and His Messenger stayed behind at home. A painful punishment will afflict those of them who disbelieved,

but there is no blame attached to the weak, the sick, and those who have no means to spend, provided they are true to God and His Messenger- there is no reason to reproach those who do good: God is most forgiving and merciful.

And there is no blame attached to those who came to you [Prophet] for riding animals and to whom you said, ‘I cannot find a mount for you’: they turned away with their eyes overflowing with tears of grief that they had nothing they could contribute.

The ones open to blame are those who asked you for exemption despite their wealth, and who preferred to be with those who stay behind. God has sealed their hearts: they do not understand.