Ruku’ 166 ركوع ١٦٦

Those who were left behind were happy to stay behind when God’s Messenger set out; they hated the thought of striving in God’s way with their possessions and their persons. They said to one another, ‘Do not go [to war] in this heat.’ Say, ‘Hellfire is hotter.’ If only they understood!

Let them laugh a little; they will weep a lot in return for what they have done.

So [Prophet], if God brings you back to a group of them, who ask you for permission to go out [to battle], say, ‘You will never go out and fight an enemy with me: you chose to sit at home the first time, so remain with those who stay behind now.’

Do not hold prayers for any of them if they die, and do not stand by their graves: they disbelieved in God and His Messenger and died rebellious.

Do not let their possessions and their children impress you: God means to punish them through these in this world, and that their souls should depart while they disbelieve.

When a sura is revealed [saying], ‘Believe in God and strive hard alongside His Messenger,’ their wealthy ask your permission [to be exempt], saying, ‘Allow us to stay behind with the others’:

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.