Surah At-Tawba
Chapter 9 · Verse 46 · Revealed in Madinah
“And if they had intended to go forth, they would have prepared for it [some] preparation. But Allah disliked their being sent, so He kept them back, and they were told, "Remain [behind] with those who remain."”
Translation: Saheeh International
Listen to recitation
Mishary Rashid Alafasy
Reflection — Ibn Kathir
Exposing Hypocrites
Allah said,
وَلَوْ أَرَادُواْ الْخُرُوجَ
Reflection — Maarif ul Quran
At least, one aspect of why their excuse was false has been given in the fourth (46) where it has been said: وَلَوْ أَرَادُوا الْخُرُوجَ لَأَعَدُّوا لَهُ عُدَّةً (And had they [ really ] wished to set out [ for Jihad ], they would have [ of necessity ] made [ at least ] some preparation for it [ but they made none ] - 46). This shows that the plea of having an excuse was false. The truth of the matter was that they just did not have any intention to come out for Jihad.
How do we know if an excuse is reasonable or unreasonable?
What does this verse bring up for you today?