Surah At-Tawba
Chapter 9 · Verse 87 · Revealed in Madinah
“They were satisfied to be with those who stay behind, and their hearts were sealed over, so they do not understand.”
Translation: Saheeh International
Listen to recitation
Mishary Rashid Alafasy
Reflection — Ibn Kathir
Admonishing Those Who did not join the Jihad
Allah chastises and admonishes those who stayed away from Jihad and refrained from performing it, even though they had the supplies, means and ability to join it. They asked the Messenger for permission to stay behind, saying,
ذَرْنَا نَكُنْ مَّعَ الْقَـعِدِينَ
Reflection — Maarif ul Quran
The expression: اُولُوا الطَّولِ (ulu 'at-caul: translated as ` the capable ones' ) (86) is not for particularization. Instead, it serves a purpose. It tells that there were others too, the ones not so capable. And the incapable ones had, at least, some obvious excuse to stay behind.
What does this verse bring up for you today?