The Holy Quran 9:118 — Surah At-Tawbah

Arabic text

وَعَلَى ٱلثَّلَـٰثَةِ ٱلَّذِينَ خُلِّفُوا۟ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا ضَاقَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْأَرْضُ بِمَا رَحُبَتْ وَضَاقَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ أَنفُسُهُمْ وَظَنُّوٓا۟ أَن لَّا مَلْجَأَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّآ إِلَيْهِ ثُمَّ تَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ لِيَتُوبُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

Translation

And Allaah (has also turned in mercy towards) the three (Sahaabah رضي الله تعالى عنهم, namely Murara bin Rabee رضي الله تعالى عنه, Ka'b bin Maalik رضي الله تعالى عنه and Hilaal bin Umayyah رضي الله تعالى عنه) whose matter (forgiveness for not marching to Tabook) was postponed (for fifty days) until the earth narrowed for them despite its vastness (and they could find no place to hide themselves), their own souls narrowed for them (they became frustrated with themselves) and they were convinced that there was no safety from Allaah except (in turning) towards Him. Then Allaah turned towards them (in mercy) so that they (could) turn to Him (in repentance). Indeed Allaah is Most Pardoning, Most Merciful (to those with Imaan and who repent sincerely).

Tafsir (excerpt) — Tafsir Usmani

The three Companions who stayed behind from the expedition of Tabuk: these three men are Ka'b ibn Malik, Hilal ibn Umayyah and Murarah ibn al-Rabi'. Although they were sincere believers, merely out of love of ease and carelessness, without an excuse valid in the shariah, they missed taking part in Tabuk.

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