Surah At-Tawba (9) — Ayah 83
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
That is, those who did not go out for the Battle of Tabuk but stayed at home, Allah has forbidden you from taking them with you or making them fight alongside you in the future, because their credibility is lost. When they did not go with you in difficult times, why should they go in easy times? As in Surah Al-Fath, the Bedouins who did not go for Hudaybiyyah were forbidden from participating in the conquest of Khaybar. See Surah Al-Fath (11 to 15). But there, they were not forbidden forever, whereas the hypocrites who stayed behind from Tabuk were forbidden forever from being taken along. Shah Abdul Qadir (may Allah have mercy on him) says that the statement "If Allah brings you back to a group" is because this verse was revealed during a journey. These people were hypocrites in Madinah, and "group" is mentioned because some hypocrites died behind, and not all who stayed behind were hypocrites; some were Muslims whose shortcomings were forgiven. (Muwaddih)
➋ {فَاقْعُدُوْا مَعَ الْخٰلِفِيْنَ:} That is, just as before, now also stay with those who remained at home without excuse or stayed with the excused, such as women, children, the elderly, the sick, and the disabled, etc.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
83. 2 That is, for any other battle, they express the desire to go along.
83. 3 This is the reason for not taking them along in the future: that you did not go the first time. Therefore, now you are not worthy to be taken along in any battle.
83. 4 That is, now your status is only that you sit with women, children, and the elderly, who, instead of participating in battle, remain at home. This instruction was given to the Prophet ﷺ so that their sorrow and regret, which they felt due to staying behind, would increase even more.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
[98]
The Promises of the Hypocrites Are Unreliable:
In this verse, there is a commentary on the character of the hypocrites, that when you return to Madinah from the Battle of Tabuk, those hypocrites who did not participate in this battle will make emphatic claims to support you in any future battle. So, you should not place any trust whatsoever in such pleasing and verbal promises of theirs. Because even if such a time were to come, these people would do exactly what they have done this time. That is, once again they would fabricate false excuses and begin to apologize to you. Therefore, it is better that you grant them a firm exemption from now and say to them that it is written in your fate to remain behind like women and children. So, be content with that. In this way, in the future, you will neither have to invent any pretexts nor will there be any need for any apology.
