لَّقَد تَّابَ اللَّهُ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ وَالْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنصَارِ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ فِي سَاعَةِ الْعُسْرَةِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا كَادَ يَزِيغُ قُلُوبُ فَرِيقٍ مِّنْهُمْ ثُمَّ تَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّهُ بِهِمْ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ (117)
(9:117) Allah forgave the Prophet and those muhajirin and Ansar who stood by him in the hour of distress, *115 though the hearts of some of them had well-nigh swerved aside *116 : (Hut when they did not followthat crooked way, and stood by the ProphetAllah forgave them: *117 surely Allah is Gentle and Compassionate to these people.
*115) Allah forgave the Prophet and his Companions for those inadvertent lapses that had been made in connection with the Tabuk expedition, in view of their excellent services. The inadvertent lapse made by the Holy Prophet was that he had given leave to stay behind to those people who were able to take part in the Jihad. (v. 43).
*116) This refers to those sincere Companions who were at first somewhat unwilling to go to war on that critical occasion, but at last overcame their weakness, for they had true Faith in their hearts and loved the Right Way.
*117) That is, Allah will not take them to account for their wrong inclinations. for He dces not punish a man for that weakness which he himself has overcome and corrected.