لَّقَد تَّابَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِىِّ وَٱلْمُهَـٰجِرِينَ وَٱلْأَنصَارِ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُ فِى سَاعَةِ ٱلْعُسْرَةِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا كَادَ يَزِيغُ قُلُوبُ فَرِيقٍ مِّنْهُمْ ثُمَّ تَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ بِهِمْ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ 117
Translations
Allāh has already forgiven the Prophet and the Muhājireen and the Anṣār who followed him in the hour of difficulty after the hearts of a party of them had almost inclined [to doubt], and then He forgave them. Indeed, He was to them Kind and Merciful.
Transliteration
Laqad taba Allahu ala an-nabiyyi wa-al-muhajirin wa-al-ansari alladhina ittaba'uhu fi sa'ati al-'usrati min ba'da ma kada yazegh qulub fariqin minhum thumma taba 'alayhim innahu bihim ra'ufun raheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses Allah's acceptance of repentance from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Muhajirun (emigrants), and the Ansar (helpers) who remained steadfast with him during the Tabuk expedition—a time of severe hardship when some believers' hearts wavered. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that this verse celebrates their unwavering loyalty despite the difficulties, and Allah's mercy in accepting their temporary weakness and restoring their hearts to steadfastness. The ayah emphasizes that even the closest companions of the Prophet experienced moments of doubt, yet Allah's gentleness (rau'f) and compassion (raheem) extended to them.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of the Tabuk expedition (9 AH), a military campaign in extremely harsh conditions during a time of agricultural hardship in Medina. Some believers hesitated to join the Prophet, and their hearts momentarily inclined toward doubt; this verse was revealed to acknowledge their struggle and affirm Allah's acceptance of their repentance and renewed commitment. It occurs within Surah At-Tawbah, which addresses the issue of those who remained behind from this crucial military expedition.
Related Hadiths
Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet said regarding those who lagged behind in the Tabuk expedition: 'A group from among my Ummah will continue to be upon the truth until the Hour is established' (Sahih Muslim). Additionally, various reports in Sahih Bukhari detail the hardships of the Tabuk journey and the Prophet's compassion toward the believers during this time of trial.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that sincere repentance is always accepted by Allah, and that even the most devoted believers may experience moments of weakness—what matters is returning to Allah with a sincere heart. For modern readers, it provides comfort that Allah's mercy encompasses our struggles and doubts, encouraging us to persevere through difficulties and trust in His compassion when we falter.