رَضُوا۟ بِأَن يَكُونُوا۟ مَعَ ٱلْخَوَالِفِ وَطُبِعَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَفْقَهُونَ 87
Translations
They were satisfied to be with those who stay behind, and their hearts were sealed over, so they do not understand.
Transliteration
Radoo bi-an yakoonoo ma'a al-khawaalif wa tuboo'a alaa quloobihim fahum laa yafqahoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the hypocrites who were pleased to remain behind with those unable to fight (women, children, the elderly, and the disabled) during the expedition, revealing their lack of sincerity in faith. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, Allah then sealed their hearts as a consequence of their hypocrisy and reluctance to strive in His cause, rendering them unable to comprehend the truth. This serves as a warning that persistent rejection and insincerity lead to spiritual blindness and a hardening of the heart.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah At-Tawbah's discussion of those who made excuses for not participating in the Tabuk expedition (the 9th year of Hijrah). The broader context addresses the hypocrites (munafiqoon) of Medina who claimed faith but lacked commitment to jihad, and this specific passage highlights their contentment with remaining idle rather than supporting the Muslim army.
Related Hadiths
Related to the theme of sealed hearts: 'When the hypocrite speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays.' (Sahih Bukhari 33). Also relevant is the hadith on the consequences of persistent disbelief: 'Allah will not accept repentance from those who do evil deeds until death comes to one of them' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
Sincere commitment to faith requires more than mere verbal profession—it demands active participation in the community's struggles and values. When we consistently choose comfort over duty and knowingly turn away from truth, we risk a spiritual hardening where understanding itself becomes impossible, making repentance increasingly difficult.