There and then the believers were tested, and were shaken most severely.
When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is sickness said, "Allah and His Messenger promised us nothing but illusion."
And when a group of them said, "O people of Yathrib, you cannot make a stand, so retreat." And a faction of them asked the Prophet to excuse them, saying, "Our homes are exposed," although they were not exposed. They only wanted to flee.
Had it been invaded from its sides, and they were asked to dissent, they would have done so with little hesitation.
Although they had made a pledged to Allah, in the past, that they will not turn their backs. A pledge to Allah is a responsibility.
Say, "Flight will not benefit you, if you flee from death or killing, even then you will be given only brief enjoyment."
Say, "Who is it who will shield you from Allah, if He intends adversity for you, or intends mercy for you?" Besides Allah, they will find for themselves neither friend nor helper.
Allah already knows the hinderers among you, and those who say to their brethren, "Come and join us." Rarely do they mobilize for battle.
Being stingy towards you. And when fear approaches, you see them staring at you—their eyes rolling—like someone fainting at death. Then, when panic is over, they whip you with sharp tongues. They resent you any good. These have never believed, so Allah has nullified their works; a matter easy for Allah.
They assumed that the confederates had not withdrawn. But were the confederates to advance, they would wish they were in the desert with the Bedouins, inquiring about your news. And if they were among you, they would have done little fighting.
