Hashim Amir-Ali, The Message of the Qur’an: Presented in Perspective (1974)

43 Allah forgive thee! Why didst thou exempt them (generally) until it was clear to thee whose excuse was genuine and thou hadst gauged the liars?

44 No questions do they ask of thee — those who believe in Allah and in the Day to coine — whether they should strive with their bodies and their souls. Allah knoweth weil those who are aware!

45 Only they do question thee who do not (really) believe in Allah and the Day to come; whose hearts do waver and who are, midst their doubts, perplexed!

46 If they had intended to set forth they would have made for it some preparations. But Allah is averse to their joining and has made them disinclined. He has said to them: “Stand ye then and be among the ones who wait!”

47 Had they gone forth with you, naught would they have added but confusion — worming midst your ranks and spreading falsehoods. And some there are among you who would have gladly listened to them! Allah knoweth all transgressors.

48 Indeed, they had, ere now, spread falsehoods and turned the tide against thee until the truth prevailed and manifest became the word of Allah — to their disgust!

49 Among them there is (many) a man who says: “Let me stay at home — facing not temptation!” Have they not to temptation even now succumbed? Verily, hell itself surrounds the recalcitrants!