Hashim Amir-Ali, The Message of the Qur’an: Presented in Perspective (1974)
90 (Even) from the wandering Arabs some, who had excuses, came for leave to stay behind; while those who would deceive Allah and His Apostle just sat at home: Soon will misery engulf the infidels among them.
91 Not against the aged, nor against the sick, nor against those who nothing have to contribute, is there any blame provided they are well-intentioned towards Allah and His Apostle. No blame can rest upon the well-intentioned, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
92 Neither is there (any blame) on those who came to thee expecting to be given mounts. When thou didst say, “I can find no mounts for you,” they turned away their eyes brimmed with tears of sorrow — alas, they little had to contribute.
93 Blame is directed only against those who seek excuses despite their being rich; or are content to lag among—(the women and the children) — those to be left behind. Allah hath sealed their hearts; they will not understand!
94 Offer they explanations when ye have returned unto them. Say ye, “Explain ye not. We put no faith in you. Allah hath informed us of all your doings. Allah has observed your conduct — so has His Messenger. In time, you will be presented to the Knower of the hidden and the manifest and He will make you realize what you had really done.”
95 Soon will they abjure thee by Allah, when ye return to them, that ye may overlook them! Yea! Overlook them, they are unclean and bound for hell—an apt reward for what they did!
96 They will entreat you (in the name of Allah) that ye may be benign to them. Ye may be benign; but Allah is not pleased with a people who are false.
97 The desert Arabs are most rigid, as pagans and as dissemblers; most likely to be unaware of the limits set by Allah on His Apostle. But Allah is the Knower and the Wise.
98 Among the desert Arabs some regard the (voluntary) contribution (imposed by Allah) as a tax (imposed by thee) and wish that thou mayest meet encompassments Evil encompass them! But Allah is the Hearer and the Knower.
99 Among the desert Arabs there are also those who trust in Allah and the final day; who look upon their contributions as means tobringthemclosertoAllah,and as greetings to the Apostle. Anon! will they be closer. Soon will Allah admit them to His Mercy; Allah is, indeed, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
100 Foremost of the fore among these (are some) Muhajirs and Ansars and those who follow them in virtuous deeds! Well-pleased is Allah with them, well-pleased are they with Him Promised are to them gardens beneath which rivers flow; they will therein abide, for aye! Therein lieth all felicity.
101 Among the desert Arabs in your vicinity some are untrustworthy — and some there are among the residents of Madina—who once again indulge in falsehood — Thou dost not know them, We know them. Twofold shall We punish them — and then shall they be sent to damnation.
