فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَعْفُوَ عَنْهُمْ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا 99
Translations
For those it is expected that Allāh will pardon them, and Allāh is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
Transliteration
Fa-ulā'ika 'asā Allāhu an ya'fū 'anhum; wa-kāna Allāhu 'afuwwan ghafūrā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the discussion about those unable to participate in jihad, stating that Allah may pardon them for their inability to fight. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that Allah's pardon is contingent upon sincere intention and genuine inability, not laziness or cowardice. The ayah reinforces that Allah is supremely pardoning (Al-'Afuww) and most forgiving (Al-Ghafūr), extending mercy to those who genuinely cannot fulfill certain obligations due to legitimate constraints such as disability, illness, or weakness.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisa's broader discussion on the concessions granted to various groups regarding participation in jihad (verses 95-99). It specifically addresses those who are weak, ill, blind, disabled, or unable to find means of transportation—those excused from military struggle. The context reflects the Medinan period when the Muslim community faced military threats and the obligation to defend the faith was established.
Related Hadiths
Hadith of the blind man who asked for exemption from prayer in congregation (Sunan Ibn Mājah and others): The Prophet (ﷺ) permitted him despite his disability, showing Allah's mercy for genuine inability. Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet said: 'Allah is more merciful to His servants than a mother to her child,' reflecting the theme of divine pardon.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Allah judges us not by what we cannot do, but by our sincere intentions and genuine efforts within our capacities. It offers comfort to those facing physical, mental, or circumstantial limitations, reminding believers that Allah's mercy encompasses even our human weaknesses when our hearts are devoted to Him.
Related Ayahs
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ ءَامِنُوا۟ بِمَا نَزَّلْنَا مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا مَعَكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن نَّطْمِسَ وُجُوهًا فَنَرُدَّهَا عَلَىٰٓ أَدْبَارِهَآ أَوْ نَلْعَنَهُمْ كَمَا لَعَنَّآ أَصْحَـٰبَ ٱلسَّبْتِ ۚ وَكَانَ أَمْرُ ٱللَّهِ مَفْعُولًا
O you who were given the Scripture, believe in what We have sent down [to Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ)], confirming that which is with you, before We obliterate faces and turn them toward their backs or curse them as We cursed the sabbath-breakers. And ever is the matter [i.e., decree] of Allāh accomplished.
وَلَئِنْ أَصَـٰبَكُمْ فَضْلٌ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لَيَقُولَنَّ كَأَن لَّمْ تَكُنۢ بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَهُۥ مَوَدَّةٌ يَـٰلَيْتَنِى كُنتُ مَعَهُمْ فَأَفُوزَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا
But if bounty comes to you from Allāh, he will surely say, as if [i.e., showing that] there had never been between you and him any affection, "Oh, I wish I had been with them so I could have attained a great attainment."
مَّن كَانَ يُرِيدُ ثَوَابَ ٱلدُّنْيَا فَعِندَ ٱللَّهِ ثَوَابُ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ سَمِيعًۢا بَصِيرًا
Whoever desires the reward of this world - then with Allāh is the reward of this world and the Hereafter. And ever is Allāh Hearing and Seeing.
فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱعْتَصَمُوا۟ بِهِۦ فَسَيُدْخِلُهُمْ فِى رَحْمَةٍ مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلٍ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَيْهِ صِرَٰطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا
So those who believe in Allāh and hold fast to Him - He will admit them to mercy from Himself and bounty and guide them to Himself on a straight path.