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
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُ ٱللَّهُ مَا فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ وَعِظْهُمْ وَقُل لَّهُمْ فِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ قَوْلًۢا بَلِيغًا
Those are the ones of whom Allāh knows what is in their hearts, so turn away from them but admonish them and speak to them a far-reaching [i.e., effective] word.
وَٱبْتَلُوا۟ ٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغُوا۟ ٱلنِّكَاحَ فَإِنْ ءَانَسْتُم مِّنْهُمْ رُشْدًا فَٱدْفَعُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا تَأْكُلُوهَآ إِسْرَافًا وَبِدَارًا أَن يَكْبَرُوا۟ ۚ وَمَن كَانَ غَنِيًّا فَلْيَسْتَعْفِفْ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ فَقِيرًا فَلْيَأْكُلْ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ فَإِذَا دَفَعْتُمْ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فَأَشْهِدُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ حَسِيبًا
And test the orphans [in their abilities] until they reach marriageable age. Then if you perceive in them sound judgement, release their property to them. And do not consume it excessively and quickly, [anticipating] that they will grow up. And whoever, [when acting as guardian], is self-sufficient should refrain [from taking a fee]; and whoever is poor - let him take according to what is acceptable. Then when you release their property to them, bring witnesses upon them. And sufficient is Allāh as Accountant.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَصَدُّوا۟ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ قَدْ ضَلُّوا۟ ضَلَـٰلًۢا بَعِيدًا
Indeed, those who disbelieve and avert [people] from the way of Allāh have certainly gone far astray.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ ۖ فَإِن تَنَـٰزَعْتُمْ فِى شَىْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا
O you who have believed, obey Allāh and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allāh and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allāh and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.