The hypocrites and the revelation of their characteristics

When the hypocrites and those who were filled with doubt, said: "The promise of God and His Apostle was nothing but deceit."

When a section of them said: "O people of Yathrib, there is no place for you here, turn back;" and a section of them asked leave of the Prophet, saying: "Our homes lie exposed," -- while they were not exposed. Their only intention was to run away.

If the (enemy) had entered the city from every side and asked them to rise in revolt, they would have done so, and not hesitated but a little;

Whereas earlier they had made a promise to God that they would never turn their backs; and a promise made to God is answerable.

Say: "Of no gain will be your running away if you run from death or being killed, even then you will enjoy the good things of life but only for a while."

Say: "Who will save you from God if He decide to afflict you or show you His mercy?" They will never find a friend or helper apart from God.

Surely God knows who among you obstruct, and those who say to their brethren: "Come to us," and go to battle but seldom,

Being chary of helping you. But when danger appears you will find them looking at you with eyes turning like a man's in the swoon of death. Yet when the danger is past they lash you with sharp tongues, covetous of the best (of booty). Such as these have not come to belief. So God nullifies whatever they have done. This is how (the innate law of) God works inevitably.

They think the allied tribes have not withdrawn; and if the allied tribes had advanced they would have wished that they were rather with the Arabs of the desert asking news of you; and had they been among you they would have fought but just a little.