Those who were left behind (in the Tabuk expedition) rejoiced in their inaction behind the back of the Messenger of Allah: they hated to strive and fight, with their goods and their persons, in the cause of Allah: they said, "Go not forth in the heat." Say, "The fire of Hell is fiercer in heat." If only they could understand!

The desert Arabs who lagged behind will say to thee: "We were engaged in (looking after) our flocks and herds, and our families: do thou then ask forgiveness for us." They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: "Who then has any power at all (to intervene) on your behalf with Allah, if His Will is to give you some loss or to give you some profit? But Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do.

Those who lagged behind (will say), when ye (are free to) march and take booty (in war): "Permit us to follow you." They wish to change Allah's decree: Say: "Not thus will ye follow us: Allah has already declared (this) beforehand": then they will say, "But ye are jealous of us." Nay, but little do they understand (such things).

使者出征后，在后方的人因能安坐家中而高兴。他们不愿以自己的财产和生命为主道而奋斗，他们互相嘱咐说：“你们不要在热天出征。”你说：“火狱的火是更炽热的，假若他们是明理的。”

留在后方的游牧人们将说：“我们要照料我们的家产和家属，所以请你为我们求饶。”他们用他们的舌头说的不是他们的心里话。你说：“谁能为你们干涉真主一丝毫？如果他要降祸于你们，或降福于你们。真主是彻知你们的行为的。

留在后方的人们，当你们为获取战利品而出发的时候，他们将说：“让我们跟你们去吧！”他们欲变更真主的判辞。你说：“你们绝对不得跟我们去，以前，真主已这样说过了。”他们将说：“不然，你们嫉妒我们。”不然，他们不甚了解。