The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

124
The Quran 9: 88
comprehend. 88 But the Messenger and those who believe with him
strive hard with their possessions and their persons. The best things
belong to them; it is they who will prosper. 89 God has prepared
Gardens graced with flowing streams for them and there they will
stay. That is the supreme triumph.
90 Some of the desert Arabs, too, came to make excuses, asking to
be granted exemption. Those who lied to God and His Messenger
stayed behind at home. A painful punishment will afflict those of
them who disbelieved, 91 but there is no blame attached to the weak,
the sick, and those who have no means to spend, provided they are
true to God and His Messenger – there is no reason to reproach
those who do good: God is most forgiving and merciful. 92 And there
is no blame attached to those who came to you [Prophet] for riding
animals and to whom you said, ‘I cannot find a mount for you’: they
turned away with their eyes overflowing with tears of grief that they
had nothing they could contribute. 93 The ones open to blame are
those who asked you for exemption despite their wealth, and who
preferred to be with those who stay behind. God has sealed their
hearts: they do not understand.
94 When you return from the expedition they will carry on coming
to you [believers] with excuses. Say, ‘Do not make excuses. We do
not believe you: God has told us about you. God and His Messenger
will watch your actions now, and in the end you will be returned to
the One who knows the seen and the unseen. He will confront you
with what you have done.’ 95 When you return to them, they will
swear to you by God in order to make you leave them alone – so leave
them alone: they are loathsome, and Hell will be their home as a
reward for their actions – 96 they will swear to you in order to make
you accept them, but even if you do accept them, God will not accept
people who rebel against Him.
97 The desert Arabs are the most stubborn of all peoples in their
disbelief and hypocrisy. They are the least likely to recognize the
limits that God has sent down to His Messenger. God is all knowing
and all wise. 98 Some of the desert Arabs consider what they give to
be an imposition; they are waiting for fortune to turn against you,
but fortune will turn against them. God is all hearing and all knowing.
99 But there are also some desert Arabs who believe in God and
the Last Day and consider their contributions as bringing them
nearer to God and the prayers of the Messenger: they will indeed