Surah Al-Fath — Ayah 11 (48:11)
سَيَقُولُ لَكَ ٱلۡمُخَلَّفُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ شَغَلَتۡنَآ أَمۡوَٰلُنَا وَأَهۡلُونَا فَٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لَنَاۚ يَقُولُونَ بِأَلۡسِنَتِهِم مَّا لَيۡسَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمۡۚ قُلۡ فَمَن يَمۡلِكُ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيۡـًٔا إِنۡ أَرَادَ بِكُمۡ ضَرًّا أَوۡ أَرَادَ بِكُمۡ نَفۡعَۢاۚ بَلۡ كَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرَۢا ١١
English translation (Saheeh International)
Those who remained behind1 of the bedouins will say to you, "Our properties and our families occupied us, so ask forgiveness for us." They say with their tongues what is not within their hearts. Say, "Then who could prevent Allāh at all if He intended for you harm or intended for you benefit? Rather, ever is Allāh, of what you do, Aware.
- - See footnote to 9:81.
Brief commentary
Those desert Arabs whom Allah had kept behind from accompanying you, O Messenger, on your journey to His House will say to you when you reproach them: ‘Taking care of our wealth and looking after our children kept us busy from going out with you. So ask for forgiveness from Allah on our behalf for our sins.’ They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts by asking the Prophet (peace be upon him) to seek forgiveness for them; because they have not repented from their sins. Say to them: No one can do anything for you against Allah, if He intends good for you, or if He intends bad for you. Rather, Allah is well aware of what you do. Nothing of your actions is hidden from Him no matter how much you try to conceal it.