Find a Problem? Broken link? Typo? Misaligned ayat?
Please report it here: IslamAwakened on Facebook
Your reports and suggestions help us give you a better site.
Alam tara ila almala-i min banee isra-eela min baAAdi moosa ith qaloo linabiyyin lahumu ibAAath lana malikan nuqatil fee sabeeli Allahi qala hal AAasaytum in kutiba AAalaykumu alqitalu alla tuqatiloo qaloo wama lana alla nuqatila fee sabeeli Allahi waqad okhrijna min diyarina waabna-ina falamma kutiba AAalayhimu alqitalu tawallaw illa qaleelan minhum waAllahu AAaleemun bialththalimeena
Transliteration-2
alam tara ilā l-mala-i min banī is'rāīla min baʿdi mūsā idh qālū linabiyyin lahumu ib'ʿath lanā malikan nuqātil fī sabīli l-lahi qāla hal ʿasaytum in kutiba ʿalaykumu l-qitālu allā tuqātilū qālū wamā lanā allā nuqātila fī sabīli l-lahi waqad ukh'rij'nā min diyārinā wa-abnāinā falammā kutiba ʿalayhimu l-qitālu tawallaw illā qalīlan min'hum wal-lahu ʿalīmun bil-ẓālimīn
Did not you see [towards] the chiefs of (the) Children (of) Israel from after Musa, when they said to a Prophet of theirs, "Appoint for us a king, we may fight in (the) way (of) Allah?" He said, "Would you perhaps - if prescribed upon you [the] fighting, that not you fight?" They said, "And what for us that not we fight in (the) way (of) Allah while surely we have been driven from our homes and our children?" Yet, when was prescribed upon them the fighting they turned away, except a few among them. And Allah (is) All-Knowing of the wrongdoers.
PLEASE
Help keep us online. Donate today. Click here:
Your support helps pay our hosting costs, and
- with a little bit extra -
lets us pay transcribers and proofreaders. www.patreon.com/IslamAwakened
Thank you!
Art thou not aware of those elders of the children of Israel, after the time of Moses, how they said unto a prophet of theirs, "Raise up a king for us, [and] we shall fight in God's cause"? Said he: "Would you, perchance, refrain from fighting if fighting is ordained for you?" They answered: "And why should we not fight in God's cause when we and our children have been driven from our homelands?" Yet, when fighting was ordained for them, they did turn back, save for a few of them; but God had full knowledge of the evildoers
Bethink thee of the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, how they said unto a prophet whom they had: Set up for us a king and we will fight in Allah's way. He said: Would ye then refrain from fighting if fighting were prescribed for you? They said: Why should we not fight in Allah's way when we have been driven from our dwellings with our children? Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, all save a few of them. Allah is aware of evil-doers
Hast thou not Turned thy vision to the Chiefs of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Moses? they said to a prophet (That was) among them: "Appoint for us a king, that we May fight in the cause of Allah." He said: "Is it not possible, if ye were commanded to fight, that that ye will not fight?" They said: "How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?" but when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except a small band among them. But Allah Has full knowledge of those who do wrong
Have you not considered the chiefs of the children of Israel after Musa, when they said to a prophet of theirs: Raise up for us a king, (that) we may fight in the way of Allah. He said: May it not be that you would not fight if fighting is ordained for you? They said: And what reason have we that we should not fight in the way of Allah, and we have indeed been compelled to abandon our homes and our children. But when fighting was ordained for them, they turned back, except a few of them, and Allah knows the unjust
Have you not heard of what the chiefs of the Children of Israel demanded of one of their prophets after Moses? They said, Appoint for us a king, and we will fight for the cause of God. He replied, What if you refuse to fight, when ordered to do so? Why should we not fight for the cause of God, they replied, when we have been driven forth from our homes and our children? But when at last they were commanded to fight, they all refused, except a few of them. God knows the wrongdoers
Hast thou not considered the Council of the Children of Israel after Moses when they said to a Prophet of theirs: Raise up a king for us, and we will fight in the way of God. He said: Perhaps if fighting was prescribed for you, you would not fight. They said: Why should we not fight in the way of God when we were driven out of our abodes with our children. Then, when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, but for a few of them. And God is Knowing of the ones who are unjust.
Have you not seen how the councilors for the Children of Israel told a prophet of theirs [who came] after Moses: "Send us a king; we will fight for God´s sake." He said: "Perhaps you will not fight even though fighting has been prescribed for you." They said: "What do we have to keep us from fighting for God´s sake? We and our children have been turned out of our homes!" Yet whenever fighting was prescribed for them, all but a few of them turned away. God is Aware as to who are evildoers.
Have you not seen those chiefs of the Children of Israel after Moses? They said to one of their prophets, “Appoint for us a king, ˹and˺ we will fight in the cause of Allah.” He said, “Are you not going to cower if ordered to fight?” They replied, “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, while we were driven out of our homes and ˹separated from˺ our children?” But when they were ordered to fight, they fled, except for a few of them. And Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of the wrongdoers.
Did you not see how, after Moses' time, the leaders of the Children of Israel told one of their prophets, "Raise up a king for us, and we will fight in God's cause"? He said, "If it is God's will for you to fight, would you refuse?" They answered, "Why should we not fight in God's cause when we and our children have been driven from our homelands?" Yet, when they were commanded to fight, all but a few of them turned away. God has full knowledge of the unjust.
Have you not thought about the group of the children of Israel after Moses? When they said to a prophet of theirs: "Appoint for us a king and we will fight in the way of Allah." He said: "Would you then refrain from fighting, if fighting is prescribed for you?” They said: "Why should we not fight in the way of Allah while we along with our children have been driven out from our homes?" But when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned back except a few of them. Allah is All-Aware of the wrongdoers.
Hast thou not seen the assembly of the Children of Israel, after Moses, when they said to a prophet of theirs, “Raise up a king for us, that we may fight in the way of God.” He said, “Might it be that, were fighting prescribed for you, you would not fight?” They said, “And why should we not fight in the way of God, having been expelled from our homes and [away from] our children?” Then when fighting was prescribed for them they turned back, save a few among them. And God knows well the wrongdoers
Did you not note the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, they said to their prophet: "Send us a king that we may fight in the cause of God;" he said: "Are you not concerned that if fighting is decreed upon you, you will then not fight" They said: "And why should we not fight in the cause of God when we have been driven out from our homes with our children." So it was, that when fighting was decreed for them they turned away, except for a few of them! God is fully aware of the wicked
[Prophet], consider the leaders of the Children of Israel who came after Moses, when they said to one of their prophets, ‘Set up a king for us and we shall fight in God’s cause.’ He said, ‘But could it be that you would not fight, if it were ordained for you?’ They said, ‘How could we not fight in God’s cause when we and our children have been driven out of our homeland?’ Yet when they were commanded to fight, all but a few of them turned away: God has full knowledge of those who do wrong
Bethinkest thou not of the chiefs of the Children of Isra'il, after Musa? They said unto a Prophet of theirs: raise for us a king that we may fight in the way of God. He said: may it not be that if fighting were prescribed unto you, ye would not fight! They said: and wherefore shall we not fight in the way of God, whereas we have been driven forth from our habitations and children. Then when fighting was prescribed unto them, they turned away, save a few of them: and Allah is the Knower of the wrong-doers
Have you thought of the elders of Israel after Moses, and how they said to their apostle: "Set up a king for us, then we shall fight in the way of God?" He replied: "This too is possible that when commanded to fight you may not fight at all." They said: "How is it we should not fight in the way of God when we have been driven from our homes and deprived of our Sons?" But when they were ordered to fight they turned away, except for a few; yet God knows the sinners
What do you think about the council of the tribe of Israel after Musa´s time when they said to one of their Prophets, ´Give us a king and we will fight in the Way of Allah!´? He said, ´Is it not possible that if fighting were prescribed for you, you would not fight?´ They said, ´How could we not fight in the way of Allah when we have been driven from our homes and children?´ But then when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned their backs — except for a few of them. Allah knows the wrongdoers.
Do you not consider what happened with the elders of the Children of Israel after Moses: once they appealed to a Prophet chosen for them, saying: "Set up for us a king and we will fight in God’s cause." He said: "Is it possible you would hold back from fighting, if fighting were prescribed for you?" They said: "Why should we not fight in God’s cause when we have been driven from our habitations and our children?" But when fighting was prescribed for them, they did turn away, except a few of them. God has full knowledge of (such) wrongdoers
Have you not regarded the elite of the Israelites after Moses, when they said to their prophet, ‘Appoint for us a king, that we may fight in the way of Allah.’ He said, ‘May it not be that you will not fight if fighting were prescribed for you?’ They said, ‘Why should we not fight in the way of Allah, when we have been expelled from our homes and [separated from] our children?’ So when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned back except a few of them, and Allah knows best the wrongdoers
Do you not look at the chiefs of the children of Israel after Moses´ time, when they said to a prophet of theirs (Samuel), "Raise up for us a king, and we will fight in Allah´s way?" He said, "Will you perhaps, if it be prescri
Have you not regarded the chiefs of the Seeds (Or: sons) of Israel) even after Musa, (Moses) as they said to a Prophet of theirs, "Send forth for us a king, (so that) we would fight in the way of Allah."He said, " Might it be that in case fighting is prescribed for you, you would not fight?" They said, "How is it that we would not fight in the way of Allah, and we have already been driven out of our residences and sons?" Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, except a few of them; and Allah is Ever-Knowing of the unjust
(Muhammad), remember that group of the Israelites after Moses who demanded a Prophet of their own to appoint a king for them who would lead them in the fight for the cause of God. Their Prophet then said, "What if you are ordered to fight and you disobey?" They said, "Why should we not fight for the cause of God when we and our sons have been expelled from our homes?" However, when they were ordered to fight, all refused except a few among them. God knows well the unjust
Did you not see a group from the children of Isra‘il (Israel), after (the time of) Musa when they said to their prophet: .Appoint for us a king, so that we may fight in the way of Allah. He said: .Is it (not) likely, if fighting is enjoined upon you, that you would not fight. They said: .What is wrong with us that we would not fight while we have been driven away from our homes and our sons?. But, when fighting was enjoined upon them, they turned away, except a few of them, and Allah is Aware of the unjust
Sustained commitment to the Divine Order with your lives and wealth is no easy undertaking. After the times of Moses, some leaders of the Israelites promised their Prophet (Samuel), "If you appoint a king for us, we will fight in the Cause of Allah." The Prophet said, "Is it your intention to refrain from fighting if it was decreed to you?" They said' "Why should we not fight in the Cause of Allah when we have been driven out of our homes with our children?" Yet when fighting was ordained for them, they turned away all but a few. Allah is Aware of the wrongdoers
Have you not turned your vision to the groups of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Musa (Moses)? They said to a prophet (who was) among them (Samuel): "Appoint a king for us, that we may fight in the cause of Allah." He said: "Is it not possible that, if you were commanded to fight, you may not fight?" They said: "How could we refuse to fight in the Cause of Allah after seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?" But when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except for a small band among them. But Allah has full knowledge of those who do wrong
Have you not considered the assembly of the Children of Israel after [the time of] Moses when they said to a prophet of theirs, "Send to us a king, and we will fight in the way of Allah "? He said, "Would you perhaps refrain from fighting if fighting was prescribed for you?" They said, "And why should we not fight in the cause of Allah when we have been driven out from our homes and from our children?" But when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, except for a few of them. And Allah is Knowing of the wrongdoers
Have you not reflected on what the leaders of the children of Israel demanded from one of their Prophets after the death of Moses? "Appoint for us a king," they said, "and we will fight in the cause of Allah." The Prophet replied: "What if you refuse to fight when you are ordered to do so?" They replied, "How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, while we along with our children were driven out of our homes?" But when, on their demand, they were ordered to fight, all refused except a few of them. Allah knows the evildoers
Dr. Munir Munshey
Are you not aware of the (undue demands of the) leaders of the Israelites after Musa? They said to their prophet, "Assign (and enthrone) someone as our king, so we may fight for the cause of Allah." (The Prophet) said, "Might it happen that you would (hesitate and) fail to fight, if fighting was actually prescribed for you?" They replied, "Is anything wrong with us? Why would we not fight for the cause of Allah? We, and our children, have been driven out of our homes!" Yet, except a few, they all turned away when fighting was actually ordained for them. Allah is very well aware of the evil doers
Dr. Kamal Omar
Have you not looked towards the chiefs of the progeny of Israiel after (the time of) Musa when they said to a Prophet (appointed) over them: “Appoint for us an administrative head of state, we will do Qital in the cause of Allah.” (Their Prophet) said: “Would it happen with you that Qital is ordained on you (and) that you do not do Qital?” They said: “And what is with us that we do not make Qital in the cause of Allah when, without doubt, we have been turned out from our residences and our sons?” So when Qital was ordered for them, they turned back, except a minority among them. And Allah is fully Aware of the transgressors
Have you not considered the notables of the Children of Israel after Moses? When they said to a prophet of theirs, 'Appoint a king for us, and we will fight in the cause of God.' He said, 'Is it possible that, if fighting was ordained for you, you would not fight?' They said, 'Why would we not fight in the cause of God, when we were driven out of our homes, along with our children?' But when fighting was ordained for them, they turned away, except for a few of them. But God is aware of the wrongdoers
Have you also reflected upon the matter concerning the chiefs of the Israelites after (the death of) Moses? They said to their Prophet, "Appoint a king for us so that we may fight in the way of Allah." The Prophet asked them, "Might it be that you will not fight, if fighting is prescribed for you?" They replied, "How can it be that we would refuse to fight in the way of Allah when we have been turned out of our homes and separated from our children?" But (in spite of this assurance) when they were enjoined to fight, they all, except a few of them, turned their backs. And Allah knows each and everyone of these transgressors
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad
Did you not see that after Moses, the leaders of children of Israel told their prophet: appoint a king for us that we fight in God's way. He said: is it possible that you will not fight if you are prescribed to fight? They said: why should we not fight in God's way while we were driven from our homes and our children? But when the fight was prescribed to them, they turned away (and refused) except a few of them. God knows the wrongdoers
Have you not turned your vision to the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses? They said to a prophet among them, “Appoint for us a king, so that we may fight in the cause of God.” He said, “Is it possible that if you were asked to fight that you will not fight?” They said, “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of God, seeing that we were banished from our homes and from our families?” But when they were asked to fight, they turned back, except a small group among them, but God has full knowledge of those who do wrong
Have you not considered the Jewish leaders who came after Musa. They said to a prophet of theirs: “Appoint a king so that we may fight in Allah’s way”. He said to them: “When fighting is ordained for you, will you fight?” They said: “Why would we not fight in the way of Allah when we and our children have been expelled from our homes?” When fighting was ordained for them, they turned away except for a few of them. Allah knows the disobedient.
Did you not note the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, they said to their prophet: "Send us a king that we may fight in the cause of God;" he said: "Are you not concerned that if fighting is decreed for you, you will then not fight?" They said: "And why should we not fight in the cause of God when we have been expelled from our homes along with our children." So it was, that when fighting was decreed for them they turned away, except for a few of them! God is fully aware of the wicked.
Wouldn't you like to know and deliberateh about the Chiefs of the Children of Israel, after Moses' time, when they spoke to their Prophet, "Appoint for us a king and we shall fight in Allah's way." The Prophet said, "What if you wouldn't fight when fighting is made obligatory upon you?" They said, "Why shouldn't we fight, when we've been driven away from our homes and from our children?" But when fighting was made obligatory upon them, they turned back on their promise, except for a few of them
Controversial, deprecated, or status undetermined works
Have you ever thought about the [attitude and the behavior of the] leaders of Israel after Moses? They asked their Prophet [Samuel, who had become old and not capable of fighting,] to beg the Lord to bless them with a king to lead them in fight in the cause of God. When their prophet asked about weather or not they will stick to their promise to fight they replied: “How could we refuse to fight when we are driven out of our land [by the Amalikites about 1,B.C.] and separated from our family?” However, when God gave them the permission to fight, the majority turned away. God is aware of what unjust people do
Faridul Haque
Did you (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him) not see a group of the Descendants of Israel, after Moosa? When they said to one of their Prophets (Shamueel - Samuel), "Appoint a king for us so that we may fight in Allah’s way"? He said, "Do you think you would refrain from fighting if it is made obligatory for you?" They said, "What is the matter with us that we should not fight in Allah’s cause, whereas we have been driven away from our homeland and our children?" So when fighting was ordained for them, they all turned away, except a few; and Allah is Well Aware of the unjust
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah
Have you not seen the congregation of the Children of Israel who demanded of one of their Prophets after (the death of) Moses? 'Raise up for us a king, ' they said, 'and we will fight in the way of Allah. ' He replied: 'Might it be that if fighting is written for you, you will not fight? ' 'Why shouldn't we fight in the way of Allah, ' they replied, 'when we and all our children have been driven from our dwellings? ' Yet, when fighting was written for them all except for a few, turned away. And Allah has knowledge of the harmdoers
Hast thou not thought of the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses? When they said to a prophet of theirs: Raise up for us a king, that we may fight in the way of Allah. He said: May it not be that you will not fight if fighting is ordained for you? They said: And what reason have we that we should not fight in Allah's way and we have indeed been deprived of our homes and our children? But when fighting was ordained for them, they turned back, except a few of them. And Allah is Knower of the wrongdoers
Muhammad Ahmed - Samira
Do you not see/understand to the nobles/assembly from Israel's sons and daughters from after Moses, when they said to a prophet to them: "Send to us a king , we will fight/kill in God's way/road/sake." He said: "Did you maybe hope if the fighting/killing (is) written/dictated/ordered on you, that you do not fight/kill?"They said: "And why not for us (that) we not fight/kill in God's way/road/sake, and we had been brought out/forced from our homes/countries/tribes and our sons." So when the fighting/killing was written/dictated/ordered on them they turned away, except little/few from them, and God (is) knowledgeable with the unjust
Hast thou not heard of the chiefs of the Children of Israel after Moses, when they said to a Prophet of theirs, `Appoint for us a king that we may fight in the way of ALLAH?' He said, `It is not likely that you will not fight, if fighting is prescribe for you?' They said, `What reason have we that we should not fight in the way of ALLAH when we have been driven forth from our homes and our sons?' But when fighting was ordained for them, they turned back except a small number of them. And ALLAH knows the transgressors well
Have you noted the leaders of Israel after Moses? They said to their prophet, "If you appoint a king to lead us, we will fight in the cause of GOD." He said, "Is it your intention that, if fighting is decreed for you, you will not fight?" They said, "Why should we not fight in the cause of GOD, when we have been deprived of our homes, and our children?" Yet, when fighting was decreed for them, they turned away, except a few. GOD is aware of the transgressors.
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)
O Beloved! Did you not see a group of the children of Israel after Moosa? When they spoke to a prophet of theirs, 'raise for us a king that we may fight in the way of Allah'. The prophet told, 'Are your style like this that if the fighting is made obligatory on you, thereafter you may not fight'? Spoke they, 'what happened to us that we should not fight in the way of Allah whereas we have been driven away from our homeland and from our Children? But when fighting was made obligatory! On them, they turned their faces but a few of them, and Allah knows very well the, unjust.
Have you not considered (the case of) the Chiefs of the Children of Israel (who lived) after (the time of) Moses? When they said to a Prophet of theirs, (- Samuel), `Appoint for us a controlling authority that we may fight in the cause of Allah.' He said, `Is it not likely, that if fighting is prescribed for you, you will not fight?' They said, `And what reason have we that we should not fight in the cause of Allah, and we have been indeed driven forth from our homes and (parted from) our children?' Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they backed out except a few of them. And Allah knows the unjust well
(O Beloved!) Have you not seen the group of the Children of Israel who came after Musa (Moses)? When they said to their Prophet: ‘Appoint for us a king so that we may fight in the cause of Allah (under his command),’ the Prophet said (to them): ‘What, if you desist from fighting, once it is prescribed for you!’ They said: ‘What ails us that we should not fight in the cause of Allah when we have been driven away from our homes and children?’ But when fighting (against oppression and aggression) was made obligatory for them, all of them turned away, except a few. And Allah knows the wrongdoers full well
Have you not thought about the group of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Musa (Moses)? When they said to a Prophet of theirs, "Appoint for us a king and we will fight in Allahs Way." He said, "Would you then refrain from fighting, if fighting was prescribed for you?" They said, "Why should we not fight in Allahs Way while we have been driven out of our homes and our children (families have been taken as captives)?" But when fighting was ordered for them, they turned away, all except a few of them. And Allah is All-Aware of the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers)
Hast thou not regarded the Council of the Children of Israel, after Moses, when they said to a Prophet of theirs, 'Raise up for us a king, and we will fight in God's way.' He said, 'Might it be that, if fighting is prescribed for you, you will not fight?' They said, 'Why should we not fight in God's way, who have been expelled from our habitations and our children?' Yet when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned their backs except a few of them; and God has knowledge of the evildoers
Dost thou not look at the crowd of the children of Israel after Moses time, when they said to a prophet of theirs, 'Raise up for us a king, and we will fight in God's way?' He said, 'Will ye perhaps, if it be written down for you to fight, refuse to fight?' They said, ' And why should we not fight in God's way, now that we are dispossessed of our homes and sons?' But when it was written down for them to fight they turned back, save a few of them, and God knows who are evildoers
Hast thou not considered the assembly of the children of Israel, after the time of Moses; when they said unto their prophet Samual, set a king over us, that we may fight for the religion of God? The prophet answered, if ye are enjoined to go to war, will ye be near refusing to fight? They answered, and what should ail us that we should not fight for the religion of God, seeing we are dispossessed of our habitations, and deprived of our children? But when they were enjoined to go to war, they turned back, except a few of them: And God knew the ungodly
Hast thou not considered the assembly of the children of Israel after the death of Moses, when they said to a prophet of theirs, "Set up for us a king; we will do battle for the cause of God?" He said, "May it not be that if to fight were ordained you, ye would not fight?" They said, "And why should we not fight in the cause of God, since we and our children are driven forth from our dwellings?" But when fighting was commanded them, they turned back, save a few of them: But God knew the offenders
Have you not heard of what the leaders of the Israelites demanded of a prophet of theirs after the death of Moses? ‘Raise up for us a king,‘ they said, ‘and we will fight for the cause of God.‘ He replied: ‘What if you refuse, when ordered so to fight?‘ ‘Why should we refuse to fight for the cause of God,‘ they said, ‘when we have been driven from our dwellings and our children?‘ But when they were ordered to fight, they all refused, except a few of them. God knows the wrongdoers
New and/or Partial Translations, and works in progress
Have you considered the leaders who were over the Children of Israel after the time of Moses? They said to a prophet [Samuel] who was among them, “Appoint a king for us so we may fight in the way of Allah.” He said, “If you were commanded to fight, is it possible that you would refuse to fight?” They answered, “How could we refuse to fight in the way of Allah, now that our homes and our families have been disrupted!” But when they were commanded to fight, they retreated, except for a small brigade. Allah has full knowledge of those who are wrong.
Did you not see the group from the Children of Israel after the time of Moses, they had said to their Nabi, “Disclose for us a king (leader) and we will fight in the way of Allah.” The Nabi asked, “What if war is prescribed for you and you refrain from fighting?”... They said, “Why shouldn’t we fight in the way of Allah? Especially when we have been driven out of our homes and from our children!” But when war was prescribed upon them, except for a few of them, they turned away from fighting. Allah (as the One who created them with His Names) is Aleem (All Knowing) of the wrongdoers.
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli
Have you not seen the chiefs of the Children of Israel, after Moses, when they said to a Prophet of theirs: 'Raise up for us a king, that we will fight in Allah's way'. He said: 'Might it be that, if fighting is written for you, then you will not fight? ' They said: ' Why should we not fight in the way of Allah, while we have been expelled from our dwellings and our children? ' But when fighting was written for them, they turned back save a few of them, and Allah is All-Knowing of the unjust.
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur'an al-Karim
Have you not seen, O Muhammad, into the discourse held by Bani Isra‘il’s chiefs with a prophet of their own sent to them after Mussa’s death? They said to him: "Nominate a king under whose power we can unite and fight in Allah’s cause." The Prophet said to them: "What if he is appointed and fighting is ordained and you refuse to fight?" They said: "But why should we not fight in Allah’s cause when we and our children have been expelled from our homes?" But when fighting was ordained they retracted their word and their true irreverent spirit betrayed them to their fall excepting a few; but Allah is wholly aware of the wrongful
Did you not consider the leaders from among the children of Israel after Musa, when they said to their prophet, "Raise for us a king (commander) that we may fight in the way of Allah." (The prophet) said, "Is it not possible, that if fighting is prescribed on you, then you will not fight?" They said, "And what (reason) is there for us for not fighting in the way of Allah when we have been driven out of our homes with our children?" But when fighting was prescribed upon them, they turned back except a few among them and Allah knows the unjust.
