Surah Al-Fath — Verse 15

Word Meanings:

• Al-Mukhallafoon (المُخَلَّفُونَ): Those who were left behind — referring to the Bedouin Arabs who excused themselves from accompanying the Prophet (ﷺ) on the journey to Hudaybiyyah.
• Maghanim (مَغَانِمَ): Spoils of war / war gains.
• Dharoona (ذَرُونَا): Leave us / let us.
• Yubaddiloo (يُبَدِّلُوا): To change or alter.
• Kalam Allah (كَلَامَ اللَّهِ): The word/promise of Allah.
• Yafqahoon (يَفْقَهُونَ): They understand/comprehend.

Tafsir (Explanation):

Allah informs His Prophet (ﷺ) of what the hypocrites and those who were left behind — the Bedouin tribes who refused to join the Muslims on the expedition to Hudaybiyyah — will say when the believers set out toward the spoils of Khaybar, which Allah had promised exclusively to those who participated in the pledge of Ridwan at Hudaybiyyah. They will say: "Let us follow you so that we too may share in these gains."

But their request is not born of sincerity or faith. Rather, they seek to alter the decree and promise of Allah, who had already specified that the spoils of Khaybar belong solely to those who were present at Hudaybiyyah. So Allah instructs His Messenger to reply firmly: "You will never follow us — for Allah has already declared this before we even returned to Madinah."

When they hear this decisive rejection, they will not accept it with humility. Instead, they will accuse the believers of envy and selfishness, claiming: "You are merely jealous of us — you do not want us to share in the bounty." But the truth is far from their accusations. Their problem is not envy on the part of the believers; their problem is their own lack of understanding. They comprehend but little of Allah's commands, His wisdom, and His justice. Had they truly understood their religion, they would have known that Allah's promise is true, His decree is just, and that the believers were simply executing the command of their Lord — not acting out of personal desire.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

Dear reader, ponder how these people tried to rewrite the decree of Allah to suit their own interests. When they were called to hardship and sacrifice, they fled. But when they saw the spoils and the victory, they suddenly wanted to join. This is the nature of hypocrisy — to seek the reward without bearing the responsibility, to want the harvest without planting the seed.

Islam teaches us a noble lesson here: sincerity and steadfastness are the keys to Allah's blessings. The companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) who stood firm at Hudaybiyyah, who gave their pledge under the tree, who trusted Allah's promise even when victory seemed distant — they were the ones honored with the spoils of Khaybar. And Allah knew their hearts, so He reserved this bounty for them alone.

So let us ask ourselves: Are we among those who stand firm in times of difficulty, or among those who only appear when there is something to gain? Allah sees all, and His promise to the sincere is true. Be among the people of steadfastness, and you will be among the people of divine reward — in this life and the next.