At-Tawbah 9:45

<h2>Moderately criticizing the Prophet for allowing the Hypocrites to stay behind</h2><p>Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that `Awn said, "Have you heard criticism softer than this, starting with forgiveness before criticism,</p><p>عَفَا اللَّهُ عَنكَ لِمَ أَذِنتَ لَهُمْ</p><p>(May Allah forgive you. Why did you grant them leave...)" Muwarriq Al-`Ijli and others said similarly. Qatadah said, "Allah criticized him as you read here, then later revealed to him the permission to allow them to lag behind if he wants, in Surat An-Nur,</p><p>فَإِذَا اسْتَـْذَنُوكَ لِبَعْضِ شَأْنِهِمْ فَأْذَن لِّمَن شِئْتَ مِنْهُمْ</p><p>(So if they ask your permission for some affairs of theirs, give permission to whom you will of them) 24:62." `Ata' Al-Khurasani said similarly. Mujahid said, "This Ayah was revealed about some people who said, `Ask permission from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to stay behind, and whether he agrees, or disagrees, remain behind!"' Allah said,</p><p>حَتَّى يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكَ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُواْ</p><p>(...until those who told the truth were manifest to you), in reference to valid excuses,</p><p>وَتَعْلَمَ الْكَـذِبِينَ</p><p>(and you had known the liars) Allah says, `Why did you not refuse to give them permission to remain behind when they asked you, so that you know those who truly obey you and the liars, who were intent on remaining behind even …

They alone ask leave of thee who believe not in Allah and the Last Day, and whose hearts feel doubt, so in their doubt they waver.

Only those ask thee for exemption who believe not in Allah and the Last Day, and whose hearts are in doubt, so that they are tossed in their doubts to and fro.

It is only those who believe not in Allah and the Last Day and whose hearts are in doubt that ask your leave (to be exempted from Jihad). So in their doubts they waver.

Only those who do not believe in God and the Last Day ask you for exemption. Their hearts are full of doubts, so they waver in their doubts.