Tafsir of An-Nisa' 4:62

(How) will their state be (when a disaster befalls them) that is, when a calamity reaches them that exposes their hypocrisy, (because of what their hands have sent forth) meaning: because of the crimes they committed, such as seeking judgment from the Taghut (the false judge) and turning away from your judgment. (Then they come to you swearing) is a conjunction linked to (befalls them). The intent is to emphasize the gravity of what has overtaken them. It is also said that it is linked to (they turn away), and that which is between them is a parenthetical clause. (Swearing) is a state (hal) from the subject of (they come to you), meaning: while swearing to you (by Allah: "We intended")—that is, we did not intend by our seeking judgment from other than you—("nothing but goodness") toward the disputants, ("and reconciliation") between them; we did not intend by litigating before someone other than you any lack of satisfaction with your judgment, so do not punish us for what we have done. This is a threat to them for what they did, indicating that they will regret it when regret will be of no benefit to them, and they will offer excuses when excuses will not avail them.

It is also said: The companions of the slain man came seeking his blood-money and said: "We did not intend by seeking judgment from Umar—may Allah be pleased with him—anything but that he should be good to our companion and reconcile between him and his opponent." According to this view, the "when" (idha) is merely for temporal context rather than the future.

It is also said: The meaning of the verse concerns Abdullah ibn Ubayy, and the "disaster" is the humiliation that befell him and his companions upon their return from the Battle of Banu al-Mustaliq, which is the Battle of Muraysi' when the Surah of the Hypocrites (Al-Munafiqun) was revealed. They were compelled to show humility and offer excuses, as will be mentioned in its proper place, if Allah the Exalted wills. They said: "We did not intend by speaking between the two disputing parties in that battle anything but good." Or, the "disaster" refers to death, when they pleaded to the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—for leniency and for him to seek forgiveness for them, and they requested his shirt so that they might be shielded from the Fire by it.