Tafsir of Al-Ahzab 33:14

Al-Ahzab (The Confederates): Verse 14

Reference to the Hypocrites' Excuse:

This points out that their fleeing and returning [to their homes] was not truly for the sake of protecting their houses.

• The Logic of Purpose: If someone acts for a specific purpose, they cease that action when the purpose is lost. For example, someone spends money to prevent their house from being seized; if the house is seized anyway, they stop spending.
• The Hypocrites' Claim: They claimed their turning away from the Prophet (PBUH) was to protect their homes.
• The Divine Rebuttal: If the Confederates (Ahzab) had entered and seized their homes, they would still have turned away. Their turning away is solely due to their disbelief and their love for sedition (Fitnah).

Interpretation of "If you entered upon them":

This phrase could refer to:

1. The city (Medina).
2. Their houses.

Interpretation of "And they did not remain therein except a short while":

This could refer to:

1. The sedition (Fitnah): It would soon vanish, and the ultimate outcome belongs to the pious (Muttaqin).
2. The city or the houses: They would not remain in the city/houses for long, as the believers would drive them out.

{And they had already covenanted with Allah before, that they would not turn their backs [in flight]. And the covenant of Allah is a thing to be asked about.}

{Say, "Never will flight benefit you if you flee from death or killing. And then you would not be enjoyed [in life] except for a little while."}