Tafsir of Al-Fath 48:11

They are those who stayed behind from [the expedition of] al-Hudaybiyyah. They were the Bedouin of Ghifar, Muzaynah, Juhaynah, Ashja‘, Aslam, and al-Dil.

This is because when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) intended to travel to Makkah in the year of al-Hudaybiyyah to perform ‘Umrah, he summoned the Bedouin and the people of the desert surrounding Madinah to accompany him, fearing that the Quraysh might confront him with war or prevent him from reaching the House. He entered into Ihram and drove the sacrificial animals with him to show that he did not intend war.

However, many of the Bedouin lagged behind, saying: "He is going to a people who have already attacked him in the heart of his home in Madinah and killed his companions, so he will fight them." They assumed he would perish and never return to Madinah. They offered excuses, claiming they were occupied with their families and wealth, and that they had no one to manage their affairs. (It is also recited as shaghalatna with a shaddah).

"They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts." This is a refutation of their excuses, indicating that what kept them behind was not what they claimed, but rather doubt in Allah and hypocrisy. Their request for forgiveness was also not issued from sincerity.

"Who can avail you at all against Allah if He intends for you harm..." Meaning: Who can prevent you from the will and decree of Allah if He intends for you harm, such as killing or defeat, "or if He intends for you benefit" such as victory or spoils? (It is also recited as durran with a fathah and a dammah).

Note on language: Al-ahlun is the plural of ahl. It is also said ahlat, based on the feminine ta’, like ard and ardat, and ahilah has also been reported. As for ahalin, it is a collective noun, like layalin.

"Nay, you thought that the Messenger and the believers would never return to their families, and that was made fair-seeming in your hearts, and you thought an evil thought, and you were a people ruined."