Tafsir of At-Tawbah 9:86

{And when a Surah is revealed...}

It is permissible that "a Surah" refers to the entire Surah, or it may refer to a part of it, just as the terms "the Qur'an" and "the Book" are applied to both the whole and the part. It is said that it refers to Bara'ah (At-Tawbah), because it contains the command for faith and Jihad.

{And when a Surah is revealed} The "when" (idha) is the explanatory (al-mufassirah) particle.

{Those of wealth} Meaning those of virtue and abundance; derived from tala 'alayhi tawlan (he surpassed him in abundance).

{With the stay-behinds} Meaning with those who have a valid excuse or illness for remaining behind.

{So they do not understand} They do not grasp the triumph and happiness found in Jihad, nor the misery and destruction found in staying behind.

{But the Messenger} Meaning: Even if these people stayed behind, there has set out for the battle one who is better than them and more sincere in intention and belief. This is like His saying: {If these people disbelieve in it, We have entrusted it to a people...} (Al-An'am: 89), and {But if they are arrogant, then those who are with your Lord...} (Fussilat: 38).

{The good things} This encompasses the benefits of both worlds due to the generality of the term. It is also said that it refers to the Hur (maidens of Paradise), based on His saying: {In them are good things} (Ar-Rahman: 70).

{And the excuse-makers among the Bedouins came to be granted permission, and those who lied to Allah and His Messenger sat back. A painful punishment will afflict those who disbelieved among them.}