And when they informed him of the occurrence of the punishment upon them, they commanded him with what would be a cause for what they were commanded regarding his salvation. So they said: ﴿So travel﴾; and they brought the letter 'fa' (ف) because what comes after it is a consequence of what came before it. ﴿With your family, by night﴾; that is: a group; ﴿And follow﴾; that is: make it your duty to follow ﴿their backs﴾; so that you may be closer to them and to the place of punishment; because you have established them in heart and you know them with Allah; and the evil is behind you; and it has been the custom of the leaders that they are the closest of their group to the fearful matter; allowing themselves; and affirming for others; and they know that the condemnation of what is in it is a terror that does not bring closer to a term; and its opposite does not avail against destiny; nor does it distance from harm; and so that your heart does not become preoccupied with those who oppose you; and so that they may respect you and not turn their attention; or that one of them may lag behind; and other than that from the benefits; and 'the back' is the direction of the rear; and it is the opposite of 'the front'; ﴿And let not one of you turn﴾; that is: at all; ﴿from you﴾; for there is no benefit in it; because the one who turns is not steadfast; for he is either not certain of our news; or he is pained for them; and whoever turns will be struck by the punishment; and that is also more serious in migration; and quicker in movement; and more indicative of the expulsion of what they left behind from their homes and possessions from their hearts; and that they do not show mercy to one whom Allah has become angry with; even though they may have seen what their souls cannot bear; ﴿And proceed where﴾; and his expression in the present tense indicates that some of the angels - blessings and peace be upon them - will be with them in his saying: ﴿You are commanded﴾.