When he finished admonishing the companions - may Allah be pleased with them - he followed it with making the Prophet ﷺ beloved to them through the kindness and gentleness he showed them. This was in light of the anger that led to violence and oppression due to the objections of those who opposed what he suggested. Then there was their disobedience to his command regarding preserving the position, patience, and piety. Then there was their abandonment of him and their prioritization of themselves over his noble self. Then there was their lack of compassion towards him while he was calling them to him and commanding them to turn towards him. Then there was the accusation against those who accused him, and other matters that necessitate for the leaders of the armies and commanders of the soldiers to suspect their followers and have a negative opinion of them, which leads to anger and causing harm to some of them. This would serve as a deterrent for them from returning to similar behavior. So Allah, the Most High, said: "So by a mercy from Allah..."; meaning: the One who has all perfection, "you were lenient towards them"; meaning: how you were lenient with them with this extraordinary gentleness and showed them this kindness after what they did to you, except by reason of a great mercy from Allah, the One who possesses all perfection. You responded to them with goodness and did not reprimand them for their abandoning you after they opposed your opinion, and they were the reason for your distress. The word "what" necessitates this restriction because it negates in the context of affirmation. Thus, it cannot be directed except against the opposite of what the context affirmed. The addition of it indicates that the tanween on "mercy" is for glorification; meaning: "by the great mercy"; not by anything else, you were lenient.

And when He, glorified and exalted is He, clarified the reason for this strong leniency, He clarified its consequence by stating what is contrary to it from harm. He said: "And if you had been rude"; meaning: ill-mannered, harsh in speech; "and hard-hearted"; meaning: cruel, unaffected by anything, treating them with violence and harshness; "they would have dispersed from around you"; meaning: they would have separated in a bad way, with no gathering with you; "and the purpose of the mission would have been lost."

And when He informed him - glorified and exalted is He - that He had forgiven them for what they had neglected of His rights; He commanded him to forgive them; in what concerns him, blessings and peace be upon him; and to continue consulting them in times of emergencies; so that their mistakes in opinion would not occur - firstly in leaving the city; and secondly in neglecting the position; and thirdly in their turning away from being diligent against the enemy; after the defeat; for which fighting was only legislated for its sake; by their rushing towards plunder; and fourthly in their weakness during the enemy's charge; and other than that - necessitating the abandonment of consulting them; so that what is in it of benefits would be lost in itself; and in what it yields of unity; and following the Sunnah; and other than that; so He said - glorified and exalted is He -: ﴿So forgive them﴾; meaning: what they neglected in this round regarding You; ﴿And ask forgiveness for them﴾; meaning: Allah - glorified and exalted is He - for what they neglected of His rights; ﴿And consult them﴾; meaning: extract their opinions; ﴿In the matter﴾; meaning: that which you want from matters of war; to bring them together; and to soothe their souls; so that those who come after you may follow your example; ﴿And when you have decided﴾; meaning: after that on a matter; and you have proceeded in it; and the reading of one who includes the ت for the speaker; with its meaning; meaning: so if you do something after consultation; for I have done in it - by wanting it - the action of one who is determined.

And when he commanded consultation; which is looking into the causes; he commanded adherence to its cause; without turning to it; so that a person's striving may be completed by being involved; then being detached; so He said: ﴿So put your trust﴾; meaning: in Him; ﴿Upon Allah﴾; meaning: the One to whom belongs all command; and nothing will deter you from it out of fear of consequences - as you did; by the success of Allah; in this expedition -; then He explained that by saying: ﴿Indeed, Allah﴾; meaning: the One who has no equal ﴿Loves those who put their trust﴾; meaning: so He does not do with them except what is in their honor; (p-109) even if something other than that is seen.