And when the hearts were overwhelmed by these troubles, glorified and exalted is He, He relieved them, indicating that there is in them - even if their return is deemed unlikely - a place for hope by His saying: "Except for those who repent." That is, they return to their Lord, remembering His kindness. And since the repentant person has not spent the time after faith in disbelief, and repentance is accepted even if its duration is short, He affirmed the condition by saying: "After that," meaning the apostasy where repentance is accepted. "And they amend," that is, by continuing in what is required of good fruits. "For indeed, Allah," meaning the One who has glory and honor, forgives their sins because Allah is "Forgiving," erasing misdeeds, "Merciful," by granting rewards. This is a characteristic of them and of all who repent from their sins.