And He relented to the three who were left behind formerly denied His relenting to them for the same reason as those mentioned above when the earth was straitened for them for all its breadth that is despite its vastness so they could find no place wherein to feel secure and their souls that is their hearts were straitened for them because of the anxiety and their sense of alienation resulting from the delay of God’s relenting to them with mercy such that they their souls could not find happiness or solace; until they thought they were certain that read the softened an there is no refuge from God except in Him. Then He turned relenting to them He made them successful in finding repentance that they might also turn in repentance. Truly God is the Relenting the Merciful.
- 9:118118
وَعَلَى الثَّلَاثَةِ الَّذِينَ خُلِّفُوا حَتَّىٰ إِذَا ضَاقَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَرْضُ بِمَا رَحُبَتْ وَضَاقَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ أَنْفُسُهُمْ وَظَنُّوا أَنْ لَا مَلْجَأَ مِنَ اللَّهِ إِلَّا إِلَيْهِ ثُمَّ تَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ لِيَتُوبُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ
And (He did forgive also) the three [who did not join the Tabuk expedition (whom the Prophet SAW)] left (i.e. he did not give his judgement in their case, and their case was suspended for Allah's Decision) till for them the earth, vast as it is, was straitened and their ownselves were straitened to them, and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah, and no refuge but with Him. Then, He accepted their repentance, that they might repent (unto Him). Verily, Allah is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.
- common.revelation-Medinan
- common.hizb : 82