When the war of Ohud was over, those who had fled from the field came back to the prophet with repentance, and begged his pardon, and asked him to pray for God's forgiveness too.

      The prophet who has the title of: `A MERCY TO ALL CREATION'; through his kind and gentle behaviour, declared amnesty and pardoned them all, and accepted their repentance:

      ``It was by the Mercy of Allah that you became clement and gentle to them. Had you been harsh and rigorous to them they would have scattered from about you.''

      Following the general pardon, in order to cherish their personality and to maintain their prestige, the verse wants the prophet to take counsel with them in the affair.

      Being mild and gentle in consultation is a virtue but when decision has been taken, one should be resolute and serious in action:

      ``Pardon them and pray forgiveness for them, and take counsel with them in the affair, but when you are resolved, then be serious, and put your trust in Allah.''

      This verse also implies that relying on God, and putting trust on Him is in a stage after consultation, and making use of natural means and provisions.