LAGGARDS READY TO SEEK
VERSE NO.15-17
Most of the commentators refer the above verses to the later victory of Khaibar which occured soon after the Peace Treaty of Hudaybeyeh. When the prophet returned from Hudaybeyeh, gave the glad tidings of the conquest of Khaibar, and said that only those who had taken part in the journey to Hudaybeyeh, can attend to the war of Khaibar! In that war which was waged against the wealthy Jewish agitators against Islam, there was a promise of much booty and spoils of war.
Therefore, the coward mammonists, and worldly minded Bedouines, who had made sure that the prophet would conquer the castles, and obtain a lot of spoils; announced their eagerness to attend the war, and to make up for their past religious omissions, but they lied and were driving only at booty and personal gain. And therefore, the prophet's answer was, ``NO!'' because he knew well that they were not sincere in their repentance. Allah had intended the booty of Khaibar to be shared among those faithful Moslims who had accompanied the prophet in Hudaybeyeh:-
``...Then soon will they say:- ``You are rather jealous of us!'' Not so as they say; Only little they understand.''
The truth in this case was that, some of the new converts who were weak in faith, such as the Bedouines lagged behind, because the journey for pilgrimage had no promise of spoils. Even if they took part in the JIHAD, it was merely for personal gain and booty. The Bedouines were fond of fighting for plounder. On the other hand, the prophet's aim was to promote them to the world of virtue and piety, and to teach them Book and Wisdom. He wanted to show them the values of discipline and self-sacrifice. The prophet's proposed JIHAD was to strive hard for the sake of Allah, both in peace and war. Prophet's aim in JIHAD was never booty or personal gain. He rather fought for a great and noble cause the pivot of which was Allah.