Some of the dwellers of the desert (who were not able to join the army) came to the Prophet seeking exemption from taking part in the battle. Those who called God and His Messengers liars also stayed home (with those who were truly exempt). The disbelievers will soon receive a painful punishment.
عذر آورندگان از بادیه نشینان نزد تو آمدند تا به آنان اجازه [ترک جنگ] داده شود، و کسانی که به خدا و رسولش دروغ گفتند [بدون آمدن نزد تو و بی هیچ عذری در خانه] نشستند، به زودی به کسانی از آنان که کفر ورزیدند، عذابی دردناک خواهد رسید.