[47]. These are Kaʿab Ibn Mālik, Hilāl Ibn Umayyah, and Murārah Ibn Al-Rabīʿ, who were sincere companions but, for one reason or another and without valid excuses, failed to join the Messenger ﷺ in his campaign to Tabuk.
[48]. Whose case was deferred for Decree of Allāh.
[49]. “The truthful” refers to those who are sincere in faith, steadfast in obedience, and truthful in their words, intentions, and actions. They are the ones whose hearts and tongues align in devotion to Allāh — unlike the hypocrites, whose speech and deeds contradict their claims of belief.
Being “with the truthful” means keeping their company, following their example, and embodying their sincerity in all affairs of faith and conduct.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Hellfire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allāh, a liar."
Telling the truth is a vital habit for Muslims to live out as they are surrendering their lives to Allāh. They need always to live the truth, to cease and put off falsehood, and to speak truthfully to all people. We must strive for truth in our words and actions.
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
[50]. Every step, sacrifice, or expense made sincerely for Allah’s cause — no matter how minor — is counted as a righteous deed in His record. This highlights Allah’s perfect justice and boundless generosity: He not only records every action but rewards each person according to the best of their deeds, not merely the average of them. Even the smallest effort — a short walk, a drop of water, a moment of fatigue — done with sincere intention, becomes an act of worship in His sight. It reminds believers that no good deed is ever wasted, and Allah’s mercy magnifies sincere actions beyond measure.