[161] Unfortunately several missionary expeditious sent by Mohammad were met with unfavorable circumstances. The party sent to Bani Suleim, demanding their allegiance to the faith of Islam, was slain. Another party sent to Bani Leith was surprised, and its camels plundered. A small party sent by Mohammad to Fadak was cut to pieces by Bani Murra. Another party sent to Zat Atlah to call upon the people to embrace Islam, of which only one person escaped. Mohammad's messenger despatched to the Ghassanide Prince at Bostra was murdered by the chief of Muta. His army sent to avenge the treachery of the chief was defeated. All these mishaps and reverses dangerously affected the prestige of Mohammad, and encouraged the Meccans to violate the truce.
[162] Or defend, 'Yadafeo' repel.
[163] Yokâtaloona, or who fight Yokateloona. The former reading is the authorized and general.
[164] The primary signification of fitnah is burning with fire. It signifies a trial or probation and affliction, distress or hardship; and particularly an affliction whereby one is tried, proved, or tested.—Vide Lane's Arabic-English Lexicon, p. 2335.
[165] Desist from persecuting you and preventing you to enter your native city and prohibiting access to the sacred mosque and attacking you, and from religious intolerance.
[166] i.e., the religious persecution and intolerance and hindrance to visit the sacred mosque being suppressed; you may profess, preach and practice your religion freely.
[167] Vide note 2 in p. 17.
[168] Shaw-wal, Zulkada, Zulhij, and Moharram, the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 1st months of the Arabian year.
These verses were promulgated in Ramzan, the 9th month of the year.
[169] And have violated the Hodeibia Truce. Compare verses 4, 8, and 12.