The Quran draws here the portrait of the hypocrites: repeated oaths to cover their lies, prayer performed for show, and positions wavering between disbelief and faith. The verses recount their conduct at the battles of Uhud and of the Confederates and in the affair of the slander, their evasion of jihad and their alliance with the enemies of their religion.
Verses gathered from a topical index of the Quran, in Mushaf order; every verse is quoted in full.
And they had already promised Allāh before not to turn their backs [i.e., flee]. And ever is the promise to Allāh [that about which one will be] questioned.
They think the companies have not [yet] withdrawn. And if the companies should come [again], they would wish they were in the desert among the bedouins, inquiring [from afar] about your news. And if they should be among you, they would not fight except for a little.