The Tabuk mobilization and those who lingered
38–39
These verses were revealed during the preparations for the Tabuk expedition against Byzantium in the ninth year of the hijra. The call to march coincided with intense heat, a long and arduous road, and the date harvest season, so some were slow to set out. The verse warned them: “O you who believe, what is the matter with you that when you are told to march forth in the way of Allah, you cling heavily to the earth? Are you content with the life of this world over the Hereafter?” The exegetical sources agree that this passage was revealed concerning Tabuk.
Taberî; Vâhidî; İbn Kesîr, Tefsîr
Revelation context of the surah
Surah-wide
At-Tawbah is Medinan and among the very last surahs revealed (around 9 AH). Its main context is the Tabuk campaign, those who stayed behind from it, and the conduct of the hypocrites; it also declares the repudiation of treaties with the polytheists who had violated them. Its proclamations are reported to have been announced by Ali during the pilgrimage of 9 AH; it is the only surah that does not open with the basmala.
Klasik tefsir mukaddimeleri; Buhârî rivayetleri; siyer kaynakları