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The tauba (repentance) of the three Sahaba who stayed behind during the Battle of Tabuk is mentioned in Surah At-Tauba, verse 118. These companions were: Ka‘b ibn Malik (RA), Hilal ibn Umayyah (RA), and Murarah ibn Rabi‘ (RA). They were sincere believers but failed to join the expedition due to personal weakness and without any legitimate excuse.
After the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) returned from Tabuk, they confessed their mistake honestly and were advised to wait for Allah’s decision. For fifty days, they faced social boycott by the Muslim community in Madinah. Their repentance was finally accepted by Allah, and their forgiveness was revealed in the Qur'an as a sign of divine mercy and acknowledgment of their sincerity.
Surah At-Tauba not only documents the political and moral atmosphere during the expedition but also emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, patience, and the acceptance of sincere repentance. The incident highlights that even committed believers can falter but redemption lies in genuine remorse and turning back to Allah.
Key Facts:
The repentance of the three Sahaba is mentioned in Surah At-Tauba (9:118).
The three were: Ka‘b ibn Malik, Hilal ibn Umayyah, and Murarah ibn Rabi‘ (RA).
They stayed behind without valid reasons during the Battle of Tabuk.
Their tauba was accepted after 50 days of isolation and divine testing.
The incident teaches the value of honesty, accountability, and Allah’s mercy.
Surah At-Tauba deals with themes of jihad, hypocrisy, loyalty, and repentance.
No “Bismillah” appears at the start of Surah At-Tauba, showing its serious tone.
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