The third interpretation is that the killing refers exclusively to the godly men.

Regarding His saying, “alongside whom were many godly men”: Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, and Qatadah said: “Numerous multitudes.” Ibn Masud said: “The ribbiyyun are the thousands.” Al-Kalbi said: “One ribbiyyah is ten thousand,” while Al-Dahhak said: “One ribbiyyah is a thousand.” Al-Hasan said: “They were learned jurists.” It was also said that they were the followers: the rabbaniyyun were the rulers, while the ribbiyyun were the subjects. Another view is that the word is derived from rabb, meaning the Lord; they were those who worshipped the Lord.

Regarding His saying, “Yet they did not lose heart”: that is, they did not become cowardly. “Over what befell them in the way of Allah, nor did they weaken”: that is, they did not weaken in jihad because of the pain of their wounds (1) and the killing of their companions. “Nor did they humble themselves”: Muqatil said, “They did not surrender or submit to their enemy.” Al-Suddi said, “Nor were they humiliated.” ⦗71a⦘ Ata said, “Nor did they plead humbly.” Abu al-Aliyah said, “They did not become cowardly; rather, they remained patient in fulfilling the command of their Lord, obeying their prophet, and striving against their enemy.” “And Allah loves those who are patient.”

“And they said nothing but, ‘Our Lord, forgive us our sins and our excesses in our affairs, make our feet firm, and grant us victory over the disbelieving people.’ (147) So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the best reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves those who do good. (148)”

Regarding His saying, “And they said nothing but”: the predicate of kana is in the accusative case, while its subject is the clause “that they said.” Its meaning is: when their prophet was killed, all they said was, “Our Lord, forgive us our sins”—that is, the minor sins—“and our excesses in our affairs”—that is, the major sins—“and make our feet firm,” so that they do not slip, “and grant us victory over the disbelieving people.” He says: Why, then, did you not do and say the like of this, O Companions of Muhammad?

“So Allah gave them the reward of this world”: victory and spoils; “and the best reward of the Hereafter”: reward and Paradise. “And Allah loves those who do good.”

Regarding His saying, “O you who believe, if you obey those who disbelieve”: meaning, the Jews and Christians. Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: It refers to the hypocrites, when they said to the believers at the time of defeat, “Return to your brethren and enter their religion.”

“They will turn you back on your heels”: they will return you to your former state of associating partners with Allah; “and you will become losers”: deprived and cheated of all gain.

Then He said: “Rather, Allah is your Protector”: your Helper and the One who preserves you upon your religion; “and He is the best of helpers.”