This surah was revealed during the Prophet’s last military campaign, the expedition to Tabūk, in 9 AH, when Islam had grown strong and prevailed. In it, Allah exposed the condition of the hypocrites, describing their cowardice and abandonment of jihad, their reluctance to spend in Allah’s cause, and their avaricious attachment to wealth.

These are two grave maladies: cowardice and miserliness. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The worst traits in a person are avarice that fills him with anguish and cowardice that makes his heart quake.”

This is an authentic hadith. Hence, these two traits may constitute major sins that incur Hellfire, as indicated by His words:

“Let not those who greedily withhold what Allah has granted them of His bounty think that it is good for them. Rather, it is bad for them. What they withheld will be hung around their necks on the Day of Resurrection.”

Allah Most High also said:

“Whoever turns his back on them that day, unless manoeuvring for battle or joining another company, has incurred Allah’s wrath. His refuge is Hell—what an evil destination!”

As for His description of their cowardice and fear, Allah Most High said:

“They swear by Allah that they are indeed of you, but they are not of you; rather, they are a people who are afraid.”

“If they could find a refuge, caves, or a place to enter, they would turn towards it, rushing headlong.”

Thus, He, glorified be He, states that although they swear they are among the believers, they are not among them; rather, they are terrified of the enemy. So, “if they could find a refuge”—some stronghold or fortress in which to seek shelter, of the kind to which those who abandon jihad flee—or “caves”—maghārāt, the plural of maghārah (“cave”). Caves are so called because whoever enters them sinks out of sight, becoming hidden, just as water sinks into the ground. Or “a place to enter”