—that is, in assisting them—“saying, ‘We fear that misfortune may befall us.’” Allah Most High then said:

“But perhaps Allah will bring victory or a decision from Him, and then they will”—meaning these hypocrites who ally themselves with non-Muslims under Muslim protection—“regret what they concealed within themselves.”

“The believers will say, ‘Are these the ones who swore their most solemn oaths by Allah that they were with you?’ Their deeds have come to nothing, and they have become losers.”

Those with experience know that Jews, Christians, and hypocrites living under Muslim protection correspond with their coreligionists, conveying news of the Muslims and whatever secrets of theirs they discover. Such reports from those under Muslim protection to their coreligionists have led to Muslims being seized in the lands of the Tatars, people being taken captive, and other consequences.

Among the well-known verses of poetry are these words:

Every enmity may yet turn to affection,
Except the enmity of one who opposes you in religion.

For this and other reasons, they were prohibited from holding authority over Muslims or managing the interests of Muslims who strengthen them or surpass them in experience and trustworthiness. Indeed, employing someone less capable than they are is more beneficial to Muslims in their religious and worldly affairs. A little lawful provision is blessed, whereas abundant unlawful wealth vanishes and Allah Most High wipes it out.

Allah knows best. May Allah bless Muhammad, his family, and his Companions, and grant them peace.