and excess corresponds to transgression, as in His words:

“Neither desiring it nor exceeding the limit,”

and to going beyond what is needed. Sins include following one’s desires without guidance from Allah. All of this is sinful, as when someone’s pleasure and anger are driven by personal interests: such a person follows his own desires. “Excess,” by contrast, is exemplified by someone who becomes angry for Allah’s sake but then inflicts punishment beyond what Allah commanded. The verse occurs in the context of fighting the polytheists and what befell the believers on the day of Uhud.

Allah spoke of those who came before them, saying:

“How many a prophet fought alongside many devoted followers! They did not lose heart because of what befell them in Allah’s cause, nor did they weaken or yield. And Allah loves those who are patient.”

It has been said that, according to the correct interpretation, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is the one meant here. Although he was not killed in battle, many prophets were killed.

“They did not lose heart because of what befell them in Allah’s cause, nor did they weaken or yield. And Allah loves those who are patient.”

“Their only words were: ‘Our Lord, forgive us our sins and our excesses in our affairs,’”

to the end of the verse. Thus they combined patience with seeking forgiveness. This is what is commanded when calamities strike: to bear them patiently and seek forgiveness for the sins that caused them. In battle, a person often fights for something other than Allah’s sake, as when he fights to display his courage, out of partisan zeal, or to be seen by others.

All these are sins. Someone who fights for Allah’s sake may nevertheless exceed the bounds, killing those who do not deserve to be killed and punishing the disbelievers more severely than he was commanded. Allah Most High says:

“If anyone is killed unjustly, We have granted his heir authority, so let him not