When the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, went out to fight the battle of Uhud, the hypocrites went back on the way to the battle and refrained from fighting with him. They withdrew one third of the army, and yet the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, did not punish them.
Zayd ibn Thaabit (a Companion) narrated:
“When the Messenger of Al- lah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, went out to fight the battle of Uhud, some people who initially went out with him went back. The Companions of the Mes- senger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, split into two groups with re- gards to those who withdrew, one saying: ‘We should fight them.’ And another group saying: ‘We should not fight them.
’ Thereupon, Allah revealed His Saying
(which means): «What is [the matter] with you [that you are] two groups concerning the hypocrites, [divided between two viewpoints] while Allah has made them fall back [into error and disbelief] for what they earned [as the result of their disobedience and disloyalty]. Do you wish to guide those whom Allah has [allowed to go] astray?»
[Quran: 4:88].”1
The hypocrites let the Muslims down at a time when they needed them the most. They also worked on influencing some of the weak-hearted and weak-minded people and were able to go back with one third of the army. The only thing that stopped them from joining the Muslim ranks was their hypocrisy and disbelief,
as Allah clarified Saying (what means):
«And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, “Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend.” They said: “If we had known [there would be] fighting, we would have followed you.” They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their hearts. And Allah is most Knowing of what they conceal.»
[Quran: 3:167].
Despite this behavior, the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, did not punish them for this great evil and sin that they committed.