[2187] These are the group of hypocrites who sought the Messenger’s permission without valid excuses to stay in Madinah and not join him on his way to Tabuk (cf. al-Ṭabarī, al-Wāḥidī, al-Basīṭ, Ibn Kathīr).
[2188] The ‘tough’ punishments mentioned here and in the next aya, amount to naming and shaming (cf. al-Rāzī, Ibn ʿĀshūr); they are being pointed out as discordant to the rest of society (cf. Ibn ʿAṭiyyah).
[2189] al-Khālif (plural al-khālifūn) is the person who remains behind because of lack or incapacity (cf. al-Iṣfahānī, al-Mufradāt). It is used here to impart a derogatory sense (cf. al-Ṭabarī).