172. Turning back on heels means to return to kufr (rejection of faith) and to non-islamic life. Here the point that is proposed to be brought home is that as there had come many messengers from Allah in this world, in the same way Muhammad ( peace be upon him) was also one of His messengers. As the other prophets had to die, in the same way this prophet would also have to taste death. His being a prophet does not mean that he would not die nor that he would not be slain. This world is a place for test and trial and even prophets have been subjected to trials.

From a reference to the context it can be seen that the idea is to remove the impression which was formed in the minds of some muslims after they had heard the rumours of the death of the Prophet in the Battle of Uhud.

It may be noted that during the battle of Uhud the infidels had spread the rumour that the Prophet was slain in the battle which caused a disorder in the battle lines of the Muslims, although some of his brave companions had given the morale-building reply that why should they not lay down their lives for the same purpose for which the Prophet has laid down his life, or that when the Prophet is not there, what is the use of living without him.

173. That is: Those who valued highly the blessing which they received in the form of Islam, Allah will give them reward regardless of the fact whether their Prophet is present among them or is dead.

174. Allah has fixed the time of death of every person, which is noted in a book. Death comes exactly at that appointed time, neither before nor after. Therefore, it is not proper to run away from the religious duty of jihad for fear of death.

175. The allusion is to those battles which were fought under the leadership of prophets Samuel, Dawood (David) Sulaiman (Solomon) and others. The idea is to raise the morale of the Muslims that they should not be discouraged by the hardships which they were experiencing in the battle of Uhud. Encountering of hardship and adversities in the way of Allah is not a new thing. The past prophets and their companions had also to pass through these stages and after passing through these stages only they reached the high places and ranks.

176. That is: While facing these difficulties and hardships they did not speak ill of their God and messenger, but they acknowledged their weaknesses and begged for forgiveness of their sins and transgressions. The outcome of their attitude was that they were successful in this world and in the next world also they bagged the best rewards from Allah.

177. In the text the word ‘Mohsineen’(those who do good) has been used, that is those who do ‘ehsan’ or the good work in their lives meaning righteous and virtuous people those who not only perform their duties but also do it in an excellent manner. In the above verses the people who have been said to have the quality of laying down their lives in the cause of Allah have been called ‘Mohsineen.’

It shows that in the meaning of ‘Ehsan’(good work), striving for religion even at the cost of one’s life and to offer sacrifices for Allah are included to a great extent.