OCCASION OF THE REVELATION

      In his return form TABUK, twelve men from among the hypocrites conspired and hatched a plot to slay the prophet. The plot was to stampede the prophet's camel and make her to run away in panic, upon a dangerous steep from which the army had to pass.

      Gabriel informed the prophet of the plan and observed necessary precautions accordingly. For example, in that narrow slope, he gave the bridle of his camel to AMMطR- IBN- YطSIR who was a strong young man, to control it in some unusual cases. He also ordered HAZIFEH OF YEMEN, to be on guard with some other Muslims for that purpose.

      In the said steep, the 12 hypocrites approached with their faces covered by veils. When they rushed to stampede the prophet's camel, the prophet stroke them with a stick that he had prepared it for that purpose. In the meantime HAZIFEH and some friends of him jumped forth to defend the prophet. The invaders made sure that their secret plan and conspiracy had been discovered. So they made use of the dark of the night and run a way in a zigzag and were lost among the forces. HAZIFEH did pursue them but failed to capture anyone. When he returned the prophet asked him: ``Did you recognize them?'' Yes he said: ``I managed to know them by their voices.'' He then asked the prophet to give permission to execute the conspirators; but the prophet said to HAZIFEH: ``Leave them alone! I don't want people say that, Mohammad slays his companions'. Just keep the matter confidential.''

ANOTHER DANGEROUS PLOT OF THE HYPOCRITES

      These verses imply that sometimes God reveales the secret plots and plans of the enemies to save the life of His Messenger. They therefore, were afraid of such revelations to come and rise and revolt the believers against them:

      The hypocrites fear lest a chapter should be sent down against them.''

      As a matter of fact, they did believe to some extent that God, through inspiration, or other means, may discolse their secrets and plans to His Messenger! This, had been proved to them by experience. But still, due to their stubbornness and obstinacy, they did not cease making troubles and causing agitation. When they were questioned about that, their childish answer was: ``We were jesting and playing!'' But can stampeding the prophe'ts camel in that hard slope be considered as a jest and play?! Play with what?: ``Say: Were you scoffing at Allah, His signs, and His Messenger?''