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Muhammad Asad   
And it was by God's grace that thou [O Prophet] didst deal gently with thy followers: for if thou hadst been harsh and hard of heart, they would indeed have broken away from thee. Pardon them, then, and pray that they be forgiven. And take counsel with them in all matters of public concern; then, when thou hast decided upon a course of action, place thy trust in God: for, verily, God loves those who place their trust in Him
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
It is out of Allah’s mercy that you ˹O Prophet˺ have been lenient with them. Had you been cruel or hard-hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you. So pardon them, ask Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult with them in ˹conducting˺ matters. Once you make a decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him.
Safi Kaskas   
By God's mercy, you [Prophet] were gentle toward them. If you had been rude and hard-hearted, they would have turned away from you. Pardon them, ask forgiveness for them, and consult them about the matter, but once you decide on a course of action, put your trust in God. God loves those who trust Him.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
فَبِمَا رَحۡمَةࣲ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمۡۖ وَلَوۡ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِیظَ ٱلۡقَلۡبِ لَٱنفَضُّوا۟ مِنۡ حَوۡلِكَۖ فَٱعۡفُ عَنۡهُمۡ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لَهُمۡ وَشَاوِرۡهُمۡ فِی ٱلۡأَمۡرِۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمۡتَ فَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ یُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُتَوَكِّلِینَ ۝١٥٩
Transliteration (2021)   
fabimā raḥmatin mina l-lahi linta lahum walaw kunta faẓẓan ghalīẓa l-qalbi la-infaḍḍū min ḥawlika fa-uʿ'fu ʿanhum wa-is'taghfir lahum washāwir'hum fī l-amri fa-idhā ʿazamta fatawakkal ʿalā l-lahi inna l-laha yuḥibbu l-mutawakilīn
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
So because (of) Mercy from Allah you dealt gently with them. And if you had been rude (and) harsh (at) [the] heart, surely they (would have) dispersed from around you. Then pardon [from] them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. Then when you have decided, then put trust on Allah. Indeed, Allah loves the ones who put trust (in Him).

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
And it was by God's grace that thou [O Prophet] didst deal gently with thy followers: for if thou hadst been harsh and hard of heart, they would indeed have broken away from thee. Pardon them, then, and pray that they be forgiven. And take counsel with them in all matters of public concern; then, when thou hast decided upon a course of action, place thy trust in God: for, verily, God loves those who place their trust in Him
M. M. Pickthall   
It was by the mercy of Allah that thou wast lenient with them (O Muhammad), for if thou hadst been stern and fierce of heart they would have dispersed from round about thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when thou art resolved, then put thy trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loveth those who put their trust (in Him)
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast Taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
It is out of Allah’s mercy that you ˹O Prophet˺ have been lenient with them. Had you been cruel or hard-hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you. So pardon them, ask Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult with them in ˹conducting˺ matters. Once you make a decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him.
Safi Kaskas   
By God's mercy, you [Prophet] were gentle toward them. If you had been rude and hard-hearted, they would have turned away from you. Pardon them, ask forgiveness for them, and consult them about the matter, but once you decide on a course of action, put your trust in God. God loves those who trust Him.
Wahiduddin Khan   
It is by God's grace that you were gentle with themfor if you had been harsh and hard-hearted, they would surely have deserted youso bear with them and pray for forgiveness for them. Take counsel with them in the conduct of affairs; then, when you have decided upon a course of action, place your trust in God: for God loves those who place their trust in Him.
Shakir   
Thus it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you; pardon them therefore and ask pardon for them, and take counsel with them in the affair; so when you have decided, then place your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves those who trust
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
And it is by the mercy of God thou wert gentle with them. And if thou hadst been hard, harsh of heart, they would have broken away from around thee. So pardon them and ask for forgiveness for them. And take counsel with them in the affair. But when thou art resolved, then, put thy trust in God. Truly, God loves the ones who put their trust in Him.
T.B.Irving   
However since mercy from God does exist, you have been easy on them. If you had been harsh and cruel-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you. Pardon them, seek forgiveness for them. and consult with them on the matter. Yet once you have reached a decision, then rely on God; God loves those who are reliant.
Abdul Hye   
By the Mercy of Allah, you (Muhammad) deal with them gently. Had you been rough and hard-hearted, surely they would have broken away from you. So pardon them, ask (Allah’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. But when you have taken a decision, then put your trust in Allah. Surely, Allah loves those who put their trust in Allah.
The Study Quran   
Then [it was] by a mercy from God that thou wert gentle with them. Hadst thou been severe [and] hard-hearted they would have scattered from about thee. So pardon them, ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in affairs. And when thou art resolved, trust in God; truly God loves those who trust
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
Out of God’s mercy, you dealt gently with them. They would’ve dispersed from around you if you had been harsh and hard-hearted. So forgive them, pray for their forgiveness, and consult with them in the matter. Once you’ve made a decision, put your trust in God. God loves those who trust.
Talal Itani (2012)   
It is by of grace from God that you were gentle with them. Had you been harsh, hardhearted, they would have dispersed from around you. So pardon them, and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in the conduct of affairs. And when you make a decision, put your trust in God; God loves the trusting
Dr. Kamal Omar   
So, with mercy from Allah, you dealt gently with them. And had you been strict, harsh-hearted, surely they would have moved away from your precincts; so overlook them (their faults) and invoke forgiveness for them and consult them in the affair. Then when you have taken a stand (on the matter), then put (your) trust in Allah. Certainly Allah loves those who put (their) trust (in Him)
M. Farook Malik   
It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them. Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
So it was by (some) mercy from Allah that you have been lenient with them; and if you had been stern (and) harsh of heart, they would indeed have broken away from round about you. So be clement towards them, and ask forgiveness for them, and take counsel of them in the command. Yet when you are resolved, then put your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves the (ones) trusting (in Him)
Muhammad Sarwar   
Only through the Divine Mercy have you (Muhammad) been able to deal with your followers so gently. If you had been stern and hard-hearted, they would all have deserted you a long time ago. Forgive them and ask God to forgive (their sins) and consult with them in certain matters. But ,when you reach a decision, trust God. God loves those who trust Him
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
So, (O Prophet) it is through mercy from Allah that you are gentle to them. Had you been rough and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you. So, pardon them, and seek Forgiveness for them. Consult them in the matter and, once you have taken a decision, place your trust in Allah. Surely, Allah loves those who place their trust in Him
Shabbir Ahmed   
It is a Mercy of Allah that you (O Messenger), are lenient and compassionate with people. If you were harsh and fierce of heart, they would have broken away from you. Pardon their imperfections, arrange their protection and consult with them about the conduct of affairs. Once you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those who do their best and then trust in Allah
Dr. Munir Munshey   
It is because of the mercy of Allah that you, (Oh Muhammad, SAW), are lenient (and polite) with them. For, had you been callous and hard of heart, they would have (disbanded and) dispersed from around you. So, pardon them, seek forgiveness for them and seek their advice in matters (that concern them). Then, once you arrive at a decision, put your trust in Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who place their trust (in Him)
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
It is (in part) by the mercy of Allah that you dealt gently with them. If you were severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you: So overlook (their faults by pardoning them), and ask for (Allah’s) Forgiveness for them; And consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
So by mercy from Allah , [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah . Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
It was a mercy from God that you were soft towards them; had you been harsh and mean hearted, they would have dispersed from you; so pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in the matter; but when you are convinced, then put your trust in God; God loves those who trust
Abdel Haleem   
By an act of mercy from God, you [Prophet] were gentle in your dealings with them- had you been harsh, or hard-hearted, they would have dispersed and left you- so pardon them and ask forgiveness for them. Consult with them about matters, then, when you have decided on a course of action, put your trust in God: God loves those who put their trust in Him
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
It was then of the mercy of Allah that thou hast been gentle with them; and wert thou rough, hardhearted, they had surely dispersed from around thee. So pardon them thou, and ask thou forgiveness for them and take thou counsel with them in the affair, and when thou hast resolved, put thy trust in Allah. Verily Allah loveth the trustful
Ahmed Ali   
It was through God's mercy that you dealt with them gently; for had you been stern and hard of heart they would surely have broken away from you. So pardon them and pray that forgiveness be theirs, and seek their counsel in all affairs, And when you have come to a decision place your trust in God alone, for He loves those who place their trust in Him
Aisha Bewley   
It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with them. If you had been rough or hard of heart, they would have scattered from around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult with them about the matter. Then when you have reached a firm decision, put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.
Ali Ünal   
It was by a mercy from God that (at the time of the setback), you (O Messenger) were lenient with them (your Companions). Had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would surely have scattered away from about you. Then pardon them, pray for their forgiveness, and take counsel with them in the affairs (of public concern), and when you are resolved (on a course of action), put your trust in God. Surely God loves those who put their trust (in Him)
Ali Quli Qara'i   
It is by Allah’s mercy that you are gentle to them; and had you been harsh and hardhearted, surely they would have scattered from around you. So excuse them, and plead for forgiveness for them, and consult them in the affairs, and once you are resolved, put your trust in Allah. Indeed Allah loves those who trust in Him
Hamid S. Aziz   
It was by the mercy of Allah that you did deal gently with them (O Muhammad), for had you been rough and fierce of heart they would have dispersed from around you. But pardon them, and ask forgiveness for them, and consult with them on the conduct of aff
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
Because of God’s mercy you were gentle with them, and if you were blunt and coldhearted, they would have certainly gone away from around you, so excuse them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in affairs, and when you decide then put your trust in God. Indeed, God likes those who put their trust (in Him).
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
It is part of the mercy of God that you deal gently with them, were you unkind or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from you, so excuse them, and ask for God's forgiveness for them, and consult them in their affairs. Then, when you have made a decision, put your trust in God, for God loves those who put their trust in Him
Musharraf Hussain   
Allah made you kind, so you are lenient with them; had you been harsh and hardhearted they would have deserted you, so pardon, seek forgiveness and consult them. Once you have made up your mind, put trust in Allah. Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.
Maududi   
It was thanks to Allah´s mercy that you were gentle to them. Had you been rough, hard-hearted, they would surely have scattered away from you. So pardon them, and pray for their forgiveness, and take counsel from them in matters of importance. And when you are resolved on a course of action place your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
It was a mercy from God that you were soft towards them; had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from you; so pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in the matter; but when you are convinced, then put your trust in God; for God loves those who put their trust.
Mohammad Shafi   
It is Mercy from Allah, then, that you are lenient to them. And if you were harsh and hardhearted, they would have dispersed away from around you. So pardon them, and pray for forgiveness for them, and consult them in community matters. Then, when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
Then, it is of the mercy of Allah that O beloved! You became gentle for them and if you had been hot headed, hard hearted, then they certainly would have dispersed from your circle, so pardon them and intercede for them and consult them in the affairs; and when you have made up your mind for any thing, then put your trust in Allah. Undoubtedly the trustful are dear to Allah.
Rashad Khalifa   
It was mercy from GOD that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them. Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in GOD. GOD loves those who trust in Him.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
It was by that Mercy of Allah that you (Prophet Muhammad) dealt so leniently with them. Had you been harsh and hardhearted, they would have surely deserted you. Therefore, pardon them and ask forgiveness for them. Take counsel with them in the matter and when you are resolved, put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those who trust
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
Thus it is by Allah’s mercy that thou art gentle to them. And hadst thou been rough, hard-hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around thee. So pardon them and ask protection for them, and consult them in (important) matters. But when thou hast determined, put thy trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust (in Him)
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
So with what mercy from God you became lenient/softened to them, and if you were rough/rude/crude, hard/strong the heart/mind, they would have scattered/separated from around you, so forgive/pardon on them, and ask for forgiveness for them, and discuss/consult with them in the matter/affair, so if you decided/determined, so rely/depend on God, that God loves/likes the reliant/dependent
Bijan Moeinian   
It is a blessing of God that you (Mohammad) are a gentleman. If you were a harsh commander, your followers would have abandoned you. So, forgive their shortcomings and consult with them in the State’s affair. When you all come to a decision, stick with it and put your trust in God. God loves those who put their trust in Him
Faridul Haque   
So what a great mercy it is from Allah that you (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him), are lenient towards them; and if you had been stern and hardhearted (unsympathetic) they would have certainly been uneasy in your company; so forgive them and intercede for them and consult with them in the conduct of affairs; and when you decide upon something, rely upon Allah; indeed Allah loves those who trust (Him)
Sher Ali   
And it is by the great mercy of ALLAH that thou art kind towards them, and if thou hadst been rough and hard-hearted, they would surely have dispersed from around thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in matters of administration; and when thou art resolved, then put thy trust in ALLAH. Surely, ALLAH loves those who put their trust in HIM
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
(O My Esteemed Beloved!) What a mercy of Allah that you are lenient with them! Had you been stern and hard-hearted, people would have deserted, scattering away from around you. So pardon them, and pray for their forgiveness, and consult them in (important) matters. But once you make up your mind, then place your trust in Allah. Surely, Allah loves those who trust Him
Amatul Rahman Omar   
So (O Prophet!) it is owing to the great mercy of Allah that you are gentle towards them. Had you been harsh, hard-hearted, they would have certainly dispersed from around you; hence pardon them and ask protection for them, and consult them in matters (of administration), and when you are determined (after due consultation), put your trust in Allah. Verily, Allah loves those who put their trust in Him
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harshhearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allahs) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
It was by some mercy of God that thou wast gentle to them; hadst thou been harsh and hard of heart, they would have scattered from about thee. So pardon them, and pray forgiveness for them, and take counsel with them in the affair; and when thou art resolved, put thy trust in God; surely God loves those who put their trust
George Sale   
And as to the mercy granted unto the disobedient from God, thou O Mohammed hast been mild towards them; but if thou hadst been severe, and hard-hearted, they had surely separated themselves from about thee. Therefore forgive them, and ask pardon for them: And consult them in the affair of war; and after thou hast deliberated, trust in God; for God loveth those who trust in Him
Edward Henry Palmer   
It was by a sort of mercy from God thou didst deal gently with them, for hadst thou been rough and rude of heart they had dispersed from around thee. But pardon them, and ask forgiveness for them, and take counsel with them in the affair. As for what thou hast resolved, rely upon God; verily, God loves those who do rely
John Medows Rodwell   
Of the mercy of God thou hast spoken to them in gentle terms. Hadst thou been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from thee. Therefore, forgive and ask for pardon for them, and consult them in the affair of war, and when thou art resolved, then put thou thy trust in God, for God loveth those who trust in Him
N J Dawood (2014)   
It was thanks to God‘s mercy that you¹ dealt so leniently with them. Had you been cruel or hard-hearted, they would have surely deserted you. Pardon them and implore God to forgive them. Take counsel with them in the conduct of affairs; and when you are resolved, put your trust in God. God loves those that are trustful

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
Indeed it is due to a mercy from Allah that you are lenient to them and if you were furious and hard hearted, then they would have surely scattered away from around you. Therefore pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and give them share in the command. But when you make up your mind, then put your trust on Allah. Truly Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.
Munir Mezyed   
It was by that divine clemency that you dealt gently with them, otherwise, if you had been cruel or hard-hearted, they would not have stayed with you all this time. Now, therefore, pardon them. Ask Allâh to forgive their iniquitous deeds. And consult with them in certain issues. When you have taken the decision, then depend on Allâh with full trust. Most certainly Allâh demonstrates His own love for those who rely on Him with full trust.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
It is out of mercy from Allah that you are lenient towards them. And if you were harsh with an unforgiving heart, they would disperse around you, so let them off and forgive them and consult them in the matter, and when you have decided, then rely on Allah, for Allah loves those who rely (on Him).
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
Because of the mercy of Allah, you respond gently to them. If you were severe or acted with a hard heart, they would break away from you. Pardon them and ask for forgiveness for them. Consult them in affairs; and then, when you have made a decision, put your trust in Allah. Truly, Allah loves those who trust Him.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
So it is by mercy from Allah that yousg were gentle with them. And had you been harsh, hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you. So pardonsg them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the conduct of affairs. And when you are resolved, place your trust in Allah; indeed, Allah loves those who place their trust (in Him).
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
However since mercy from Allah (God) does exist, you have been easy on them. If you had been harsh and cruel-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you. Pardon them, seek forgiveness for them. and consult with them on the matter. Yet once you have reached a decision, then rely on Allah (God); Allah (God) loves those who are reliant.
Samy Mahdy   
So, it is with mercy from Allah that you dealt gently with them. And if you were rude, Harsh core they would have dispersed from around you. So, pardon them, and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them on the matter. So when you have intended, So you rely on Allah; surely Allah loves the relying ones.
Sayyid Qutb   
It is by God's grace that you deal gently with them. Had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would surely have broken away from you. Therefore, pardon them and pray for them to be forgiven and consult with them in the conduct of public affairs. When you have resolved about a course of action, put your trust in God. God loves those who put their trust in Him.
Ahmed Hulusi   
With the grace Allah brought forth from your essence you were gentle with them. Had you been harsh and severe they would have scattered and left. Pardon them and ask for their forgiveness. Consult their opinions when making a decision regarding social matters. After a decision is made and put into practice, trust in Allah! Certainly, Allah loves those who place their trust in Him (have faith that the Name Wakil in their essence will fulfill its function).
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
Thus, it is due to the mercy from Allah that you have been lenient with them, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you. Therefore, pardon them and seek forgiveness for them; and consult with them in the affair. So, when you have decided, then trust in Allah; (for) verily Allah loves those who trust (in Him)
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
Allah of His mercy made your heart, O Muhammad, ever tender in the treatment of the calamity which they -your people- brought upon themselves in battle. He made you speak to them in the gentle voice of peace. Had you been unsparing in censure and reproof and harsh hearted, they would have broken the bonds of loyalty and would have broken away from you. Therefore, give up resentment against them and invoke on their behalf Allah’s mercy and consult with them upon matters of great moment, matters on which you received no divine authoritative instructions. So when you have caused a discord to pass into a concord and resolved on a course of action, then in Allah you trust, for Allah likes those who put their trust in Him
Mir Aneesuddin   
So it is due to the mercy of Allah that you are soft (hearted) with them and had you been stern, hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you, so pardon them and ask for protective forgiveness for them and consult them in the affair, but when you are determined then put your trust in Allah, Allah certainly loves those who put their trust (in Him).

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
It is part of the Mercy of God that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for (God's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affai rs (of moment). Then, when thou hast Taken a decision put thy trust in God. For God loves those who put their trust (in Him)
OLD Literal Word for Word   
So because (of) Mercy from Allah you dealt gently with them. And if you had been rude (and) harsh (at) [the] heart, surely they (would have) dispe from around you. Then pardon [from] them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. Then when you have decided, then put trust on Allah. Indeed, Allah loves the ones who put trust (in Hi
OLD Transliteration   
Fabima rahmatin mina Allahi linta lahum walaw kunta faththan ghaleetha alqalbi lainfaddoo min hawlika faoAAfu AAanhum waistaghfir lahum washawirhum fee al-amri fa-itha AAazamta fatawakkal AAala Allahi inna Allaha yuhibbu almutawakkileena