“So by mercy from Allah, you were lenient with them.” That is: by a mercy from Allah and His pleasure, and the word (mā) is an extra connective particle. “And had you been rude, harsh in heart, they would have dispersed from about you; so pardon them.” He commanded him to pardon them regarding what does not impose upon them a legal ruling or a fixed punishment (hadd). “And ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in the matter.” Allah commanded him to consult his companions in affairs, because it is more pleasant for the souls of the people, and when people consult one another and intend by that the Countenance of Allah, Allah determines for them the most righteous course. [Verses 160-163]
﴿فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ لِنْتَ لَهُم﴾ أَي: فبرحمة من الله ورضوان و (مَا) صلَة زَائِدَة ﴿وَلَوْ كُنْتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لانْفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ فَاعْفُ عَنْهُم﴾ أمره أَن يعْفُو عَنْهُم مَا لم يلْزمهُم من حكم أَو حد. ﴿وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِي الْأَمر﴾ أمره الله أَن يشاور أَصْحَابه فِي الْأُمُور؛ لِأَنَّهُ أطيب لأنفس الْقَوْم، وَأَن الْقَوْم إِذا شاور بَعضهم بَعْضًا، وَأَرَادُوا بذلك وَجه الله - عزم الله لَهُم على أرشده. [آيَة ١٦٠ - ١٦٣]
