What is the ruling on pausing after the word "قُتِلَ" (was killed) in the Almighty's saying: (وَكَأَيِّن مِّن نَّبِيٍّ قُتِلَ مَعَهُ رِبِّيُّونَ كَثِيرٌ) [And how many a prophet was killed with whom were many worshippers of the Lord]? This is according to the recitation of Warsh from Nafi'.

The interpretation of verse 146 from Surah Al Imran, ﴿وَكَأَيِّنْ مِنْ نَبِيٍّ قَاتَلَ مَعَهُ رِبِّيُّونَ كَثِيرٌ فَمَا وَهَنُوا لِمَا أَصَابَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَمَا ضَعُفُوا وَمَا اسْتَكَانُوا وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الصَّابِرِينَ﴾, varies according to the reading of "qutila" or "qātala."

Based on the reading "qutila" (with a damma on the qaf and a kasra on the ta'), which was recited by Nafi', Ibn Kathir, Abu Amr, Yaqub, and Ibn Abbas: - This indicates that the prophet was killed, and the rabbiyyūn (large multitudes) who were with him did not weaken or falter after his death. - Supporters of this reading argue that the verse was revealed to reprimand those who retreated on the Day of Uhud after the rumor of the Prophet Muhammad's death (peace be upon him), and it suggests that previous prophets were killed, yet their followers persevered. - The pause on "qutila" is sufficient if the killing is attributed solely to the prophet, meaning "the prophet was killed, and with him were large multitudes." - It is also possible that the killing afflicted both the prophet and some of the rabbiyyūn, and "fama wahanu" (they did not weaken) refers to those who remained.

Based on the reading "qātala" (with an alif after the qaf), which was recited by the Kufans, Ibn Amir, and Ibn Mas'ud: - This indicates that the prophet fought, and the rabbiyyūn fought with him, and they did not weaken or falter despite what befell them. - Supporters of this reading argue that the phrase "fama wahanu" (they did not weaken) would not be accurate if they were killed, as it is impossible to describe them as not weakening after death. - It is believed that "qātala" is more comprehensive in praising everyone, as praising those who fought includes those who were killed and those who were not, whereas praising those who were killed is limited to them.