(Tell) O Muhammad, (those who disbelieve) Abu Sufyan and his host (that if they cease) disbelief, idolatry, idol worship and fighting Muhammad (pbuh) (that which is past) of disbelief, idolatry, idol worship and fighting against the Prophet (pbuh) (will be forgiven them; but if they return (thereto)) i.e. to fighting Muhammad (pbuh) (then the example of the men of old hath already gone) that victory is given to Allah's friends against their enemies, such as was the case on the Day of Badr.