Call them by [the names of] their fathers; it is more just in the sight of Allah . But if you do not know their fathers - then they are [still] your brothers in religion and those entrusted to you. And there is no blame upon you for that in which you have erred but [only for] what your hearts intended. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
Tafseer
لكن {ادعوهم لآبائهم هو أقسطُ} أعدل {عند الله، فإن لم تعلموا آباءهم فإخوانكم في الدين ومواليكم} بنو عمكم { وليس عليكم جناح فيما أخطأتم به } في ذلك { ولكن } في { ما تعمدت قلوبكم } فيه أي بعد النهي { وكان الله غفورا} لما كان من قولكم قبل النهي {رحيما} بكم في ذلك.
But {call them by [the names of] their fathers; that is more just} more equitable {in the sight of God. But if you do not know their fathers, then they are your brothers in religion and your allies} your paternal cousins {and there is no blame upon you for that in which you erred} in that {but} in {what your hearts intended} in it, that is, after the prohibition {and God is Forgiving} of what you said before the prohibition {and Merciful} to you in that.
