Specific Battles

Remember when you set out early from your home to position the believers for battle.

Two groups among you nearly faltered, but Allah upheld them. In Him, the believers should place their trust.

When disaster struck you, though you had inflicted twice as much upon your enemy, you asked, ‘How did this happen?’ Say, ‘It is from yourselves.’

Allah granted you victory at Badr when you were few.

There was a sign for you in the two armies that met, one fighting in Allah’s cause, the other in disbelief. They saw their opponents as twice their number. But Allah strengthens whomever He wills. Surely, in this is a lesson for those with insight.

When you pleaded with your Lord for help, He responded, “I will reinforce you with a thousand angels in succession.”

Allah made this a message of hope to reassure your hearts. Victory comes only from Allah.

Your Lord inspired the angels: “I am with you, so strengthen the believers. I will cast terror into the hearts of the disbelievers, strike them above the necks and sever their fingertips.”

This is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. Whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger, Allah is severe in punishment.

“This is your fate, so taste it.”

When you said to the believers, ‘Is it not enough that your Lord supports you with three thousand angels sent down?’

Indeed, if you remain steadfast and mindful of Allah, and the enemy attacks suddenly, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels, clearly marked.

Allah made this only as good news for you, so your hearts may be reassured. Victory comes only from Allah.

He may cut off a portion of the disbelievers or humble them so they retreat in defeat.

Allah will not leave the believers as they are without distinguishing the wicked from the righteous. Nor will He reveal the unseen to you, but He chooses messengers for this knowledge as He wills. So, believe in Allah and His messengers, if you do, and remain mindful, you will receive a great reward.

Allah has already helped you in many battles, including the day of Hunayn, when your numbers made you proud but did not benefit you. The earth felt narrow despite its vastness, and you turned away.

Then Allah sent down His tranquillity upon His Messenger and the believers, and He sent unseen forces against the disbelievers, punishing them. This is the fate of the disbelievers.

Yet Allah accepts repentance from whomever He wills.