Contemplating the Verses about Uhud - 7

We are at the concluding remarks section. That is, as an end note and as a take home message, what can the believers and non-believers get from all this?

Eighteenth Remark

This worldly life is like a screen on which different or opposite images can overlap. That is, good and bad can come at once without necessarily having a rational or deterministic interdependency. While a properly living person is suffering, a misguided person can live in comfort. However, the suffering of the former does not necessarily mean fallacy, and the wealth of the latter does not mean veracity. Correct is correct only because it obeys or conforms to the basic human values and universal laws. Similarly, wrong can be perceived without needing a misfortune.

And let not those who disbelieve ever think that [because] We extend their time [of enjoyment] it is better for them. We only extend it for them so that they may increase in sin, and for them is a humiliating punishment. (3/178)

Nineteenth Remark

Having trust in the truth and finding your power only through your adherence to it is essential for a believer. By driving people through hardship and challenging them with each other, God reveals the real intentions in the hearts. Through the same events, God also performs operations in hearts so that they recover from their imperfect state (e.g. 20/37-41). Until this is done, times of prosperity may not seem in the horizon. However, God is the ultimate authority who determines the fate and results of events. When the truth finds its true place in life and in minds, wonders can arrive miraculously.

Allah would not leave the believers in that [state] you are in [presently] until He separates the evil from the good. Nor would Allah reveal to you the unseen. But [instead], Allah chooses of His messengers whom He wills, so believe in Allah and His messengers. And if you believe and fear Him, then for you is a great reward. (3/179)

Verses from the chapter Âl-Imran related to the Battle of Uhud:

121. And [remember] when you, [O Muhammad], left your family in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle [of Uhud] - and Allah is Hearing and Knowing -

122. When two parties among you were about to lose courage, but Allah was their ally; and upon Allah the believers should rely.

123. And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah ; perhaps you will be grateful.

124. [Remember] when you said to the believers, "Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?

125. Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy come upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks [of distinction]

126. And Allah made it not except as [a sign of] good tidings for you and to reassure your hearts thereby. And victory is not except from Allah , the Exalted in Might, the Wise -

127. That He might cut down a section of the disbelievers or suppress them so that they turn back disappointed.

128. Not for you, [O Muhammad, but for Allah], is the decision whether He should [cut them down] or forgive them or punish them, for indeed, they are wrongdoers.

129. And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

139. So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

140. If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allah does not like the wrongdoers -

141. And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers.

142. Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?

143. And you had certainly wished for death [i.e., martyrdom] before you encountered it, and you have [now] seen it [before you] while you were looking on.

144. Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful.

145. And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world – We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will give him thereof. And We will reward the grateful.

146. And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many godly men. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast.

147. And their words were not but that they said, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."

148. So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the good reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves the doers of good.

149. O you who have believed, if you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, and you will [then] become losers.

150. But Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers.

151. We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve for what they have associated with Allah of which He had not sent down [any] authority. And their refuge will be the Fire, and wretched is the residence of the wrongdoers.

152. And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing them [i.e., the enemy] by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then He turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers.

153. [Remember] when you [fled and] climbed [the mountain] without looking aside at anyone while the Messenger was calling you from behind. So Allah made you suffer distress upon distress so you would not grieve for that which had escaped you [of victory and spoils of war] or [for] that which had befallen you [of injury and death]. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.

154. Then after distress, He sent down upon you security [in the form of] drowsiness, overcoming a faction of you, while another faction worried about themselves, thinking of Allah other than the truth – the thought of ignorance, saying, "Is there anything for us [to have done] in this matter?" Say,"Indeed, the matter belongs completely to Allah." They conceal within themselves what they will not reveal to you. They say, "If there was anything we could have done in the matter, we [i.e., some of us] would not have been killed right here." Say, "Even if you had been inside your houses, those decreed to be killed would have come out to their death beds." [It was] so that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purify what is in your hearts. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.

155. Indeed, those of you who turned back on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] – it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some [blame] they had earned. But Allah has already forgiven them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.

156. O you who have believed, do not be like those who disbelieved and said about their brothers when they traveled through the land or went out to fight, "If they had been with us, they would not have died or have been killed," so Allah makes that [misconception] a regret within their hearts. And it is Allah who gives life and causes death, and Allah is Seeing of what you do.

157. And if you are killed in the cause of Allah or die – then forgiveness from Allah and mercy are better than whatever they accumulate [in this world].

158. And whether you die or are killed, unto Allah you will be gathered.

159. So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

160. If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.

161. It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully [in regard to war booty]. And whoever betrays, [taking unlawfully], will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection. Then will every soul be [fully] compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.

162. So is one who pursues the pleasure of Allah like one who brings upon himself the anger of Allah and whose refuge is Hell? And wretched is the destination.

163. They are [varying] degrees in the sight of Allah, and Allah is Seeing of whatever they do.

164. Certainly did Allah confer [great] favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Quran] and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error.

165. Why [is it that] when a [single] disaster struck you [on the day of Uhud], although you had struck [the enemy in the battle of Badr] with one twice as great, you said, "From where is this?" Say, "It is from yourselves [i.e., due to your sin]." Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

166. And what struck you on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] was by permission of Allah that He might make evident the [true] believers

167. And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] fighting, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most knowing of what they conceal –

168. Those who said about their brothers while sitting [at home], "If they had obeyed us, they would not have been killed."Say, "Then prevent death from yourselves, if you should be truthful."

169. And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision,

170. Rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them – that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

171. They receive good tidings of favor from Allah and bounty and [of the fact] that Allah does not allow the reward of believers to be lost –

172. Those [believers] who responded to Allah and the Messenger after injury had struck them. For those who did good among them and feared Allah is a great reward –

173. Those to whom people [i.e., hypocrites] said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."

174. So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

175. That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.

176. And do not be grieved, [O Muhammad], by those who hasten into disbelief. Indeed, they will never harm Allah at all. Allah intends that He should give them no share in the Hereafter, and for them is a great punishment.

177. Indeed, those who purchase disbelief [in exchange] for faith – never will they harm Allah at all, and for them is a painful punishment.

178. And let not those who disbelieve ever think that [because] We extend their time [of enjoyment] it is better for them. We only extend it for them so that they may increase in sin, and for them is a humiliating punishment.

179. Allah would not leave the believers in that [state] you are in [presently] until He separates the evil from the good. Nor would Allah reveal to you the unseen. But [instead], Allah chooses of His messengers whom He wills, so believe in Allah and His messengers. And if you believe and fear Him, then for you is a great reward.

Contemplating the Verses about Uhud - 6

From now on, we are moving to the events after the main part of the war. This is the time when the Meccan army starts travelling back.

Fourteenth Remark

When raising a child, many times you admonish something and repeatedly, your child still insists on doing the same wrong action. Sometimes, this wrong act causes just inconvenience or inefficiency, and you can leave things to time. But sometimes, the wrong act leads to a major harm or loss. Arrival of this situation, despite having told about it countless times infuriates you, and you want to make sure that this won't happen again. Although aimed at training the child, although intended to protect everybody form future similar mishaps, the reactions or punishments that originate from a furious mind may bring an unwanted result. That dreaded result is loss of connection with your child due to the crushing effects of the feeling of guilt. Your child is more important than those things you are trying to maintain. After all, they are important and useful for the good of your family. That is why you keep them. But still, thinking of this subtle point is not easy and acting upon it is even less doable, especially in a time of dire loss and fair anger.

In this context, our compassionate Creator tells us that in actions performed with a sincere intention for His sake, even if those actions end up unfavorably, what ultimately matters is not the result but the fact that the believers took the risks and made the necessary sacrifices in order to realize what they deemed as pleasing to God.

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]. (3/159)

Fifteenth Remark

There is a tendency among the Muslims to exaggerate the virtues and spiritual levels of the companions of the prophet. The same is done to a higher extent for the prophet himself. Although this is done out of respect for those select people, this attitude prepares a mindset that subconsciously treats them as super human. In other words, the best that can be done by any believer other than the companions is to imitate them, since they exhibited the best that can be  done. Consequently, Islam is reduced to a rigid set of rules that were outlined at the time, and Quran is imprisoned to the understanding of the time when those people lived. But this is not only unfair and wrong but also treacherous. In this context, as believers, we must respect the prophet and his companions, not because they were super and flawless but, because they were committed to do everything they could for the sake of God.

Why [is it that] when a [single] disaster struck you [on the day of Uhud], although you had struck [the enemy in the battle of Badr] with one twice as great, you said, "From where is this?" Say, "It is from yourselves [i.e., due to your sin]." Indeed, Allah is over all things competent. (3/165)

Sixteenth Remark

A person who expends their wealth for the sake of God does not necessarily do so, because they are rich. They do it because of their conviction that such expense is pleasing to God. Similarly, one who strives for the sake of God does so, even if they are weak or devoid of any means. In these situations, besides the strong faith of the believers, their trust to the promise, power and will of God is also apparent.

Those [believers] who responded to Allah and the Messenger after injury had struck them. For those who did good among them and feared Allah is a great reward – Those to whom people [i.e., hypocrites] said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs." (3/172-173)

Seventeenth Remark

One of the first and great lessons in life is to stand up immediately when you fall down, instead of staying down and whining. Same is true of the believers, when they are struck by misfortune, be it due to the actions of the evil people or due to the consequences of their own sins. They must get back to their senses and should focus on what new they can do, given the circumstances (7/201). Focusing on the losses or mistakes and getting obsessed with mourning after the fall does not help to get up. First thing is to get up and start doing good. When the believers strive to do so despite the risks, All Generous Lord returns those believers with blessings and favors from His throne.

Those [believers] who responded to Allah and the Messenger after injury had struck them. For those who did good among them and feared Allah is a great reward – Those to whom people [i.e., hypocrites] said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs." So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty. (3/172-174)

Verses from the chapter Âl-Imran related to the Battle of Uhud:

121. And [remember] when you, [O Muhammad], left your family in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle [of Uhud] - and Allah is Hearing and Knowing -

122. When two parties among you were about to lose courage, but Allah was their ally; and upon Allah the believers should rely.

123. And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah ; perhaps you will be grateful.

124. [Remember] when you said to the believers, "Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?

125. Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy come upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks [of distinction]

126. And Allah made it not except as [a sign of] good tidings for you and to reassure your hearts thereby. And victory is not except from Allah , the Exalted in Might, the Wise -

127. That He might cut down a section of the disbelievers or suppress them so that they turn back disappointed.

128. Not for you, [O Muhammad, but for Allah], is the decision whether He should [cut them down] or forgive them or punish them, for indeed, they are wrongdoers.

129. And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

139. So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

140. If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allah does not like the wrongdoers -

141. And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers.

142. Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?

143. And you had certainly wished for death [i.e., martyrdom] before you encountered it, and you have [now] seen it [before you] while you were looking on.

144. Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful.

145. And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world – We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will give him thereof. And We will reward the grateful.

146. And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many godly men. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast.

147. And their words were not but that they said, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."

148. So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the good reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves the doers of good.

149. O you who have believed, if you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, and you will [then] become losers.

150. But Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers.

151. We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve for what they have associated with Allah of which He had not sent down [any] authority. And their refuge will be the Fire, and wretched is the residence of the wrongdoers.

152. And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing them [i.e., the enemy] by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then He turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers.

153. [Remember] when you [fled and] climbed [the mountain] without looking aside at anyone while the Messenger was calling you from behind. So Allah made you suffer distress upon distress so you would not grieve for that which had escaped you [of victory and spoils of war] or [for] that which had befallen you [of injury and death]. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.

154. Then after distress, He sent down upon you security [in the form of] drowsiness, overcoming a faction of you, while another faction worried about themselves, thinking of Allah other than the truth – the thought of ignorance, saying, "Is there anything for us [to have done] in this matter?" Say,"Indeed, the matter belongs completely to Allah." They conceal within themselves what they will not reveal to you. They say, "If there was anything we could have done in the matter, we [i.e., some of us] would not have been killed right here." Say, "Even if you had been inside your houses, those decreed to be killed would have come out to their death beds." [It was] so that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purify what is in your hearts. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.

155. Indeed, those of you who turned back on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] – it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some [blame] they had earned. But Allah has already forgiven them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.

156. O you who have believed, do not be like those who disbelieved and said about their brothers when they traveled through the land or went out to fight, "If they had been with us, they would not have died or have been killed," so Allah makes that [misconception] a regret within their hearts. And it is Allah who gives life and causes death, and Allah is Seeing of what you do.

157. And if you are killed in the cause of Allah or die – then forgiveness from Allah and mercy are better than whatever they accumulate [in this world].

158. And whether you die or are killed, unto Allah you will be gathered.

159. So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

160. If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.

161. It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully [in regard to war booty]. And whoever betrays, [taking unlawfully], will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection. Then will every soul be [fully] compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.

162. So is one who pursues the pleasure of Allah like one who brings upon himself the anger of Allah and whose refuge is Hell? And wretched is the destination.

163. They are [varying] degrees in the sight of Allah, and Allah is Seeing of whatever they do.

164. Certainly did Allah confer [great] favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Quran] and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error.

165. Why [is it that] when a [single] disaster struck you [on the day of Uhud], although you had struck [the enemy in the battle of Badr] with one twice as great, you said, "From where is this?" Say, "It is from yourselves [i.e., due to your sin]." Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

166. And what struck you on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] was by permission of Allah that He might make evident the [true] believers

167. And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] fighting, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most knowing of what they conceal –

168. Those who said about their brothers while sitting [at home], "If they had obeyed us, they would not have been killed."Say, "Then prevent death from yourselves, if you should be truthful."

169. And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision,

170. Rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them – that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

171. They receive good tidings of favor from Allah and bounty and [of the fact] that Allah does not allow the reward of believers to be lost –

172. Those [believers] who responded to Allah and the Messenger after injury had struck them. For those who did good among them and feared Allah is a great reward –

173. Those to whom people [i.e., hypocrites] said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."

174. So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

175. That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.

176. And do not be grieved, [O Muhammad], by those who hasten into disbelief. Indeed, they will never harm Allah at all. Allah intends that He should give them no share in the Hereafter, and for them is a great punishment.

177. Indeed, those who purchase disbelief [in exchange] for faith – never will they harm Allah at all, and for them is a painful punishment.

178. And let not those who disbelieve ever think that [because] We extend their time [of enjoyment] it is better for them. We only extend it for them so that they may increase in sin, and for them is a humiliating punishment.

179. Allah would not leave the believers in that [state] you are in [presently] until He separates the evil from the good. Nor would Allah reveal to you the unseen. But [instead], Allah chooses of His messengers whom He wills, so believe in Allah and His messengers. And if you believe and fear Him, then for you is a great reward.

Contemplating the Verses about Uhud - 5

Let's continue our analysis of the verses about the Battle of Uhud with a focus on the believers' hearts.

Eleventh Remark

Those who don't believe in God or whose faiths are weak and not well-established tend to treat God as an entity to be remembered at times of prayer or times of death (e.g. 18/35-36). Normal life events, be them economical, political or scientific, etc., are not considered as things related to God. Rather, they go about their business with a consideration, in which every player or actor is the ultimate owner of their acts and means. For example, a boss is treated as the ultimate owner of their wealth and the ultimate controller of its use; a governor is treated as the ultimate disposer of actions in a city or country. However, a believer is expected to go beyond this apparent play, and to see God's authority in everything (e.g. 7/94-96). If they fail to do this, then the believers join the same game as the disbelievers according to the rules outlined by the disbelievers. Such a state is not justifiable with faith, and is likely to cause a revert in the hearts of the believers.

It is not the public who is going to help the believers. It is not the rulers who are going to save the believers. It is not the arrogant people who are temporarily siding with the believers due to a common suffering who is going to deliver from misfortunes. It is Allah who is going to save them. This is a promise.

O you who have believed, if you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, and you will [then] become losers. But Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers. (3/149-150)

 

Twelfth Remark

At times of dire suffering, we may fail to see God's mercy and His help. With that failure, our minds can rebel at the sight of the promises of help made by God. However, another thing we fail to see at the same time is the help that we received before the misfortune hit, but which we attributed to players other than God: "thanks to such and such, we did this...  thanks to the genius of such and such, we achieved this". So, when Allah reveals the truth by removing those apparent actors, we see our helplessness and need for God's intervention. Thus, we can see what truly is in our hearts in regards to ambitions for this world and the hereafter. However, in doing all this, God's ultimate intention is not to punish the believers and get rid of them! Rather, His intention is to purify them, because He is their Owner, Protector, Sustainer and Improver.

And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing them [i.e., the enemy] by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then He turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers. (3/152)

Thirteenth Remark

Human brain is designed to work automatically when there is a situation of fear. The fight-or-flight response triggers the circuits that analyze the situation and find the quickest possible way to safety at the moment and in the future. In case of a failure in a war and among deaths and bloodshed, this is certainly the case. Even if you are a believer, your fight-or-flight response can incline you towards acting and thinking like someone who does not believe in the unseen, i.e. like a disbeliever. Remember, this situation does not make you a disbeliever, but it pushes you away from where you are supposed to be. One purpose of the challenges of this world is to train and improve the believers so that they become witnesses of God, despite not having seen Him.

Then after distress, He sent down upon you security [in the form of] drowsiness, overcoming a faction of you, while another faction worried about themselves, thinking of Allah other than the truth – the thought of ignorance, saying, "Is there anything for us [to have done] in this matter?" Say,"Indeed, the matter belongs completely to Allah." They conceal within themselves what they will not reveal to you. They say, "If there was anything we could have done in the matter, we [i.e., some of us] would not have been killed right here." Say, "Even if you had been inside your houses, those decreed to be killed would have come out to their death beds." [It was] so that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purify what is in your hearts. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts. (3/154)

Verses from the chapter Âl-Imran related to the Battle of Uhud:

121. And [remember] when you, [O Muhammad], left your family in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle [of Uhud] - and Allah is Hearing and Knowing -

122. When two parties among you were about to lose courage, but Allah was their ally; and upon Allah the believers should rely.

123. And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah ; perhaps you will be grateful.

124. [Remember] when you said to the believers, "Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?

125. Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy come upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks [of distinction]

126. And Allah made it not except as [a sign of] good tidings for you and to reassure your hearts thereby. And victory is not except from Allah , the Exalted in Might, the Wise -

127. That He might cut down a section of the disbelievers or suppress them so that they turn back disappointed.

128. Not for you, [O Muhammad, but for Allah], is the decision whether He should [cut them down] or forgive them or punish them, for indeed, they are wrongdoers.

129. And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

139. So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

140. If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allah does not like the wrongdoers -

141. And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers.

142. Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?

143. And you had certainly wished for death [i.e., martyrdom] before you encountered it, and you have [now] seen it [before you] while you were looking on.

144. Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful.

145. And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world – We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will give him thereof. And We will reward the grateful.

146. And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many godly men. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast.

147. And their words were not but that they said, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."

148. So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the good reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves the doers of good.

149. O you who have believed, if you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, and you will [then] become losers.

150. But Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers.

151. We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve for what they have associated with Allah of which He had not sent down [any] authority. And their refuge will be the Fire, and wretched is the residence of the wrongdoers.

152. And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing them [i.e., the enemy] by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then He turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers.

153. [Remember] when you [fled and] climbed [the mountain] without looking aside at anyone while the Messenger was calling you from behind. So Allah made you suffer distress upon distress so you would not grieve for that which had escaped you [of victory and spoils of war] or [for] that which had befallen you [of injury and death]. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.

154. Then after distress, He sent down upon you security [in the form of] drowsiness, overcoming a faction of you, while another faction worried about themselves, thinking of Allah other than the truth – the thought of ignorance, saying, "Is there anything for us [to have done] in this matter?" Say,"Indeed, the matter belongs completely to Allah." They conceal within themselves what they will not reveal to you. They say, "If there was anything we could have done in the matter, we [i.e., some of us] would not have been killed right here." Say, "Even if you had been inside your houses, those decreed to be killed would have come out to their death beds." [It was] so that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purify what is in your hearts. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.

155. Indeed, those of you who turned back on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] – it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some [blame] they had earned. But Allah has already forgiven them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.

156. O you who have believed, do not be like those who disbelieved and said about their brothers when they traveled through the land or went out to fight, "If they had been with us, they would not have died or have been killed," so Allah makes that [misconception] a regret within their hearts. And it is Allah who gives life and causes death, and Allah is Seeing of what you do.

157. And if you are killed in the cause of Allah or die – then forgiveness from Allah and mercy are better than whatever they accumulate [in this world].

158. And whether you die or are killed, unto Allah you will be gathered.

159. So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

160. If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.

161. It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully [in regard to war booty]. And whoever betrays, [taking unlawfully], will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection. Then will every soul be [fully] compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.

162. So is one who pursues the pleasure of Allah like one who brings upon himself the anger of Allah and whose refuge is Hell? And wretched is the destination.

163. They are [varying] degrees in the sight of Allah, and Allah is Seeing of whatever they do.

164. Certainly did Allah confer [great] favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Quran] and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error.

165. Why [is it that] when a [single] disaster struck you [on the day of Uhud], although you had struck [the enemy in the battle of Badr] with one twice as great, you said, "From where is this?" Say, "It is from yourselves [i.e., due to your sin]." Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

166. And what struck you on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] was by permission of Allah that He might make evident the [true] believers

167. And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] fighting, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most knowing of what they conceal –

168. Those who said about their brothers while sitting [at home], "If they had obeyed us, they would not have been killed."Say, "Then prevent death from yourselves, if you should be truthful."

169. And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision,

170. Rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them – that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

171. They receive good tidings of favor from Allah and bounty and [of the fact] that Allah does not allow the reward of believers to be lost –

172. Those [believers] who responded to Allah and the Messenger after injury had struck them. For those who did good among them and feared Allah is a great reward –

173. Those to whom people [i.e., hypocrites] said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."

174. So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

175. That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.

176. And do not be grieved, [O Muhammad], by those who hasten into disbelief. Indeed, they will never harm Allah at all. Allah intends that He should give them no share in the Hereafter, and for them is a great punishment.

177. Indeed, those who purchase disbelief [in exchange] for faith – never will they harm Allah at all, and for them is a painful punishment.

178. And let not those who disbelieve ever think that [because] We extend their time [of enjoyment] it is better for them. We only extend it for them so that they may increase in sin, and for them is a humiliating punishment.

179. Allah would not leave the believers in that [state] you are in [presently] until He separates the evil from the good. Nor would Allah reveal to you the unseen. But [instead], Allah chooses of His messengers whom He wills, so believe in Allah and His messengers. And if you believe and fear Him, then for you is a great reward.

Contemplating the Verses about Uhud - 4

In the previous episode, we saw some lessons inspired by the notion that humans are away from God but He is close to them. Now, we are going to see further impressions by looking at the human dimension of the case.

Eighth Remark

Any misfortune that strikes the people is already decreed by God (57/22).  So, a believer is expected to have trust for the One who decreed that misfortune, such as falling sick, losing wealth, etc. This connection of trust between the Compassionate one and His servant can serve as an agent of transformation. Transformations are drastic changes that require courage and action. Knowing that nothing can hit you unless allowed by God can act like wings with which to fly above the clouds of stress and meet the never-ending light of God.

And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world – We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will give him thereof. And We will reward the grateful. (3/145)

Ninth Remark

Having firm conviction of the existence of God and knowing His different attributes are a source of power. Even if you are struck by misfortunes for what you have done for God's sake, even if you are met with atrocity due to your submission to the religion of God, you don't feel regret. Even if you are despised or mocked at because of your loyalty to your Lord, you don't feel shame because of your connection. You are fully convinced about the articles of faith, and you cling to them just like you cling to the proven scientific knowledge and methods. Would you change your mind, if you are tortured because you believed that 2+2 equals 4?

And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many godly men. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast. (3/146)

Tenth Remark

Part of being human is having limited powers and resources. These powers and resources can be about the outside world (physical world) or the inside world (spiritual, emotional). If the life conditions bring you to your limits, you may end up committing actions that you would normally not. Some of those actions are sins, and they can bother your conscience due to your fidelity and responsibility towards your Lord. Thus a feeling of guilt can arise, which is an excellent tool for Satan. Feeling of guilt is used by the Satan to try to convince the believers about their wretched status in the eyes of their Lord! But, we already saw that we are discouraged from hypothesizing limits or exact patterns for the will of God. So, the God-conscious people who strive on the way of God are not necessarily those free of sins, but those who don't cut speed in doing good despite their sins (7/201). They use both their good deeds and sinful deeds as different channels to connect to God. And, they never stop striving on His way.

And their words were not but that they said, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people." (3/147)

Verses from the chapter Âl-Imran related to the Battle of Uhud:

121. And [remember] when you, [O Muhammad], left your family in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle [of Uhud] - and Allah is Hearing and Knowing -

122. When two parties among you were about to lose courage, but Allah was their ally; and upon Allah the believers should rely.

123. And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah ; perhaps you will be grateful.

124. [Remember] when you said to the believers, "Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?

125. Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy come upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks [of distinction]

126. And Allah made it not except as [a sign of] good tidings for you and to reassure your hearts thereby. And victory is not except from Allah , the Exalted in Might, the Wise -

127. That He might cut down a section of the disbelievers or suppress them so that they turn back disappointed.

128. Not for you, [O Muhammad, but for Allah], is the decision whether He should [cut them down] or forgive them or punish them, for indeed, they are wrongdoers.

129. And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

139. So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

140. If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allah does not like the wrongdoers -

141. And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers.

142. Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?

143. And you had certainly wished for death [i.e., martyrdom] before you encountered it, and you have [now] seen it [before you] while you were looking on.

144. Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful.

145. And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world – We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will give him thereof. And We will reward the grateful.

146. And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many godly men. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast.

147. And their words were not but that they said, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."

148. So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the good reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves the doers of good.

149. O you who have believed, if you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, and you will [then] become losers.

150. But Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers.

151. We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve for what they have associated with Allah of which He had not sent down [any] authority. And their refuge will be the Fire, and wretched is the residence of the wrongdoers.

152. And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing them [i.e., the enemy] by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then He turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers.

153. [Remember] when you [fled and] climbed [the mountain] without looking aside at anyone while the Messenger was calling you from behind. So Allah made you suffer distress upon distress so you would not grieve for that which had escaped you [of victory and spoils of war] or [for] that which had befallen you [of injury and death]. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.

154. Then after distress, He sent down upon you security [in the form of] drowsiness, overcoming a faction of you, while another faction worried about themselves, thinking of Allah other than the truth – the thought of ignorance, saying, "Is there anything for us [to have done] in this matter?" Say,"Indeed, the matter belongs completely to Allah." They conceal within themselves what they will not reveal to you. They say, "If there was anything we could have done in the matter, we [i.e., some of us] would not have been killed right here." Say, "Even if you had been inside your houses, those decreed to be killed would have come out to their death beds." [It was] so that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purify what is in your hearts. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.

155. Indeed, those of you who turned back on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] – it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some [blame] they had earned. But Allah has already forgiven them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.

156. O you who have believed, do not be like those who disbelieved and said about their brothers when they traveled through the land or went out to fight, "If they had been with us, they would not have died or have been killed," so Allah makes that [misconception] a regret within their hearts. And it is Allah who gives life and causes death, and Allah is Seeing of what you do.

157. And if you are killed in the cause of Allah or die – then forgiveness from Allah and mercy are better than whatever they accumulate [in this world].

158. And whether you die or are killed, unto Allah you will be gathered.

159. So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

160. If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.

161. It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully [in regard to war booty]. And whoever betrays, [taking unlawfully], will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection. Then will every soul be [fully] compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.

162. So is one who pursues the pleasure of Allah like one who brings upon himself the anger of Allah and whose refuge is Hell? And wretched is the destination.

163. They are [varying] degrees in the sight of Allah, and Allah is Seeing of whatever they do.

164. Certainly did Allah confer [great] favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Quran] and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error.

165. Why [is it that] when a [single] disaster struck you [on the day of Uhud], although you had struck [the enemy in the battle of Badr] with one twice as great, you said, "From where is this?" Say, "It is from yourselves [i.e., due to your sin]." Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

166. And what struck you on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] was by permission of Allah that He might make evident the [true] believers

167. And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] fighting, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most knowing of what they conceal –

168. Those who said about their brothers while sitting [at home], "If they had obeyed us, they would not have been killed."Say, "Then prevent death from yourselves, if you should be truthful."

169. And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision,

170. Rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them – that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

171. They receive good tidings of favor from Allah and bounty and [of the fact] that Allah does not allow the reward of believers to be lost –

172. Those [believers] who responded to Allah and the Messenger after injury had struck them. For those who did good among them and feared Allah is a great reward –

173. Those to whom people [i.e., hypocrites] said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."

174. So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

175. That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.

176. And do not be grieved, [O Muhammad], by those who hasten into disbelief. Indeed, they will never harm Allah at all. Allah intends that He should give them no share in the Hereafter, and for them is a great punishment.

177. Indeed, those who purchase disbelief [in exchange] for faith – never will they harm Allah at all, and for them is a painful punishment.

178. And let not those who disbelieve ever think that [because] We extend their time [of enjoyment] it is better for them. We only extend it for them so that they may increase in sin, and for them is a humiliating punishment.

179. Allah would not leave the believers in that [state] you are in [presently] until He separates the evil from the good. Nor would Allah reveal to you the unseen. But [instead], Allah chooses of His messengers whom He wills, so believe in Allah and His messengers. And if you believe and fear Him, then for you is a great reward.

Contemplating the Verses about Uhud - 3

In the second episode, we learned about watching our bravery during the times of comfort and not making promises bigger than we can keep. Also, we realized that God wants the believers to strive to spread the divine call no matter when, where and under what circumstances they are. Now, we are going to see three more lessons. Again, the verses about the battle are at the end of the blog.

Fifth Remark

What makes a human being a messenger of God is the fact that he is chosen by God and that he is delivering messages from Him. That is, a messenger is not a messenger because he is working miracles. Extraordinary works are only auxiliary signs for people to sit and think and come to a full conviction about their faiths. In fact, if you look at the very first believers who have been firm in their commitment to the religion of God, they are those who accepted the invitation based on a whole conviction in their souls. So, calling to the way of God, be it done by the messenger or by other believers, is really about calling people to exercise what makes them human and what distinguishes them from being a mere animal, i.e. critical thinking and willful action based on it. Therefore, coming back to the Battle of Uhud, the faith and related actions of the believers must be independent of the presence of the prophet among them.

Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful. (3/144)

Sixth Remark

At some places in the Quran, Allah reminds the believers that He does not need their worship and that anyone who commits a good deed does so for their own benefit (e.g. 31/12, 10/108). Similarly, he warns people that anyone who fights against the religion of God or commit sins will not harm God, but rather prepare their own peril. Contrary to the impression of some, the religion of God does not gain glory by the number or achievements of its adherents. Rather, religion of God is glorious by virtue of coming from the Lord of the heavens and the earth (5/3). Anyone who wants glory should stick to it, and not vice versa. In this regard, All-High God puts forward the distance of humans from Him, despite His closeness to them.

Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful. (3/144)

 Seventh Remark

If you were working at a  large corporation and were to cause a significant loss, you would face severe penalties, and you would probably be fired. This is due to the fact that the humans have limited resources, and losing them harms the well being of the owner and brings the risk of a poor future. However, God Almighty is Self-Subsistent, and His are infinite treasures (63/7). And God is close to humans, too, despite their distance from Him (2/186). So, although He warns us of the consequences of our actions, He does so not because of any implications on Him but, because He is merciful towards us. So, even if the believers violated the decisions taken prior to the war, even if they made errors in the execution of the war strategy, and although they caused, in the appearance, harm to the religion of God, the All-Merciful Owner of the believers did not give up on them (4/110).

Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful. And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world – We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will give him thereof. And We will reward the grateful. And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many godly men. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast. And their words were not but that they said, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people." So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the good reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves the doers of good. (3/144-148)

Verses from the chapter Âl-Imran related to the Battle of Uhud:

121. And [remember] when you, [O Muhammad], left your family in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle [of Uhud] - and Allah is Hearing and Knowing -

122. When two parties among you were about to lose courage, but Allah was their ally; and upon Allah the believers should rely.

123. And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah ; perhaps you will be grateful.

124. [Remember] when you said to the believers, "Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?

125. Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy come upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks [of distinction]

126. And Allah made it not except as [a sign of] good tidings for you and to reassure your hearts thereby. And victory is not except from Allah , the Exalted in Might, the Wise -

127. That He might cut down a section of the disbelievers or suppress them so that they turn back disappointed.

128. Not for you, [O Muhammad, but for Allah], is the decision whether He should [cut them down] or forgive them or punish them, for indeed, they are wrongdoers.

129. And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

139. So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

140. If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allah does not like the wrongdoers -

141. And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers.

142. Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?

143. And you had certainly wished for death [i.e., martyrdom] before you encountered it, and you have [now] seen it [before you] while you were looking on.

144. Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful.

145. And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world – We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will give him thereof. And We will reward the grateful.

146. And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many godly men. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast.

147. And their words were not but that they said, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving
people."

148. So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the good reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves the doers of good.

149. O you who have believed, if you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, and you will [then] become losers.

150. But Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers.

151. We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve for what they have associated with Allah of which He had not sent down [any] authority. And their refuge will be the Fire, and wretched is the residence of the wrongdoers.

152. And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing them [i.e., the enemy] by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then He turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers.

153. [Remember] when you [fled and] climbed [the mountain] without looking aside at anyone while the Messenger was calling you from behind. So Allah made you suffer distress upon distress so you would not grieve for that which had escaped you [of victory and spoils of war] or [for] that which had befallen you [of injury and death]. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.

154. Then after distress, He sent down upon you security [in the form of] drowsiness, overcoming a faction of you, while another faction worried about themselves, thinking of Allah other than the truth – the thought of ignorance, saying, "Is there anything for us [to have done] in this matter?" Say,"Indeed, the matter belongs completely to Allah." They conceal within themselves what they will not reveal to you. They say, "If there was anything we could have done in the matter, we [i.e., some of us] would not have been killed right here." Say, "Even if you had been inside your houses, those decreed to be killed would have come out to their death beds." [It was] so that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purify what is in your hearts. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.

155. Indeed, those of you who turned back on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] – it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some [blame] they had earned. But Allah has already forgiven them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.

156. O you who have believed, do not be like those who disbelieved and said about their brothers when they traveled through the land or went out to fight, "If they had been with us, they would not have died or have been killed," so Allah makes that [misconception] a regret within their hearts. And it is Allah who gives life and causes death, and Allah is Seeing of what you do.

157. And if you are killed in the cause of Allah or die – then forgiveness from Allah and mercy are better than whatever they accumulate [in this world].

158. And whether you die or are killed, unto Allah you will be gathered.

159. So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

160. If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.

161. It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully [in regard to war booty]. And whoever betrays, [taking unlawfully], will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection. Then will every soul be [fully] compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.

162. So is one who pursues the pleasure of Allah like one who brings upon himself the anger of Allah and whose refuge is Hell? And wretched is the destination.

163. They are [varying] degrees in the sight of Allah, and Allah is Seeing of whatever they do.

164. Certainly did Allah confer [great] favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Quran] and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error.

165. Why [is it that] when a [single] disaster struck you [on the day of Uhud], although you had struck [the enemy in the battle of Badr] with one twice as great, you said, "From where is this?" Say, "It is from yourselves [i.e., due to your sin]." Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

166. And what struck you on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] was by permission of Allah that He might make evident the [true] believers

167. And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] fighting, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most knowing of what they conceal –

168. Those who said about their brothers while sitting [at home], "If they had obeyed us, they would not have been killed."Say, "Then prevent death from yourselves, if you should be truthful."

169. And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision,

170. Rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them – that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

171. They receive good tidings of favor from Allah and bounty and [of the fact] that Allah does not allow the reward of believers to be lost –

172. Those [believers] who responded to Allah and the Messenger after injury had struck them. For those who did good among them and feared Allah is a great reward –

173. Those to whom people [i.e., hypocrites] said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."

174. So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

175. That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.

176. And do not be grieved, [O Muhammad], by those who hasten into disbelief. Indeed, they will never harm Allah at all. Allah intends that He should give them no share in the Hereafter, and for them is a great punishment.

177. Indeed, those who purchase disbelief [in exchange] for faith – never will they harm Allah at all, and for them is a painful punishment.

178. And let not those who disbelieve ever think that [because] We extend their time [of enjoyment] it is better for them. We only extend it for them so that they may increase in sin, and for them is a humiliating punishment.

179. Allah would not leave the believers in that [state] you are in [presently] until He separates the evil from the good. Nor would Allah reveal to you the unseen. But [instead], Allah chooses of His messengers whom He wills, so believe in Allah and His messengers. And if you believe and fear Him, then for you is a great reward.

Contemplating the Verses about Uhud - 2

In the previous episode, I mentioned two lessons from the verses about the Battle of Uhud. The first was that we should not speak on behalf of God or hypothesize about Him, unless we have an explicit message from Him. The second lesson was that, whether we like them or not, we humans are all going to be exposed to life events that are alternating in nature so that the secrets in our nature are revealed. Now, I would like to continue with more lessons, and as before, all of the relevant verses are included at the end of the article as a quick reference.

Third Remark

In times of comfort, it is easy for people to speak bravely, and to suggest ideas of great endeavors. When it is time to put those words into action, however, you may see the owner of those great ideas suddenly producing pretexts in order to stay out of the action. One such event took place at another time, when people were telling each other "we wish we knew what is most beloved action to God, so that we go about doing it". Then the verse (61/2) was revealed: "O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do?" (Sahih / Tirmidhi, 3309).

So, Allah is not only warning the believers to be careful about their audacity but also discouraging them from pinpointing what is most pleasing to Him. That is, instead of worrying about what they can do in the future, they should concentrate on what they can do at the moment. Instead of discussing which action is most pleasing to Him, they should follow the guidance perceived in their hearts, without generalizing their motivations to other people.

Apparently, before the Battle of Uhud, similar talks took place regarding bravery on the way of God and facing the death thereof with courage. After the war, however, All-Hearing and All-Seeing Lord informed the believers of their status before, during and after the event.

And you had certainly wished for death [i.e., martyrdom] before you encountered it, and you have [now] seen it [before you] while you were looking on. Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful. (3/143-144)

Fourth Remark

One of the hot topics after Jesus's departure from this life was the fate of the call initiated by him. Jesus pbuh had not claimed to have brought a new religion, but was a Jew. Nevertheless, he had called people to embrace the spirit of the divine message, instead of getting fixated on the words. He had also brought messages from God regarding changes and amendments to the religious laws decreed by Him before. Jesus's short stay among people and the brief duration of his mission had not transformed into a movement as it is now. So, when he passed, was all of that a nice memory to be cherished or was it a movement to be undertaken with commitment? This question was answered by Jesus himself when he re-appeared to the disciples on the Sunday after the tormenting events of crucifixion. Yes, it was a message to be spread; yes, it was a duty to be undertaken with commitment.

The same sentiments and thoughts were in the air, when it was announced during the war that prophet Muhammad was slain. This announcement had bewildered the believers, and they did not know what to do. Their personal lives, the lives of their comrades, the religion of God represented by a handful of people getting crushed by massive army of the wrongdoers, the truthfulness of Islam and the ugly nature of the oppression from the disbelievers, the promised help from God, the disappearance of the prophet... In that confusion, one of the believers finally spotted the prophet, and shouted with all his might that the prophet was alive, which acted like a touch of life. However, the trauma was real, and it needed to be dealt with. So, God made it clear for the believers that they are expected to continue to call people to truth and live it themselves, no matter what happens:

Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful. (3/144)

Verses from the chapter Âl-Imran related to the Battle of Uhud:

121. And [remember] when you, [O Muhammad], left your family in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle [of Uhud] - and Allah is Hearing and Knowing -

122. When two parties among you were about to lose courage, but Allah was their ally; and upon Allah the believers should rely.

123. And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah ; perhaps you will be grateful.

124. [Remember] when you said to the believers, "Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?

125. Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy come upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks [of distinction]

126. And Allah made it not except as [a sign of] good tidings for you and to reassure your hearts thereby. And victory is not except from Allah , the Exalted in Might, the Wise -

127. That He might cut down a section of the disbelievers or suppress them so that they turn back disappointed.

128. Not for you, [O Muhammad, but for Allah], is the decision whether He should [cut them down] or forgive them or punish them, for indeed, they are wrongdoers.

129. And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

139. So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

140. If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allah does not like the wrongdoers -

141. And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers.

142. Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?

143. And you had certainly wished for death [i.e., martyrdom] before you encountered it, and you have [now] seen it [before you] while you were looking on.

144. Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful.

145. And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world – We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will give him thereof. And We will reward the grateful.

146. And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many godly men. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast.

147. And their words were not but that they said, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."

148. So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the good reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves the doers of good.

149. O you who have believed, if you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, and you will [then] become losers.

150. But Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers.

151. We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve for what they have associated with Allah of which He had not sent down [any] authority. And their refuge will be the Fire, and wretched is the residence of the wrongdoers.

152. And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing them [i.e., the enemy] by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then He turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers.

153. [Remember] when you [fled and] climbed [the mountain] without looking aside at anyone while the Messenger was calling you from behind. So Allah made you suffer distress upon distress so you would not grieve for that which had escaped you [of victory and spoils of war] or [for] that which had befallen you [of injury and death]. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.

154. Then after distress, He sent down upon you security [in the form of] drowsiness, overcoming a faction of you, while another faction worried about themselves, thinking of Allah other than the truth – the thought of ignorance, saying, "Is there anything for us [to have done] in this matter?" Say,"Indeed, the matter belongs completely to Allah." They conceal within themselves what they will not reveal to you. They say, "If there was anything we could have done in the matter, we [i.e., some of us] would not have been killed right here." Say, "Even if you had been inside your houses, those decreed to be killed would have come out to their death beds." [It was] so that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purify what is in your hearts. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.

155. Indeed, those of you who turned back on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] – it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some [blame] they had earned. But Allah has already forgiven them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.

156. O you who have believed, do not be like those who disbelieved and said about their brothers when they traveled through the land or went out to fight, "If they had been with us, they would not have died or have been killed," so Allah makes that [misconception] a regret within their hearts. And it is Allah who gives life and causes death, and Allah is Seeing of what you do.

157. And if you are killed in the cause of Allah or die – then forgiveness from Allah and mercy are better than whatever they accumulate [in this world].

158. And whether you die or are killed, unto Allah you will be gathered.

159. So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

160. If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.

161. It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully [in regard to war booty]. And whoever betrays, [taking unlawfully], will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection. Then will every soul be [fully] compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.

162. So is one who pursues the pleasure of Allah like one who brings upon himself the anger of Allah and whose refuge is Hell? And wretched is the destination.

163. They are [varying] degrees in the sight of Allah, and Allah is Seeing of whatever they do.

164. Certainly did Allah confer [great] favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Quran] and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error.

165. Why [is it that] when a [single] disaster struck you [on the day of Uhud], although you had struck [the enemy in the battle of Badr] with one twice as great, you said, "From where is this?" Say, "It is from yourselves [i.e., due to your sin]." Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

166. And what struck you on the day the two armies met [at Uhud] was by permission of Allah that He might make evident the [true] believers

167. And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] fighting, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most knowing of what they conceal –

168. Those who said about their brothers while sitting [at home], "If they had obeyed us, they would not have been killed."Say, "Then prevent death from yourselves, if you should be truthful."

169. And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision,

170. Rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them – that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

171. They receive good tidings of favor from Allah and bounty and [of the fact] that Allah does not allow the reward of believers to be lost –

172. Those [believers] who responded to Allah and the Messenger after injury had struck them. For those who did good among them and feared Allah is a great reward –

173. Those to whom people [i.e., hypocrites] said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."

174. So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

175. That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.

176. And do not be grieved, [O Muhammad], by those who hasten into disbelief. Indeed, they will never harm Allah at all. Allah intends that He should give them no share in the Hereafter, and for them is a great punishment.

177. Indeed, those who purchase disbelief [in exchange] for faith – never will they harm Allah at all, and for them is a painful punishment.

178. And let not those who disbelieve ever think that [because] We extend their time [of enjoyment] it is better for them. We only extend it for them so that they may increase in sin, and for them is a humiliating punishment.

179. Allah would not leave the believers in that [state] you are in [presently] until He separates the evil from the good. Nor would Allah reveal to you the unseen. But [instead], Allah chooses of His messengers whom He wills, so believe in Allah and His messengers. And if you believe and fear Him, then for you is a great reward.