3. Aal-i-Imraan

And (remember) when you left your household in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle (of Uhud). And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (121)When two parties from among you were about to lose heart, but Allah was their Wali (Supporter and Protector). And in Allah should the believers put their trust (122)And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr, when you were a weak little force. So have Taqwa of Allah that you may be grateful (123)

The Battle of Uhud

According to the majority of scholars, these Ayat are describing the battle of Uhud, as Ibn 'Abbas, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, As-Suddi and others said. The battle of Uhud occurred on a Saturday, in the month of Shawwal on the third year of Hijrah. 'Ikrimah said that Uhud occurred in the middle of the month of Shawwal, and Allah knows best.

The Reason Behind the Battle of Uhud

The idolators suffered many casualties among their noble men at the battle of Badr. The caravan that Abu Sufyan led (before Badr) returned safely to Makkah, prompting the remaining Makkan leaders and the children of those who were killed at Badr to demand from Abu Sufyan to, "Spend this money on fighting Muhammad!" Consequently, they spent the money from the caravan on warfare expenses and mobilized their forces including the Ahabish tribes (tribes living around the city). They gathered three thousand soldiers and marched until they camped near Uhud facing Al-Madinah. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ led the Friday prayer and when he finished with it, he performed the funeral prayer for a man from Bani An-Najjar called Malik bin 'Amr. The Prophet ﷺ then asked the Muslims for advice, if they should march to meet the disbelievers, or fortify themselves in Al-Madinah. 'Abdullah bin Ubayy (the chief hypocrite) advised that they should remain in Al-Madinah, saying that if the disbelievers lay siege to Al-Madinah, the siege would be greatly disadvantageous to them. He added that if they decide to attack Al-Madinah, its men would face off with them, while women and children could throw rocks at them from above their heads; and if they decide to return to Makkah, they would return with failure. However, some companions who did not attend the battle of Badr advised that the Muslims should go out to Uhud to meet the disbelievers.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ went to his home, put on his shield and came out. The companions were weary then and said to each other, "Did we compel the Messenger of Allah to go out?" They said, "O Messenger of Allah! If you wish, we will remain in Al-Madinah." The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,

مَا يَنْبَغِي لِنَبِيٍّ إِذَا لَبِسَ لَأْمَتَهُ أَنْ يَرْجِعَ حَتَّى يَحْكُمَ اللهُ لَهُ

(It is not for a Prophet to wear his shield for war then lay down his arms before Allah decides in his favor.)

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ marched with a thousand of his Companions. When they reached the Shawt area, 'Abdullah bin Ubayy went back to Al-Madinah with a third of the army, claiming he was angry the Prophet ﷺ did not listen to his advice. He and his supporters said, "If we knew that you would fight today, we would have accompanied you. However, we do not think that you will fight today." The Messenger …

And (remember) when you left your household in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle (of Uhud). And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (121)When two parties from among you were about to lose heart, but Allah was their Wali (Supporter and Protector). And in Allah should the believers put their trust (122)And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr, when you were a weak little force. So have Taqwa of Allah that you may be grateful (123)

The Battle of Uhud

According to the majority of scholars, these Ayat are describing the battle of Uhud, as Ibn 'Abbas, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, As-Suddi and others said. The battle of Uhud occurred on a Saturday, in the month of Shawwal on the third year of Hijrah. 'Ikrimah said that Uhud occurred in the middle of the month of Shawwal, and Allah knows best.

The Reason Behind the Battle of Uhud

The idolators suffered many casualties among their noble men at the battle of Badr. The caravan that Abu Sufyan led (before Badr) returned safely to Makkah, prompting the remaining Makkan leaders and the children of those who were killed at Badr to demand from Abu Sufyan to, "Spend this money on fighting Muhammad!" Consequently, they spent the money from the caravan on warfare expenses and mobilized their forces including the Ahabish tribes (tribes living around the city). They gathered three thousand soldiers and marched until they camped near Uhud facing Al-Madinah. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ led the Friday prayer and when he finished with it, he performed the funeral prayer for a man from Bani An-Najjar called Malik bin 'Amr. The Prophet ﷺ then asked the Muslims for advice, if they should march to meet the disbelievers, or fortify themselves in Al-Madinah. 'Abdullah bin Ubayy (the chief hypocrite) advised that they should remain in Al-Madinah, saying that if the disbelievers lay siege to Al-Madinah, the siege would be greatly disadvantageous to them. He added that if they decide to attack Al-Madinah, its men would face off with them, while women and children could throw rocks at them from above their heads; and if they decide to return to Makkah, they would return with failure. However, some companions who did not attend the battle of Badr advised that the Muslims should go out to Uhud to meet the disbelievers.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ went to his home, put on his shield and came out. The companions were weary then and said to each other, "Did we compel the Messenger of Allah to go out?" They said, "O Messenger of Allah! If you wish, we will remain in Al-Madinah." The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,

مَا يَنْبَغِي لِنَبِيٍّ إِذَا لَبِسَ لَأْمَتَهُ أَنْ يَرْجِعَ حَتَّى يَحْكُمَ اللهُ لَهُ

(It is not for a Prophet to wear his shield for war then lay down his arms before Allah decides in his favor.)

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ marched with a thousand of his Companions. When they reached the Shawt area, 'Abdullah bin Ubayy went back to Al-Madinah with a third of the army, claiming he was angry the Prophet ﷺ did not listen to his advice. He and his supporters said, "If we knew that you would fight today, we would have accompanied you. However, we do not think that you will fight today." The Messenger …

And (remember) when you left your household in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle (of Uhud). And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (121)When two parties from among you were about to lose heart, but Allah was their Wali (Supporter and Protector). And in Allah should the believers put their trust (122)And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr, when you were a weak little force. So have Taqwa of Allah that you may be grateful (123)

The Battle of Uhud

According to the majority of scholars, these Ayat are describing the battle of Uhud, as Ibn 'Abbas, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, As-Suddi and others said. The battle of Uhud occurred on a Saturday, in the month of Shawwal on the third year of Hijrah. 'Ikrimah said that Uhud occurred in the middle of the month of Shawwal, and Allah knows best.

The Reason Behind the Battle of Uhud

The idolators suffered many casualties among their noble men at the battle of Badr. The caravan that Abu Sufyan led (before Badr) returned safely to Makkah, prompting the remaining Makkan leaders and the children of those who were killed at Badr to demand from Abu Sufyan to, "Spend this money on fighting Muhammad!" Consequently, they spent the money from the caravan on warfare expenses and mobilized their forces including the Ahabish tribes (tribes living around the city). They gathered three thousand soldiers and marched until they camped near Uhud facing Al-Madinah. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ led the Friday prayer and when he finished with it, he performed the funeral prayer for a man from Bani An-Najjar called Malik bin 'Amr. The Prophet ﷺ then asked the Muslims for advice, if they should march to meet the disbelievers, or fortify themselves in Al-Madinah. 'Abdullah bin Ubayy (the chief hypocrite) advised that they should remain in Al-Madinah, saying that if the disbelievers lay siege to Al-Madinah, the siege would be greatly disadvantageous to them. He added that if they decide to attack Al-Madinah, its men would face off with them, while women and children could throw rocks at them from above their heads; and if they decide to return to Makkah, they would return with failure. However, some companions who did not attend the battle of Badr advised that the Muslims should go out to Uhud to meet the disbelievers.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ went to his home, put on his shield and came out. The companions were weary then and said to each other, "Did we compel the Messenger of Allah to go out?" They said, "O Messenger of Allah! If you wish, we will remain in Al-Madinah." The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,

مَا يَنْبَغِي لِنَبِيٍّ إِذَا لَبِسَ لَأْمَتَهُ أَنْ يَرْجِعَ حَتَّى يَحْكُمَ اللهُ لَهُ

(It is not for a Prophet to wear his shield for war then lay down his arms before Allah decides in his favor.)

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ marched with a thousand of his Companions. When they reached the Shawt area, 'Abdullah bin Ubayy went back to Al-Madinah with a third of the army, claiming he was angry the Prophet ﷺ did not listen to his advice. He and his supporters said, "If we knew that you would fight today, we would have accompanied you. However, we do not think that you will fight today." The Messenger …

(Remember) when you said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels sent down? (124)"But, if you hold on to patience and have Taqwa, and the enemy comes rushing at you; your Lord will help you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction). (125)Allah made it not but as a message of good news for you and as an assurance to your hearts. And there is no victory except from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise (126)That He might cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or expose them to infamy, so that they retire frustrated (127)Not for you is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to (pardon) them or punishes them; verily, they are the wrongdoers (128)And to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. He forgives whom He wills, and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (129)

The Support of the Angels

The scholars of Tafsir differ over whether the promise contained in these Ayat referred to the battle of Badr or Uhud.

The First View

There are two opinions about this, one of them saying that Allah's statement,

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

((Remember) when you said to the believers)[3:124], is related to His statement,

وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ

(And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr)[3:123].

This was reported from Al-Hasan Al-Basri, 'Amr Ash-Sha'bi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas and several others, Ibn Jarir also agreed with this opinion. 'Abbad bin Mansur said that Al-Hasan said that Allah's statement,

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَاثَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ

((Remember) when you said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels?")[3:124], is about the battle of Badr; Ibn Abi Hatim also recorded this statement.

Ibn Abi Hatim then reported that 'Amr Ash-Sha'bi said, "On the day of Badr, the Muslims received information that Kurz bin Jabir (a prominent tribe chief) was aiding the idolators, and this news was hard on them, so Allah revealed;

أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَاثَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُنزَلِينَ

("Is it not enough for you that your Lord (Allah) should help you with three thousand angels sent down?"), until,

مُسَوِّمِينَ

(having marks (of distinction))[3:124,125].

The news of the defeat of the idolators [at Badr] reached Kurz and he did not reinforce them, and thus, Allah did not reinforce the Muslims with the five (thousands of angels)."

As for Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, he said, "Allah supported the Muslims with one thousand (angels), then the number reached three thousand, then five thousand." If one asks, according to this opinion, how can we combine between this Ayah and Allah's statement about Badr,

إِذْ تَسْتَغِيثُونَ رَبَّكُمْ فَاسْتَجَابَ لَكُمْ أَنِّي مُمِدُّكُم بِأَلْفٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُرْدِفِينَ

((Remember) when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): "I will help you with a thousand angels, each behind the other (following one another) in succession.")[8:9], until,

إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

(Verily! Allah is …

(Remember) when you said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels sent down? (124)"But, if you hold on to patience and have Taqwa, and the enemy comes rushing at you; your Lord will help you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction). (125)Allah made it not but as a message of good news for you and as an assurance to your hearts. And there is no victory except from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise (126)That He might cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or expose them to infamy, so that they retire frustrated (127)Not for you is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to (pardon) them or punishes them; verily, they are the wrongdoers (128)And to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. He forgives whom He wills, and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (129)

The Support of the Angels

The scholars of Tafsir differ over whether the promise contained in these Ayat referred to the battle of Badr or Uhud.

The First View

There are two opinions about this, one of them saying that Allah's statement,

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

((Remember) when you said to the believers)[3:124], is related to His statement,

وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ

(And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr)[3:123].

This was reported from Al-Hasan Al-Basri, 'Amr Ash-Sha'bi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas and several others, Ibn Jarir also agreed with this opinion. 'Abbad bin Mansur said that Al-Hasan said that Allah's statement,

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَاثَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ

((Remember) when you said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels?")[3:124], is about the battle of Badr; Ibn Abi Hatim also recorded this statement.

Ibn Abi Hatim then reported that 'Amr Ash-Sha'bi said, "On the day of Badr, the Muslims received information that Kurz bin Jabir (a prominent tribe chief) was aiding the idolators, and this news was hard on them, so Allah revealed;

أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَاثَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُنزَلِينَ

("Is it not enough for you that your Lord (Allah) should help you with three thousand angels sent down?"), until,

مُسَوِّمِينَ

(having marks (of distinction))[3:124,125].

The news of the defeat of the idolators [at Badr] reached Kurz and he did not reinforce them, and thus, Allah did not reinforce the Muslims with the five (thousands of angels)."

As for Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, he said, "Allah supported the Muslims with one thousand (angels), then the number reached three thousand, then five thousand." If one asks, according to this opinion, how can we combine between this Ayah and Allah's statement about Badr,

إِذْ تَسْتَغِيثُونَ رَبَّكُمْ فَاسْتَجَابَ لَكُمْ أَنِّي مُمِدُّكُم بِأَلْفٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُرْدِفِينَ

((Remember) when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): "I will help you with a thousand angels, each behind the other (following one another) in succession.")[8:9], until,

إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

(Verily! Allah is …

(Remember) when you said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels sent down? (124)"But, if you hold on to patience and have Taqwa, and the enemy comes rushing at you; your Lord will help you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction). (125)Allah made it not but as a message of good news for you and as an assurance to your hearts. And there is no victory except from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise (126)That He might cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or expose them to infamy, so that they retire frustrated (127)Not for you is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to (pardon) them or punishes them; verily, they are the wrongdoers (128)And to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. He forgives whom He wills, and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (129)

The Support of the Angels

The scholars of Tafsir differ over whether the promise contained in these Ayat referred to the battle of Badr or Uhud.

The First View

There are two opinions about this, one of them saying that Allah's statement,

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

((Remember) when you said to the believers)[3:124], is related to His statement,

وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ

(And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr)[3:123].

This was reported from Al-Hasan Al-Basri, 'Amr Ash-Sha'bi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas and several others, Ibn Jarir also agreed with this opinion. 'Abbad bin Mansur said that Al-Hasan said that Allah's statement,

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَاثَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ

((Remember) when you said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels?")[3:124], is about the battle of Badr; Ibn Abi Hatim also recorded this statement.

Ibn Abi Hatim then reported that 'Amr Ash-Sha'bi said, "On the day of Badr, the Muslims received information that Kurz bin Jabir (a prominent tribe chief) was aiding the idolators, and this news was hard on them, so Allah revealed;

أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَاثَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُنزَلِينَ

("Is it not enough for you that your Lord (Allah) should help you with three thousand angels sent down?"), until,

مُسَوِّمِينَ

(having marks (of distinction))[3:124,125].

The news of the defeat of the idolators [at Badr] reached Kurz and he did not reinforce them, and thus, Allah did not reinforce the Muslims with the five (thousands of angels)."

As for Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, he said, "Allah supported the Muslims with one thousand (angels), then the number reached three thousand, then five thousand." If one asks, according to this opinion, how can we combine between this Ayah and Allah's statement about Badr,

إِذْ تَسْتَغِيثُونَ رَبَّكُمْ فَاسْتَجَابَ لَكُمْ أَنِّي مُمِدُّكُم بِأَلْفٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُرْدِفِينَ

((Remember) when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): "I will help you with a thousand angels, each behind the other (following one another) in succession.")[8:9], until,

إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

(Verily! Allah is …

(Remember) when you said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels sent down? (124)"But, if you hold on to patience and have Taqwa, and the enemy comes rushing at you; your Lord will help you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction). (125)Allah made it not but as a message of good news for you and as an assurance to your hearts. And there is no victory except from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise (126)That He might cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or expose them to infamy, so that they retire frustrated (127)Not for you is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to (pardon) them or punishes them; verily, they are the wrongdoers (128)And to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. He forgives whom He wills, and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (129)

The Support of the Angels

The scholars of Tafsir differ over whether the promise contained in these Ayat referred to the battle of Badr or Uhud.

The First View

There are two opinions about this, one of them saying that Allah's statement,

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

((Remember) when you said to the believers)[3:124], is related to His statement,

وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ

(And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr)[3:123].

This was reported from Al-Hasan Al-Basri, 'Amr Ash-Sha'bi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas and several others, Ibn Jarir also agreed with this opinion. 'Abbad bin Mansur said that Al-Hasan said that Allah's statement,

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَاثَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ

((Remember) when you said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels?")[3:124], is about the battle of Badr; Ibn Abi Hatim also recorded this statement.

Ibn Abi Hatim then reported that 'Amr Ash-Sha'bi said, "On the day of Badr, the Muslims received information that Kurz bin Jabir (a prominent tribe chief) was aiding the idolators, and this news was hard on them, so Allah revealed;

أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَاثَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُنزَلِينَ

("Is it not enough for you that your Lord (Allah) should help you with three thousand angels sent down?"), until,

مُسَوِّمِينَ

(having marks (of distinction))[3:124,125].

The news of the defeat of the idolators [at Badr] reached Kurz and he did not reinforce them, and thus, Allah did not reinforce the Muslims with the five (thousands of angels)."

As for Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, he said, "Allah supported the Muslims with one thousand (angels), then the number reached three thousand, then five thousand." If one asks, according to this opinion, how can we combine between this Ayah and Allah's statement about Badr,

إِذْ تَسْتَغِيثُونَ رَبَّكُمْ فَاسْتَجَابَ لَكُمْ أَنِّي مُمِدُّكُم بِأَلْفٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُرْدِفِينَ

((Remember) when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): "I will help you with a thousand angels, each behind the other (following one another) in succession.")[8:9], until,

إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

(Verily! Allah is …

(Remember) when you said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels sent down? (124)"But, if you hold on to patience and have Taqwa, and the enemy comes rushing at you; your Lord will help you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction). (125)Allah made it not but as a message of good news for you and as an assurance to your hearts. And there is no victory except from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise (126)That He might cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or expose them to infamy, so that they retire frustrated (127)Not for you is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to (pardon) them or punishes them; verily, they are the wrongdoers (128)And to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. He forgives whom He wills, and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (129)

The Support of the Angels

The scholars of Tafsir differ over whether the promise contained in these Ayat referred to the battle of Badr or Uhud.

The First View

There are two opinions about this, one of them saying that Allah's statement,

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

((Remember) when you said to the believers)[3:124], is related to His statement,

وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ

(And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr)[3:123].

This was reported from Al-Hasan Al-Basri, 'Amr Ash-Sha'bi, Ar-Rabi' bin Anas and several others, Ibn Jarir also agreed with this opinion. 'Abbad bin Mansur said that Al-Hasan said that Allah's statement,

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَاثَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ

((Remember) when you said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels?")[3:124], is about the battle of Badr; Ibn Abi Hatim also recorded this statement.

Ibn Abi Hatim then reported that 'Amr Ash-Sha'bi said, "On the day of Badr, the Muslims received information that Kurz bin Jabir (a prominent tribe chief) was aiding the idolators, and this news was hard on them, so Allah revealed;

أَلَن يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَن يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِثَلَاثَةِ آلَافٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُنزَلِينَ

("Is it not enough for you that your Lord (Allah) should help you with three thousand angels sent down?"), until,

مُسَوِّمِينَ

(having marks (of distinction))[3:124,125].

The news of the defeat of the idolators [at Badr] reached Kurz and he did not reinforce them, and thus, Allah did not reinforce the Muslims with the five (thousands of angels)."

As for Ar-Rabi' bin Anas, he said, "Allah supported the Muslims with one thousand (angels), then the number reached three thousand, then five thousand." If one asks, according to this opinion, how can we combine between this Ayah and Allah's statement about Badr,

إِذْ تَسْتَغِيثُونَ رَبَّكُمْ فَاسْتَجَابَ لَكُمْ أَنِّي مُمِدُّكُم بِأَلْفٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُرْدِفِينَ

((Remember) when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): "I will help you with a thousand angels, each behind the other (following one another) in succession.")[8:9], until,

إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

(Verily! Allah is …

O you who believe! Do not consume Riba doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful (130)And fear the Fire, which is prepared for the disbelievers (131)And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy (132)And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the Muttaqin (the pious)(133)Those who spend (in Allah's cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves the Muhsinin (the good-doers)(134)And those who, when they have committed Fahishah (immoral sin) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins; and none can forgive sins but Allah, and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know (135)For such, the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (of good)(136)

Interest (Riba) is Prohibited

Allah prohibits His believing servants from dealing in Riba and from requiring interest on their capital, just as they used to do during the time of Jahiliyyah. For instance, when the time to pay a loan comes, the creditor would say to the debtor, "Either pay now, or the loan will incur interest." If the debtor asks for deferment of the loan, the creditor would require interest and this would occur year after year until the little capital becomes multiplied many times. Allah also commands His servants to have Taqwa of Him so that they may achieve success in this life and the Hereafter. Allah also threatens them with the Fire and warns them against it, saying,

وَاتَّقُوا النَّارَ الَّتِي أُعِدَّتْ لِلْكَافِرِينَ - وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

(And fear the Fire, which is prepared for the disbelievers. And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.)[3:131-132].

The Encouragment to Do Good for which Paradise is the Result

Allah encourages His servants to perform righteous deeds and to rush to accomplish the acts of obedience. Allah said,

وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

(And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the Muttaqin (the pious))[3:133].

Just as the Fire was prepared for the disbelievers. It was reported that the meaning of Allah's statement,

عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ

(as wide as the heavens and the earth) draws the attention to the spaciousness of Paradise. For instance, Allah said in another Ayah, while describing the couches of Paradise,

بَطَائِنُهَا مِنْ إِسْتَبْرَقٍ

(lined with silk brocade)[55:54], so what about their outer covering? It was also said that Paradise is as wide as its length, because it is a dome under the Throne. The width and length of a dome or a circle are the same in distance. This is supported by what is found in the Sahih;

إِذَا سَأَلْتُمُ اللهَ الْجَنَّـةَ فَاسْأَلُوهُ الْفِرْدَوْسَ، فَإِنَّهُ أَعْلَى الْجَنَّـةِ، وَأَوْسَطُ …