and another had extra means at his disposal, ready to extend additional help to anyone who crossed his mind; still another occupied the rank of a heeded intercessor. In Allah’s sight they stand in different degrees of benefit and defense.

The only aid that proved completely free from blame was faith and righteous action (1), together with charity and God-consciousness. In that crucible the hidden secrets were tried, and the concealed matters that hearts (2) had long stored away came to light. It became clear that counterfeit words and deeds betray their owner precisely when he needs them most at the end. He who had obeyed his chiefs and notables—only to be led astray—now reviled them (3), whereas the one who was sincere in his faith and followed the path of the Messenger ⦗ق 50⦘ praised his Lord. Thus the truth of the Prophetic reports that had foretold these events was confirmed, and the hearts of those in this community who are granted inspired insight concurred with them, just as they were corroborated by the glad-tidings visions shown to the believers (4). During this ordeal the aided, victorious group that stands out for the religion became manifest—those whom neither opponents nor deserters can harm until the Day of Resurrection.

People then split into three factions: a party exerting itself to champion the religion, a second abandoning it, and a third stepping outside the law of Islam altogether. Humanity was thereafter divided into the rewarded, the excused, and those whom the Great Deceiver had deluded about Allah. This trial was a divine sifting and apportioning, “so that Allah may reward the truthful for their truthfulness and punish the hypocrites if He wills, or turn to them in mercy; indeed, Allah has always been Forgiving, Merciful” (Al-Ahzab 33:24).