and they were intent on killing the Prophet ﷺ (1) to the point that they broke his incisor tooth, split his forehead, and smashed the helmet upon his head. Concerning this encounter Allah revealed almost half of Sūrah Āl ʿImrān, beginning with His words:

“When you left your household at dawn to post the believers at their stations for battle…” (Āl ʿImrān 3:121)

and continuing until He said:

“Indeed, those of you who turned back on the day the two armies met were only made to slip by Satan on account of what they had earned; yet Allah has already pardoned them. Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.” (3:155)

He also said in the same passage:

“Allah certainly fulfilled His promise to you when, by His permission, you were routing them, until you lost heart, disputed about the command, and disobeyed after He had shown you what you loved. Among you are those who desire this world and among you are those who desire the Hereafter. Then He turned you away from them to test you, and He has already pardoned you. Allah is bountiful to the believers.” (3:152)

And He said:

“Why is it that when a calamity struck you, though you had inflicted twice as much, you said, ‘How is this?’ Say, ‘It is from your own selves.’ Surely Allah is capable of all things.” (3:165)

Satan had cried out among the people that Muḥammad had been killed; some were shaken by that report and fled, while others stood firm and fought. Thereupon Allah, exalted is He, said:

“Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers have passed on before him. So if he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heels? Whoever turns back on his heels will never harm Allah in the least, and Allah will reward those who are grateful.” (3:144)

(2) Such was the state of the Muslims when they were routed last year, and that defeat came because of blatant sins and manifest transgressions—from corruption.