scouts to learn the enemy’s condition, and he would seek the counsel of his Companions, as Allah had commanded, especially in so critical a matter.

• Among the important measures (1) is to uncover the enemy’s secrets, deploy observers, and station covert spies who are scarcely detected. No less important is guarding against the enemy’s espionage and taking whatever precautions time and place require.

• It is likewise essential to employ every possible means to ensure the armies’ sincerity to Allah (2) and their fight for the truth, so that all of them pursue a single aim—an aim that is not shaken by the death of a leader, a major setback, the instability of a commander, or a momentary pause in their steadfast advance caused by external factors. Whenever this lofty objective is adopted by those in authority and reinforced through verbal and practical directives, the armies that embody it become proverbial for perfection, sound conduct, and the attainment of noble goals. For this reason Allah directed the believers on the Day of Uhud to this astonishing principle, saying: “Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers have passed on before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels? Whoever turns back on his heels will never harm Allah in the least, and Allah will reward the grateful.” 144 [Āl ʿImrān 3:144]. He thus warned them that, although Muhammad is the greatest Imam and the most exalted Messenger, his loss should not sap their determination or dissolve their strength. Rather, you fight for Allah, upon the truth with which He sent His Messenger, and to repel falsehood and corruption. Therefore, keep this goal before your eyes and make it the foundation of your actions. Advance along the path of Allah, neither intimidated nor disheartened when events unfold contrary to your wishes, for affairs are indeed such