and the Persians. Later he killed the Jews, even though he had previously guaranteed them safety; the Christians had pressed him to put them to death and promised that they would expiate his sin through the extra ten days they had added to their fast. The Persians were Magians (Zoroastrians) while the Romans were Christians, and at first the Magian Persians had overcome the Christians. This occurred in the earliest days of the Prophet’s mission, when he was still in Mecca and his followers were few. The idol-worshippers therefore rejoiced at the Persian victory, for the Persians were closer to their own religion. Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, came to the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, and informed him that the Persians had defeated the Romans. Then Allah Most High revealed:

“Alif-Lam-Mim. The Romans have been defeated in a land close by, yet after their defeat they shall be victorious within a few years. To Allah belongs the command before and after, and on that day the believers will rejoice at the help of Allah.” (al-Rum 1–5)

This was one of the matters the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, foretold before it happened, and it unfolded exactly as he had said. When Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, related this, the people denied it, so he entered into a wager with them, as the exegetes and hadith scholars have recorded.