He had already foretold their defeat while he was still in Mecca, with only a handful of followers who were themselves weak, and no one—according to the usual course of events—could have imagined that his cause would prevail and rise before he emigrated to Madinah and before he fought them. Yet matters unfolded exactly as he had announced: on the Day of Badr and on other occasions their host was routed and they turned in flight. Such is Allah’s sunnah (established way) with the believers and the disbelievers alike.

The Exalted says,
“If those who disbelieve were to fight you, they would certainly turn their backs; then they would find no protector and no helper.” [Q 48:22] (22)
“Such is Allah’s practice that has passed before, and you will never find any change in Allah’s practice.” [Q 48:23]

Whenever the disbelievers do gain the upper hand, it is only because of the Muslims’ sins, which have diminished their faith; but when they repent and perfect their faith, Allah grants them victory—

just as He says,
“So do not weaken or grieve; you shall indeed be uppermost, if you are believers.” [Q 3:139]

and He also says,
“When a disaster struck you—though you had inflicted twice as much—you said, ‘How is this?’ Say: ‘It is from your own selves.’” [Q 3:165]

Thus, since perfect wisdom and mercy dictate that He should not destroy them with an annihilating ruin