and the staff, the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, the blood as distinct signs, the years of drought, and the shortage of crops—this report cannot be accepted, since it contradicts this hadith. Rather, Allah knows best, that explanation is valid only in interpreting the words of Allah Most High:

“And put your hand into the opening of your garment; it will come out white, without disease, as one of nine signs to Pharaoh and his people. They were indeed a defiantly disobedient people.” [al-Naml: 12]

This interpretation is supported by the fact that this explanation has been reported from Ibn ‘Abbās—may Allah be pleased with them both—through a route other than ‘Ikrima’s, in explanation of the words of Allah Most High, “And We tested you with many trials” [Tā Hā: 40], rather than His words, “We certainly gave Moses nine clear signs.” [al-Isrā’: 101]

“Signs” may refer to acts of worship, as in the words of Allah Most High:

“He said, ‘My Lord, appoint a sign for me.’ He said, ‘Your sign is that you will not speak to people for three days except through gestures.’” [Āl ‘Imrān: 41]

They may also refer to miracles, as in His words:

“And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign.” [al-Mu’minūn: 50]

Thus, His words in Surah Subhān, “We certainly gave Moses nine clear signs” [al-Isrā’: 101], are understood as referring to the acts of worship prescribed, as set out in the first hadith. His words in Surah al-Naml, “among nine signs” [al-Naml: 12], are understood as referring to the miracles, signs, and warnings with which they were threatened if they failed to fulfil their prescribed duties, according to the report from Ibn ‘Abbās through a route other than ‘Ikrima’s. In this way, the reports agree rather than contradict one another. And Allah—glorified and exalted be He—knows best.

Further evidence that the prohibition against fleeing the battlefield is not confined to the day of Badr is the general wording reported from the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—that fleeing the battlefield is one of the major sins.

Section

The enemy is to be fought alongside the righteous and the wicked alike. The Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “Indeed, Allah supports this religion even through a wicked man.”