(165–168) “Why, when a calamity befell you after you had inflicted twice the like of it, did you say, ‘How did this happen?’ Say, ‘It is from your own selves.’ Indeed, Allah has power over all things.”

This is consolation from Allah Most High to His believing servants after they suffered what befell them on the Day of Uhud, when approximately seventy of them were killed. Allah said: You “had inflicted twice the like of it” upon the polytheists on the Day of Badr, when you killed seventy of their leading men and took seventy captive. Therefore, let the matter seem less grave and the calamity weigh less heavily upon you. Moreover, you and they are not equal: your slain are in Paradise, while theirs are in the Fire.

“You said, ‘How did this happen?’” That is: How did this befall us, and how were we defeated? “Say, ‘It is from your own selves,’” when you disputed and disobeyed after He had shown you what you loved. Blame yourselves, therefore, and beware of the causes that lead to ruin.

“Indeed, Allah has power over all things.” So beware of thinking ill of Allah. He is fully able to grant you victory, but His wisdom in testing you and allowing this calamity to befall you is perfect. “That is so. Had Allah willed, He could have exacted retribution from them Himself, but He intends to test some of you by means of others.”