The first characteristic is that their intense fear makes them think the confederate forces have not withdrawn from the city. Such is the condition of a coward whose heart is diseased: his heart readily believes frightening reports and rejects reassuring ones.

The second characteristic is that, if the confederate forces return, they wish they were not among you, but out in the desert among the Bedouins, asking for news of you: “What news is there from Medina? What has happened to the people?”

The third characteristic is that, if the confederate forces come while they are among you, they fight but little. These three characteristics apply to many people in this campaign, as they recognize in themselves and as those acquainted with them recognize in them.

Then Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.”

Thus, He, glorified be He, tells us that those who are tried by the enemy, as the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was tried, have in him an excellent example, since they have suffered the like of what he suffered. Let them therefore follow his example in reliance upon Allah and patience. They should not suppose that these trials are punishments and a humiliation for those who suffer them. Were that so, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace—the best of all creation—would not have been subjected to them. Rather, through them lofty ranks are attained, and through them Allah expiates the sins of those who hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah often. Yet someone who is not of this description may also be subjected to such trials