For Allah drove back the confederate forces in the year of the Trench by sending against them the east wind—a fierce, cold wind—and by sowing discord in their hearts until He scattered their ranks, leaving them with no good gained. Their aim had been to conquer Medina and seize control of it, capturing the Messenger and his Companions, just as this enemy’s aim was to conquer Syria and overpower its Muslim inhabitants. But Allah drove them back in their rage, afflicting them with heavy snow, bitter cold, a raging wind and agonizing hunger to an extent known to Him.

Some people disliked the heavy snow and rain that fell this year, even asking for the skies to clear on more than one occasion. We would tell them:

“There is great good in this. Allah has wisdom and a hidden purpose in it, so do not dislike it.”

Among His wise purposes was that, reportedly, this weather struck Ghāzān and his troops, bringing destruction upon them; it was also reportedly the reason for their departure. The Muslims, too, were tested by it, so that those who patiently uphold Allah’s command and decree might be distinguished from those who flee from obedience to Him and from striving against His enemy.

Ghāzān and those accompanying him began their withdrawal from Syria and the lands around Aleppo on Monday, the eleventh of Jumādā al-Ūlā—the day I entered Egypt, following the army, and met with the Sultan and the Muslim commanders. Allah instilled in their hearts a profound concern for striving in His cause. Once Allah had made the Muslims’ hearts steadfast, He drove the enemy away as a reward from Him, demonstrating that Allah grants victory through sincere intentions and true resolve, even when no action has yet taken place and the lands are far apart.