the people of “Sīs” and the Franks. We therefore hope that Allah will bring them down from their strongholds—the meaning of sayāsī, a word also used for horns—and cast terror into their hearts. Allah has already granted the conquest of those lands. We shall campaign against them, if Allah Most High wills, and conquer Iraq and other lands, so that Allah’s word may reign supreme and His religion prevail.

This episode involved momentous events that defied all ordinary reckoning and departed from the customary course of events. Every discerning person could see Allah’s support for this religion, His care for this community, and His protection of the land He blessed for all peoples. Islam had nearly suffered a breach; the enemy had launched an assault without turning away from … (1) Those offering support were left helpless and did not turn back to … Those on the march were bewildered, not knowing who … or where to … All outward means had failed. The overpowering confederate forces rushed forward, the supporting force withdrew, and hearts once united in mutual support faltered.

Yet the supporting force stood firm, pure hearts became certain of victory, and the victorious band, granted divine aid, implored Allah to fulfil His promise. Allah opened the gates of His heavens to His overwhelming hosts and displayed His dazzling signs in support of the truth. He set upright the pillar of the Book after it had begun to lean, and through His power and might the banner of religion stood firm. He utterly humbled the people of disbelief and hypocrisy and made this a sign for the believers until the Day of Meeting.

May Allah perfect this blessing by uniting the hearts of the faithful in striving against the people of tyranny, and make this immense favour the beginning of every noble gift and a foundation