he receives mercy and support, while it is because of his sins that he is punished and forsaken. The Most High says:

“Whatever calamity befalls you is because of what your own hands have earned, and He pardons much.”

Thus, when the Muslims were defeated at Uhud, despite being with the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and the enemy gained the upper hand over them, Allah explained that this was because of their sins. The Most High says:

“Those of you who turned away on the day the two armies met—it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some of what they had earned. But Allah has pardoned them. Indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Forbearing.”

The Most High also says:

“When a calamity befell you, although you had inflicted twice as much, did you say, ‘How has this happened?’ Say, ‘It is from yourselves.’”

He, glorified be He, explained the wisdom behind testing them. The Most High says:

“Similar situations have passed before you, so travel through the land and see how those who denied the truth met their end.”

“This is a clear explanation for mankind, and guidance and an admonition for the God-fearing.”

“Do not lose heart or grieve, for you will have the upper hand, if you are believers.”

“If you have suffered a wound, the other people have suffered a similar wound. We alternate such days among people, so that Allah may make evident those who believe and take martyrs from among you. And Allah does not love the wrongdoers.”

“And so that Allah may purify those who believe and destroy the disbelievers.”

The Most High also says:

“Whatever good befalls you is from Allah, and whatever evil befalls you is from yourself.”

Allah has decreed it, and He has decreed everything. Yet whatever well-being, victory, or provision a servant receives comes from Allah’s favor and kindness toward him. All good is from Allah; the servant has nothing of his own. Rather, he is utterly dependent and has no power