calamities occur—for whatever adversity befell them came from themselves—and they asked Allah to forgive them and make their feet firm, keeping them steadfast in faith and jihad so that they would neither fall into doubt nor shrink from jihad. Allah Most High says:
“The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then harbour no doubt, and strive with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is they who are the truthful.”
They also asked Him to grant them victory over the disbelieving people. They asked their Lord both to make them steadfast within themselves and to bestow victory upon them from Himself. For He alone grants victory, and victory comes only from Allah. Likewise, He sent down the angels to assist them. Allah Most High said concerning His sending down the angels:
“Allah made it only as good news and to reassure your hearts thereby. Victory comes only from Allah. Indeed, Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.”
Allah Most High also says:
“So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves those who do good.”
This is discussed at length elsewhere.
The point here is that, since good comes from His kindness, Most High, while calamities arise from a person’s own self—even though they occur by Allah’s decree and predestination—the servant must thank his Lord, glory be to Him, seek His forgiveness for his sins, and rely upon Him alone. For none but He brings good things.
This therefore requires the servant to affirm His oneness, rely upon Him alone, thank Him alone, and seek forgiveness for sins.