Thus, although the polytheists sought every means of harming the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, Allah defended him, honored him, protected him, and granted him victory, so that he was the most honored of Quraysh. Each of the others faced someone who harmed and humiliated him whom he could not fend off, for every leading man had another who rivaled him, opposed him, and showed him enmity. Such is the condition of those who do not follow Islam: they fear one another and pin their hopes on one another.

His followers who emigrated to Abyssinia were received by its king with the utmost honor and esteem. Those who emigrated to Medina enjoyed still greater honor and strength. Whatever worldly harm they suffered, they were immediately compensated for it with faith, its sweetness, and its delight, which enabled them to endure that harm. Their enemies suffered many times as much harm and evil, without compensation either in the Hereafter or in this life, for they were being punished for their sins. The believers, by contrast, were being tested so that their faith might be purified and their sins expiated.

This is because the believer acts for Allah’s sake. If he suffers harm, he seeks Allah’s reward for enduring it. If he expends effort or wealth, he does so for Allah’s sake and seeks his reward from Allah.