And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had no need of it in this situation (1), because of his complete inner assurance. This contrasts with its being sent down on the day of Hunayn, when he needed it because most of his Companions had fled, the enemy was advancing towards him (2), and he was urging his mule towards the enemy.

According to the first view, the pronoun refers to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, just as the pronoun refers to him in His words:

“And supported him with forces you did not see.” [Surah al-Tawbah: 40]

This is also because the passage concerns him, while his companion is mentioned only incidentally and in connection with him.

However, it may be said: On this interpretation, when he said to his companion (3), “Indeed, Allah is with us,” the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was the one being followed and obeyed, while Abū Bakr was his obedient follower and companion, and Allah was with them both. Thus, if the one being followed receives (4) tranquility and support in this situation, his follower also receives them by virtue of the circumstances, for he is a companion who follows him and remains constantly at his side. There was no need to mention Abū Bakr here, because his constant presence and close companionship entailed his sharing in the support granted to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

This contrasts with the situation of those who fled on the day of Hunayn. Had He said, “Then Allah sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger,” and stopped there, nothing in those words would have indicated that tranquility was sent down upon them. By fleeing, they had parted from the Messenger; nor had the same unqualified companionship, indicating constant presence at his side, been established for them as had been established for Abū Bakr.