The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

33: 20
The Joint Forces 267
7 We took a solemn pledge from the prophets – from you
[Muhammad], from Noah, from Abraham, from Moses, from Jesus,
son of Mary – We took a solemn pledge from all of them: 8 God will
question [even] the truthful about their sincerity, and for those who
reject the truth He has prepared a painful torment.
9 You who believe, remember God’s goodness to you when mighty
armies massed against you: We sent a violent wind and invisible
forces against them. God sees all that you do. 10 They massed against
you from above and below; your eyes rolled [with fear], your hearts
rose into your throats, and you thought [ill] thoughts of God.
11 There the believers were sorely tested and deeply shaken: 12 the
hypocrites and the sick at heart said, ‘God and His Messenger
promised us nothing but delusions!’ 13 Some of them said, ‘People of
Yathrib, a you will not be able to withstand [the attack], so go back!’
Some of them asked the Prophet’s permission to leave, saying, ‘Our
houses are exposed,’ even though they were not – they just wanted
to run away: 14 had the city been invaded from all sides, and the
enemy invited them to rebel, they would have done so almost without
hesitation. 15 Yet they had already promised God that they would
not turn tail and flee, and a promise to God will be answered for.
16 [Prophet], say, ‘Running away will not benefit you. If you manage
to escape death or slaughter, you will only be permitted to enjoy
[life] for a short while.’ 17 Say, ‘If God wishes to harm you, who can
protect you? If God wishes to show you mercy, who can prevent
Him?’ They will find no one but God to protect or help them.
18 God knows exactly who among you hinder others, who
[secretly] say to their brothers, ‘Come and join us,’ who hardly ever
come out to fight, 19 who begrudge you [believers] any help. When
fear comes, b you [Prophet] see them looking at you with eyes rolling
like someone in their death throes; when fear has passed, they attack
you with sharp tongues and begrudge you any good. Such men do
not believe, and God brings their deeds to nothing – that is all too
easy for God. 20 They think the joint forces have not gone, and if the
joint forces did come again they would wish they were in the desert,
wandering among the Bedouin and seeking news about you [from a
safe distance]. Even if they were with you [believers], they would
a The pre-Islamic name for Medina.
b This specifically refers to fear felt in battle in this context (al-Mujam al-Wasit).