8. [al-Anfal, Medina 88, after Badr 2H]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
فَلَمْ
تَقْتُلُوهُمْ
وَلَـكِنَّ
اللّهَ قَتَلَهُمْ...
8: 17. It is not ye who slew them;
it was Allah:
...وَمَا رَمَيْتَ إِذْ رَمَيْتَ وَلَـكِنَّ اللّهَ رَمَى...
when thou threwest (a handful of dust), it was not thy act, but Allah's:
C1191. When the battle began, the Holy Prophet prayed, and threw a handful of dust or sand at the enemy, which, as described in traditions, struck the eyes of the enemy.
This had a great psychological effect. Every act in the battle is ascribed to Allah, a it was in His cause and it was not undertaken except by His command. (R).
...وَلِيُبْلِيَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْهُ بَلاء حَسَناً...
in order that He might test the believers by a gracious trial from Himself:
C1192. Numerically the odds against the Muslims were three to one. In other ways they were at a disadvantage: of arms and equipment they had but little, while the enemy were well-found: they were inexperienced, while the Quraish had brought their foremost warriors.
In all this there was a test, but the test was accompanied by gracious favours of countless value:
- their Commander was one in whom they had perfect faith, and for whom they were ready to lay down their lives;
- the rain refreshed them;
- their spirit was unshaken; and
- they were fighting in Allah's cause.
Thus the trial or test became itself a blessing.
...إِنَّ اللّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ ﴿١٧﴾
for Allah is He who heareth and knoweth (all things).
8: 17
Asad And yet, [O Believers,] it was not you who slew the enemy, but it was God who slew them; and it was not you who cast [terror into them, O Prophet], when you did cast it, but it was God who cast it:…..
Pickthall Ye (Muslims) slew them not, but Allah slew them. And thou (Muhammad) threwest not when thou didst throw, but Allah threw, that He might test the believers by a fair test from Him. Lo! Allah is Hearer, Knower.
Transliteration Falam taqtulu_hum wa la_kinnalla_ha qatalahum, wa ma_ ramaita iz ramaita wa la_kinnalla_ha rama_, wa liyubliyal mu'minina minhu bala_'an hasana_(n), innalla_ha sami'un 'alim(un).