Page 342 - Final Ch 0.pmd

317 The Confederates 33:23
stormed, and they had been has foiled their actions. This is
incited to sedition, they would indeed easy for God. 20 They
have rebelled with little thought the confederate tribes
hesitation. 15 They had already would never withdraw. Indeed,
vowed before God that they if the confederates should come
would never turn their backs: again, they would prefer to be in
and a vow made to God must be the desert, among the Bedouins.
16
answered for. Say, ‘Flight shall There they would ask news of
not avail you: if you manage to you [from a distance]. But if
escape from death or killing, you they were with you, they would
will enjoy life only for a short take very little part in the fighting.
a 17
while.’ Say, ‘Who is there to 21 You have indeed in the
shield you from God if He wishes Prophet of God a good example
to harm you? If God wishes to for those of you who look to God
show you mercy, who can prevent and the Last Day, and remember
Him.’ Besides God they shall God always. 22 When the
find none to protect them, and believers saw the confederates,
none to bring them succour. they said, ‘This is what God and
18
God knows exactly who His Messenger have promised
among you hold the others back, us. Surely the promise of God
who say to their brethren, ‘Come and His Messenger has come
over to our side,’ and they seldom true.’ It served to increase them
take part in the fighting. in faith and submission.
19 Begrudging you all help, but 23 Among the believers there are
when danger comes, you can see men who have been true to the
them looking at you with rolling pledge they made with God.
eyes as if in their death throes; Among them are such as have
but once their fear has passed, fulfilled their vow, and some
they come to you and do glib-
talking in their greed for wealth. a See pages xiv to xvii of the
Such men have no faith, so God Introduction.