Surah 1-2 - YasSarNal QuR'aN

Al-Baqarah (The Cow) | A TIMELESS MESSAGEThis example shows that good intentions, by themselves, are not sufficient unlessthey are tested in practice. It also demonstrates the strength of a leader who is notswayed by the fall of most of his troops at the first hurdle, but who forges ahead withthe rest of them.Saul’s forces were to encounter more trials of loyalty and strength: “When he andthose who kept faith with him crossed the river, they said, ‘No strength have we today tostand up to Goliath and his forces.’“ (Verse 249)Their numbers had dwindled, and they were aware that they were outnumberedby Goliath’s forces. Certainly, they had the advantage of faith in their cause and trustin their leader, but the harsh reality of the situation told them they were the weakerside, and that their faith would be put to the test. Would that invisible force of faithtriumph? How strong was their faith in God, and would they be able to harness thatforce in their favour and prevail?At that decisive moment, a small group of true believers stood up to express theirfaith: “But those of them who were certain that they would meet their Lord said, ‘How oftenhas a small host triumphed over a large host by God’s grace. God is with those who remainpatient in adversity.’“ (Verse 249)To the believer’s mind, that is the way it should be: believers are alwaysnumerically less than their enemies, because they need to sacrifice more and workharder to earn God’s grace and pleasure. But they triumph because they draw theirstrength from God Almighty and their faith in Him. The believers are aware thattheir victory comes from God as a reward for their patience and perseverance.The sūrah goes on to confirm that, despite their material disadvantage, the small,devoted, faithful band of believers prevailed and overran their formidable enemy:“And when they came face to face with Goliath and his troops, they prayed, ‘Our Lord, grantus patience in adversity, make firm our steps, and grant us victory over the unbelievers.’ Theyrouted them, by God’s will. David slew Goliath, and God bestowed on him the kingdom andwisdom, and taught him whatever He willed.” (Verses 250-251)Their prayers are deeply sincere and poignant. The Arabic words depict patienceas an endless shower poured down upon the believers by God Almighty, filling theirhearts with reassurance and tranquillity and providing them with the power andenergy to face their superior enemy. They plead for strength to stand firm and totriumph over their adversary. It was clearly a confrontation between truth andfalsehood in which God’s intervention was indispensable to ensure a decisive victoryfor His allies.And so it was: “They routed them, by God’s will.” The emphasis here is on “God’swill” in order to reassure the believers, and to establish that what goes on in thisworld is determined and controlled by this will. Believers are only the means by329