All praise is due to Allaah, Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messenger of Allaah, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! The Ummah usually finds its way to victory when its crises become severe. The only thing that we need to have, however difficult our situation may be, is an unalloyed trust in Allaah. The Messenger of Allaah said, “By Allaah! This affair (Islaam) will be brought to completion.” (Al-Bukhaaree)

Allaah says, “Verily, (many) Messengers were denied before you (O Muhammad) but with patience they bore the denial, and they were hurt; till Our Help reached them, and none can alter the Words (Decisions) of Allaah.” (Al-An‘aam 6:34)

In Makkah where there were tribulations and hardships, the Messenger of Allaah was reminding his companions of the importance of forbearance and patience. At the same time, he assured them of a blossoming future for Islaam and strengthened their morale. He assured his companions that Islaam should illuminate all parts of the world so that they could have optimism and hope. No society can survive except in the light of these concepts. Defeatism has more dangerous negative effects on the future of the ummah. Also, the present weak and helpless situation of the Muslims should not be an excuse for despair. Having trust in the help of Allaah creates tranquility in the hearts during trials.

An example of this is when the Messenger of Allaah was in the cave of Hiraa with his companion, Aboo Bakr and the enemies were very close to them wanting to kill them. Aboo Bakr RA said: ‘Had anyone of them lifted his leg he would have seen us.’ The Messenger of Allaah answered him with all confidence saying, “What are you thinking about two men with whom is Allaah?” (Al-Bukhaaree) No doubt, having trust in Allaah with certainty and a feeling of Allaah’s protection bring about victory and remove calamities.

Brethren in faith! When Prophet Moosaa was standing on the seashore and some of his followers said in despair: ‘ Certainly, Pharaoh is pursuing us from the rear and here is a sea in front of us. How will we be saved?’ Prophet Moosaa answered them with all confidence in his Lord saying:

“Nay, verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide me.” (Ash-Shu‘araa 26:62)

And there and then, he was victorious.

When one looks at the evil cunnings of the enemies of Islaam throughout history, one will notice a lot of killings, expulsions and persecutions that the Muslims were subjected to. Yet, Islaam remained as strong as ever and those crimes never increased the Muslims in anything but faith. When a Muslim looks at this, he will know for sure that Allaah’s victory will come and that the future belongs to this religion. There are many signs of good for this religion from the Book of Allaah and from the realities. Allaah says, “Those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger (Muhammad (peace be upon him)) they will be among the lowest (most humiliated). Allaah has decreed: “Verily! It is I and My Messengers who shall be the victorious.” Verily, Allaah is All-Powerful, All-Mighty.” (Al-Mujaadilah 58:20-21)

Allaah also says, “Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe in this worldly life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth, (i.e. Day of Resurrection).” (Ghaafir 40:51)

Allaah has guaranteed the protection of His religion. He says, “Verily We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’aan) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).” (Al-Hijr 15:9)

Therefore dear brother, do not be afraid for Islaam, be afraid for yourself, for your eemaan and for your steadfastness. For Allaah says, “And if you turn away (from Islaam and the obedience of Allaah), He will exchange you for some other people, and they will not be your likes.” (Muhammad 47:38)

However, the harbingers of Allaah’s victory do not mean negligence and laziness. Allaah’s victory does not come upon hearts that have been polluted with sins, lusts, malevolence or resentment. It does not come upon a brotherhood that is characterized by dissention, disunity and internal fighting. This is the way of Allaah, which we must understand. Allaah says, “Verily! Allaah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allaah).” (Ar-Ra‘d 13:11)

Brethren in Islaam! The companions of the Prophet were sure of Allaah’s victory. Allaah’s promise of help encouraged them to work more and give more. One of them spent all that he had in the cause of Allaah and said when he was asked about what he left for his family: ‘I left for them Allaah and His Messenger!’ Allaah says,

“As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths. And verily, Allaah is with the good doers.” (Al-‘Ankaboot 29:69)

People of falsehood may win a temporary victory but a structure built on false foundation is bound to fall. The permanent victory therefore belongs to the believers who are pious. Allaah says,

“Let not the free disposal (and affluence) of the disbelievers throughout the land deceive you. A brief enjoyment; then, their ultimate abode is Hell; and worst indeed is that place for rest.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:196-197)

When the Prophet was migrating from Makkah to Al-Madeenah, Allaah promised him saying,

“Verily, He Who has given you (O Muhammad) the Qur’aan (i.e. ordered you to act on its laws and to preach it to others) will surely bring you back to the Ma’aad (place of return, either to Makkah or to Paradise after your death). Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) “My Lord is Aware of him who brings guidance, and of him who is in manifest error.” (Al-Qasas 28:85)

He was thereafter made to return to Makkah safely and gloriously and Allaah’s promise came to pass.

Brethren in faith! It is a big mistake to narrow the meaning of victory. Victory has a wide meaning and comprehensive form. He who conquers his forbidden lustful desires will become victorious.

Among the manifestations of victory is for a Muslim to meet his Lord while He is pleased with him. Another meaning of victory is to be steadfast during trials. Prophet Ibraaheem was thrown to fire when he exposed falsehood but despite that he remained steadfast on his belief. That was certainly a victory. Allaah says about Ibraaheem, “We (Allaah) said: “O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibraaheem (Abraham)!” (Al-Anbiyaa 21:69)

When Pharaoh threatened his magicians with killing and torture, their conviction in their newfound faith did not weaken but increased and that gave victory to Islaam. As their story is narrated to us in the Qur’aan, they said,

“No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allaah) we are to return; “Verily! We really hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first of the believers (in Moosaa (Moses) and in the Monotheism which he has brought from Allaah).” (Ash-Shu‘araa 26:50-51)

Allaah says, “Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah – Islâmic Monotheism) in this world’s life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth, (i.e. Day of Resurrection).” (Ghaafir 40:51)

The commentators on the Qur’aan said, “Certainly, Allaah helps His Messengers and the believers in this world though the forms of helping them may vary. Allaah gives strength to some of them until they overcome their enemies, Allaah hastened punishments for those who refused to believed in them and He had imposed on some of those who killed the Prophets others who avenged their killing.”

The scholars also said, “It was on this account that Allaah destroyed the people of Noah, the communities of ‘Aad, Thamood and Ar-Rass, the inhabitants of Madyan and others like them who denied the Messengers and rejected the truth. Allaah rescued the believers among them and punished the disbelievers without allowing anyone of them to escape.”

The Qur’aanic commentators also said: “Allaah had not sent a Messenger whom his people killed; and He had not sent a group of believers who called to the truth and were then killed but sent, before the end of that century, those who helped the Messengers and the believers and avenged for their killing. This means that the Prophets, though they were killed in this world, they were always triumphant.”

Fellow Muslims! Allaah is Capable of giving victory to His Prophet and His religion right from the first moments of the Battle of Uhud without any efforts from the believers. But the matter was not about victory alone. Allaah wanted to teach the Muslims steadfastness, forbearance and self-refinement.

Brethren in faith! Our belief that the future is for this religion gives us a hope that drives us to knowledge and action through firm belief in Islaamic Monotheism, sincerity in acts of worship, good relationships among ourselves and lofty morals. When belief is not well rooted in the heart, oppression and falsehood prevail because they have material power.

If the Muslims really want the help of Allaah, they should first help the cause of Allaah regarding their own selves, their families and their societies. They should help the cause of Allaah by treating one another in the best possible way and implement the law of Allaah in their day-to-day life.

You can defeat your enemy psychologically by taking pride in your religion, standing firm on your truthful path and calling him to the way of Allaah. Allaah says, “So hold you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) fast to that which is revealed to you. Verily, you are on a Straight Path.” (Az-Zukhruf 43:43)

The foundation of real victory lies in realization of worshipping Allaah honestly and overpowering one’s soul. Allaah says,

“Allaah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islâm). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me.” (An-Noor 24:55)

However, we shall be defeated and overwhelmed by the enemy if we disagree among ourselves, if our intentions are not good and if the beauties of this world occupy our hearts. Allaah says, “If Allaah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you?” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:160)

Brethren in Islaam! The victory of the Muslims had turned to defeat in the Battle of Uhud because some of the Muslims unknowingly disobeyed a command of the Messenger of Allaah. The lesson learnt from the incidence was painful and the punishment for that single act of disobedience was severe. Therefore, there should be no wonder about disunity and helplessness that befall the Muslims in these difficult days. Allaah says,

“(What is the matter with you?) When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say: “From where does this come to us?” Say (to them), “It is from yourselves (because of your evil deeds).” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:165)

It was this lesson that ‘Umar bin Al-Khattaab gave to Sa‘d bin Abee Waqqaas when he assigned him as the leader of one of the Muslim armies. He told him, “I implore you and those who are with you to fear Allaah in all conditions. The fear of Allaah is the best weapon against the enemy and the best war strategy. I also command you and those who are with you that you should be wary of your own selves more than your enemies. For the army’s sins are more dreadful to them than their enemies. Muslims only win wars because of their enemy’s acts of disobedience to Allaah. Had it not been for that reason, we would not have had any power because we are smaller than them in number and our weapons are less sophisticated than theirs. If we come to their level in terms of sins, they will have the upper hand because of their superiority in numbers and weapons. And if we are given victory over them on account of our merits, we can never defeat them through our physical strength. Be also aware that there are guards from Allaah who know all that you do. So be ashamed of them. Do not disobey Allaah while you are in the way of Allaah. And do not say: ‘Our enemies are worse than us, so we will be made victorious over them. For many are those who are overwhelmed by those who are worse than them.”

Aboo Bakr also told his army, “You can never defeat your enemy until you move nearer to Allaah and they move farer from Him. When you come to their level in terms of sins, victory shall belong to the greater in number and more sophisticated in weapons.”

Fellow Muslims! Some people may be complaining that the help of Allaah is late. “They thought wrongly of Allaah – the thought of ignorance.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:154)

These people ask question like, ‘Why is the truth always the victim? ‘Why is falsehood always saved?’ ‘Why are the Muslims not winning?’

These are questions asked by those who do not understand the way of Allaah regarding victory and defeat. They do not know that things happen in line with His judgment. It is of His Wisdom to give respite to falsehood and the unjust in order to make him taste the bitterest of punishments that he deserves. Allaah says,

“And let not the disbelievers think that Our postponing of their punishment is good for them. We postpone the punishment only so that they may increase in sinfulness. And for them is a disgracing torment.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:178)

Allaah also tests His favoured servants to make a distinction between the pure and the impure. He says, “Allaah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguishes the wicked from the good.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:179)

Among the reasons is that Allaah wants to purify the hearts of His servants. He also wants to teach the Muslims how to bear persecution and defeat with patience. He says,

“If a wound (and killing) has touched you, be sure a similar wound (and killing) has touched the others. And so are the days (good and not so good), We give to men by turns.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:140)