O people18 who have believed! Remember the bounty of Allah, which He has (just now) shown you. When the hosts came down on you, We sent against them a violent wind and the armies which you could not see.19 Allah was watching all that you were doing. When the enemies came upon you from above and from below you?20 when eyes were petrified due to fear and the hearts leapt up to the throats, and you began to entertain all sorts of doubts about Allah, the believers then were thoroughly tested and severely shaken.21 Remember the time when the hypocrites and all those whose hearts were diseased were openly saying that the promises Allah and His Prophet had made with them22 were nothing but a delusion; when a party of them said, "O people of Yathrib, you have no chance to stay, so go back,"23 when a section of them sought leave of the Prophet, saying, "Our homes are insecure,"24 whereas they were not insecure.25 in fact, they wished to flee (the battle front). If the enemies had made entry from all sides of the city, and these people had been urged to treachery,26 they would have committed it, and would have little hesitated .to become partners in it. They had indeed already made a pledge with Allah that they would not show their backs; and the pledge made with Allah had to be questioned.27 O Prophet, say to them, "If you flee from death or slaughter, your flight will avail you nothing; after that you will enjoy life but for a little while only."28 Ask them, "Who can protect you from Allah if He intends harm for you? And who can prevent Him if He intends to show you mercy?" In fact, they cannot find a protector and helper against Allah. Allah knows very well those among you, who create hindrances (in the war efforts), who say to their brothers, "Come to us,"29 who take part in the fighting only to be counted in, who are ever reluctant to join you.30 When there is danger, they look towards you, their eyes rolling like the one who is fainting, being on the point of death. But when the danger is gone, they come out to greet you with their scissor-like sharp tongues in greed for gains.31 These people have not believed at all; so Allah has made all their works fruitless,32 and this is an easy thing for Allah.33 They think that the invading hosts are not yet gone, and if they should attack again they would (rather) wish to be in the desert among the Bedouins and seek information about you from there. However, even if they remained among you, they would take but little part in the fighting.