TRANSLATION
When you go forth [at times of conflict], there is no failing on your part if you shorten your prayer, if you fear that those who persistently deny the truth will cause you harm. Surely those who persistently deny the truth are a manifest adversary to you. When you [a prophet or a leader] are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group stand in prayer with you and keep their arms with them. Once they have performed their prayer, let them stand in guard in the rear [or the side] while another group who has not prayed yet, comes forth, joins the prayer, keeps their arms, and maintains their precaution. Those deniers of truth wish that you neglected your arms, equipment, and provisions so that they can initiate a surprise attack. But you will not be negligent if you put away your arms at times of difficulty from rain or illness, but always be prepared. Know that God has prepared shameful chastisement for those who deny the truth. Once you have finished your shortened prayer, remind yourself of God [and your purpose in life] at all times during such conflicts, whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down. But when you are secure, then go back to your regular mode of prayer. Prayer at fixed times is indeed prescribed for all believers!268
Don’t be weak hearted when you pursue your adversaries. As you undergo hardship, they, too, suffer as you do, but you hope from God [His grace and reward], while they cannot. God is truly all Knowing and Wise! 269
INTERPRETATION
268. Prayer is a fundamental obligation that needs to be performed even in times of war and conflicts. As a participant, one needs to take all precautions and keep his or her protective gear and arms with him or her and perform prayer in turns so that one group can provide cover while another group performs their shortened prayer. Such precautions against adversaries are not only required in physical terms but also in mental and intellectual terms so that we are always best prepared to face our adversaries.
269. The pursuit of truth and the struggle against evil should be done with full vigor and due deliberation—the faithful have hope of double rewards: establishing peace and justice in their life on this planet and receiving God’s grace, while the adversaries have nothing to hope for but mere material gains on this earth.
REFLECTION
People of faith should always be driven by a sense of purpose and a sense of constant gratitude to God at all times—in times of peace and times of conflicts. Such mental state as exhibited by attention to prayer and attention to purposefulness in life through remembrance of God is sorely missing among people of today, leading to proliferation of conflicts among people and widespread mental-health issues as well as random violence, atrocities, and racism all over the world, not to mention structural income disparities and widespread environmental neglect.
ACTION
Each one of us should be thankful to God and constantly mindful of our responsibility and purpose in life so that we can minimize conflicts among ourselves and can be stronger against our adversaries and against thoughts and ideas contrary to human nature.