Translation
O People of Faith, when you meet your adversary in a battle, be steadfast, be mindful of God often so that you can achieve your objectives. Always align with God and His Messenger (be faithful to the guidance) and do not dispute and contend with one another such that you lose morale and power of unity; be patient and steadfast since God is with those who are steadfast (in challenging circumstances). And avoid behaving like those who left their home in pride, to be seen by people and to prevent people from God’s guidance. God certainly encompasses all their activities and conducts.411
The Devil (and their personal ego) conspired with them, made their posture fair to them and postulated, “no man can overcome you on this day (of battle) and you will be protected.” But when the two armies came to face each other, the Devil retreated saying: “I am no longer with you. I can perceive things that you cannot perceive. I am aware of God’s commitment (to truth and justice) and He always prevail and takes requite.” 412
The hypocrites and those who had doubts in their faith said, “these (people of faith) are in delusion about their faith,” whereas when you put your trust and faith in God, He is a Wise Enabler. If you could only witness when the Angels who causes death to those who lack faith (and goodness), striking them on their face and back and (saying), “Taste the consequence of your disbelief and evil[torment of fire].” This is the result of your lifelong pursuits and God is never unjust to His creation.
Interpretation
411 God’s encouragements for commitment and persistency and to be mindful of God and our responsibilities in the face of difficulties, especially in the case of open and armed hostilities, are forms of guidance that are applicable to all generations. Such commitments should also be aided by a sense of purpose and a bond of unity among the faithful so that they are able to face the difficulties together. This purposeful posture should also be characterized by a lack of pride and pretense, deliberate showmanship, and any evil purpose, especially denying people the freedom to practice their faith in God.
412 The presence of the devil (Iblis or Satan)—who aids our ego, our pride, and our evil inclinations, and who generates false hope and evil purpose—is short lived and is never a resource to rely on. He can only be deterred by deep faith in God, a persistent commitment to goodness, and a strong sense of purpose and freedom of choice that every human being and every human society is entitled to, as well as bound, by their bond to the Creator, Who reigns supreme above all.
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REFLECTION
No matter how difficult a situation we are in, we should never compromise our faith in God, our commitment to do good, to maintain a unity of purpose and a shared responsibility to ensure human freedom to worship God, and to enhance human dignity.
ACTION
Every act that we do should not be tainted by pride, showmanship, or any desire to do evil or to restrict human freedom to choose.