A Commander Whose Soldiers Are Not Exposed to Defeat
This commander is present all over the world and constantly trains soldiers.
Who is this commander and how can he be present all over the world?
Throughout history, there have been many fighters and genius military figures who achieved honors on the path of reaching their goals. Usually, the success of a military personality is assessed with his victories or defeats in major and decisive battles. It would be a wonder to find out that there is a commander who has never been defeated.
Imam Ali (AS) said about the Quran in Sermon 198 of Nahj al-Balagha: “… an honor whose supporters are not defeated, and a truth whose helpers are not abandoned.”
Now a question is raised here because it is clear that Muslims (the followers and supporters of the Quran) were defeated in some battles, including the Battle of Uhud.
The answer is that the Quran does not expose its supporters to defeat as long as they (Muslims) act upon its teachings. Otherwise, it would be clear that they will be defeated.
For example, there is a verse in the Holy Quran that orders Muslims to obey God and His messenger. Muslims were defeated in the Battle of Uhud because they disobeyed this command.
Another point is that these defeats and those like them in this world are apparent defeats not true ones and the truth of Islam and the Quran is never violated with such defeats.
The Holy Quran says: “They say, ‘Had we had the matter in our hands, we would not have been killed there.’ Tell them, ‘Even if you had stayed in your own homes, your sworn enemies could have attacked you and slain you while you were in your beds.’ God wanted to test you and purge what existed in your hearts.” (Verse 154 of Surah Al-Imran)
Thus, if Muslims always act upon the teachings of the Holy Quran, they will always be victorious. Otherwise, they will suffer defeats. Moreover, sometimes God wants to test Muslims with some defeats and if they remain steadfast and have patience, the ultimate victory will be theirs.
