Those who said to their brothers while they themselves stayed put “Had they obeyed us they would not have been slain.” Say: “Then avert death from yourselves if you speak the truth.” Those who relied upon their lower selves-having been seduced by them to prefer their own whims-and then opposed those who gave themselves over to the decrees of divine fate said “If only they had heeded the warning about going out to the battle they would have been safe.” These thoughts are blameworthy and these hearts have retreated from witnessing the true nature of things. Say to them O Muḥammad “[Then] extend the life of your souls istadīmū lil-anfusikum al-ḥayāt and defend them from the attacks of death wa-idfaʿū ʿanhā hujūma al-wafāt.” How would they be able to do thatḍ How preposterous!
