"(Remember) when you were on the nearer side, and they on the farther side, and the caravan was below you. (Even) if you had set a time (to fight), you would indeed have failed to keep the appointment. But (the battle took place) so that God might decide the affair – it was done! – (and it took place) so that those who perished might perish on (the basis of) a clear sign, and that those who lived might live on (the basis of) a clear sign. Surely God is indeed hearing, knowing."