An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
15. Divine Succour
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Prophet? And did the Prophet hand that sword
over to you, with the result that you defeat
whomsoever you fight against?” When Khalid said
that this was not so, Jurjah asked why Khalid was
called the “Sword of God.” “God sent His Prophet
among us,” replied Khalid. “Some of us believed,
while others disbelieved. I was among the
disbelievers. Then God captured our hearts and
granted us His guidance. As I was swearing
allegiance to the Prophet, he said to me, ‘You are
one of God’s swords that he has unleashed against
the idolaters.’ He prayed that I should have God’s
succour. Since then I have been called the ‘Sword of
God’.”
(AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)
GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP OTHERS
One night, in 610 AD, Muhammad ibn Abdullah
was in retreat in the cave of Hira, when he was
visited by an angel of God. “Read!” said the angel.
“I do not know how to read,” Muhammad replied.
The angel then clasped him in tight embrace until
the pressure became too much for him. Releasing
him, the angel again said, “Read!” Again
