Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 64
64 Name will no more be glorified on earth and there will be none left to worship Thy Glorious Majesty in true sincerity. ” Morning approached. The Prophet and the Muslims beheld the dawn of the day which was to decide the issue of one of the most fateful contests ever waged in the history of man between the forces of truth and righteousness, and those of falsehood and ignorance. There was a shower of rain which made firm the sand underfoot while turning the clay into slippery mud, and the Muslims were comforted and encouraged. The Prophet drew up his men in battle array and gave them instructions, but he repeatedly went back to prayer under a hastily improvised shelter. When the fighting began, the Prophet was prostrate before his Lord in an agony of supplication. Abu Bakr approached him and put a gentle hand upon his shoulder, saying: “Messenger of God, thou hast prayed enough. ” The Prophet raised himself and announced to the people that God had given him to understand that the time had arrived for the fulfilment of the Prophecy revealed several years earlier at Mecca: “Do they say, ‘We are a victorious host?’ The hosts shall soon be routed and will turn their backs in flight. Aye, the Hour is their appointed time; and the Hour will be most calamitous and most bitter” (54:45 ⎯ 47).