Why Are Muslims Being Defeated? The Inner Meaning of “Certain Victory for the Believers”

 

Islam’s Promise: “Indeed, the Believers Will Be Victorious”

Allah, the Lord of the worlds, has declared in the Qur’an: “Before this, We wrote in the Psalms after the Reminder (Torah): ‘Indeed, My righteous servants shall inherit the earth.’” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:105)

“It is Our duty to help the believers.”(Surah Ar-Rum, 30:47)

So, Allah’s promise — “Victory is assured for the believers” — is true and unwavering.

The believer’s heart is the residence of Allah. Therefore, the Qur’an says that victory is guaranteed for the believer. In the Battle of Badr, only 313 Muslims defeated 1,000 disbelievers. Similarly, only 360 believers defeated Gour Govinda who had around 40,000 well-trained troops, leading to his utter defeat and suicide in fire. In another instance, just over 400 believers led by Saint Shah Sultan Balkhi defeated the mighty King Parashuram and his trained army, leading to his suicide.

Countless other examples of definite victory for true believers can be cited: such as Khwaja Garib Nawaz, Gesu Daraz, Khan Jahan Ali, Abul Hasan Khirqani, and Noor Mohammad Darbandi.

The Question: If Victory Is Guaranteed, Why Are Muslims Being Defeated Today?

To find the answer, we must face four fundamental questions:

✅ 1. Are “Muslim” and “Mu’min (Believer)” the Same?

No. Allah clearly states in the Qur’an: “The Bedouins say, ‘We have believed.’ Say: ‘You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], “We have submitted,” for faith has not yet entered your hearts.’” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:14)

So, we may have accepted Islam, but we have not become true believers (Mu’min). Merely calling oneself a Muslim does not make one a believer. Allah's help comes to those who have true faith, fear Allah, and perform righteous deeds. Despite the Qur’anic promise of assured victory for the believers, why then are Muslims suffering defeat after defeat today?

It is because we have not become true believers. We may have accepted Islam, gained some knowledge, even become "intellectuals" (Albab), but we haven't become Mu’min Muslims. If we truly were Mu’min, then the Qur’an's promise would necessarily come true.

To illustrate, here is a poem by the saint Shah Sufi Baba Shamsuddin Dewan, a great scholar of Shari’ah who later entered a spiritual state resembling a Majzub:

If you seek Allah’s vision, first honor the feet of the Murshid (spiritual guide);

Cherish the jewel of humanity, if you wish to know your true self.

The Murshid is your Qiblah and Kaaba, serve at his feet sincerely;

Follow him with devotion, he is the path and the means.

The physical Kaaba is in Makkah, but spiritually, a human is the Kaaba;

Through true meditation and observation, divine vision is possible.

In the heart of a Mu’min resides Allah; as long as there's breath, remain united with Him.

Where there is the Murshid, there is Allah; believe this, both jinn and mankind.

First accept your Murshid, then understand your true self;

Act upon the Qur’an and Hadith — Allah resides in the inner self.

A true Muslim, as described in authentic Hadith,

Is better than the Kaaba — remember him constantly.

Abandon pride and arrogance, prostrate at the right place;

First fix your intention — there is no God but through man.

✅ 2. What Are the Conditions for Receiving Allah’s Help?

In many places, Allah clearly states in the Qur’an when and to whom His help comes: “If you help Allah [i.e., His religion], He will help you and make your feet firm.” (Surah Muhammad, 47:7)

Also: “Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Surah Al-Anfal, 8:46)

Therefore, to receive divine help, one must have:

• Firm faith (Iman)
• Taqwa (God-consciousness)
• Detachment from worldly desires
• Adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ

✅ 3. What Are the Causes of Muslims’ Defeat?

❌ 1. Weakness in Faith and Deeds:

• Neglecting prayer (Salat)
• Involvement in interest, bribery, fornication, alcohol, etc.
• Chasing worldly gains while ignoring Allah’s laws

❌ 2. Disunity and Sectarianism: “Do not dispute with one another, or you will lose courage and your strength will depart.” (Surah Al-Anfal, 8:46)

❌ 3. Abandonment of the Prophet’s Sunnah: “If they disobey the Messenger, let those beware who oppose his command, lest a trial strike them.” (Surah An-Nur, 24:63)

❌ 4. Distance from Love of Ahlul Bayt: We are far from loving the family of the Prophet ﷺ. In fact, many of us go so far as to oppose them.

✅ 4. Has Allah Broken His Promise?

Never. Allah’s promises are eternally true. But His promises are conditional:

“Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession [power] upon the earth...”

(Surah An-Nur, 24:55)

Real Example: How Victory Came During the Prophet’s Time

➤ Battle of Badr:

Muslims: Only 313

Barely any weapons

But they had: Iman (faith), Taqwa (piety), and Tawakkul (trust in Allah)

➡️ Result: Allah’s help came — He sent down angels.

➤ Battle of Uhud:

Muslims were greater in number

But they disobeyed the Prophet’s order (the archers left their positions)

➡️ Result: Muslims were defeated.

“It was by your own doing.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:165)

Conclusion:

Who are we blaming? The disbelievers? Jews and Christians? The West?

No — we must look at ourselves. “Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:11)