The Secret of Muslim Victory: History and the Power of Faith

When we look into the circumstances of any battlefield in world history, one fact becomes very clear — we see that despite having smaller numbers, Muslims have achieved victory in numerous battles. This history of Muslim victories was not built solely on tactics or material strength; rather, behind it was a profound spiritual force, an unbreakable spirit of faith, which enabled them to triumph even against overwhelming opponents.

The Reason for Optimism Regarding Muslim Victories

Now the question arises: if Muslims engage in battles in the future, why should we be optimistic about their victory? Why would they firmly believe — no matter the circumstances, no matter how powerful the enemy — that victory will ultimately be theirs? To find the answer, we must look back at one of Islam’s fundamental teachings deeply rooted in every Muslim's heart — “النصر من عند الله” — meaning, "Victory comes only from Allah."

Muslims’ Goals and Mindset in War

When a battle occurs, it leads to loss of life, countless injuries, and often the defeated side is forced to abandon their land. War inherently brings destruction, bloodshed, and grief. Yet amidst this harsh reality, we see a unique attitude among Muslim warriors — an inner peace, a submission, and a firm reliance that is rare among the fighters of other faiths.

This raises the question — why does the helplessness of non-Muslim warriors become so evident, while Muslim warriors remain so resilient? The fundamental difference lies in their mindset and life purpose.

The Mindset of Muslim Warriors

When Muslims go to battle, they do so with a firm determination — entering the battlefield with the intention of martyrdom and a willingness for the ultimate sacrifice. In their view, battle is not just for worldly victory; rather, it is to attain Allah’s pleasure, to uphold the honor of Islam, and to secure the everlasting reward of Paradise in the Hereafter.

A Muslim warrior holds this in his heart: if he achieves victory, it is a victory for the sake of Allah; if he is martyred, then he has attained the eternal blessings of Paradise. Therefore, for him, defeat does not exist — both victory and martyrdom are success.

The Mindset of Warriors from Other Faiths

On the other hand, warriors of other religions engage in battle with a completely different perspective. They fight for worldly gains — for power, dominance, fame, or personal survival. In their eyes, defeat means humiliation, and death is the ultimate loss. Their goals and aspirations are confined to this worldly life. As a result, when the shadow of death looms on the battlefield and the uncertainty of survival sets in, their hearts fill with fear, anxiety, and hesitation.

Since their objective is to defeat Muslims and assert their own strength, and their focus remains on worldly matters, they fight with an overwhelming desire to survive. But how can a person who fears for his own life overcome an opponent who has come prepared to die?

The Muslim’s Firm Mindset: Anticipation of Death and Paradise

Meanwhile, the Muslim warrior — has come to die and to kill. The one who has come only to kill but not to die — can he truly overcome someone who is ready to die? He cannot. Because the Muslim fighter has already accepted the inevitability of death before stepping onto the battlefield. He is fully prepared for death, hoping for Paradise afterward. In essence, he has already embraced death before the battle began. Now, he fights merely to take along as many of his enemies as he can into that inevitable end.

The Testimony of History: Muslim Victories

Can the soldiers attached to worldly desires truly stand against such a mindset?

History testifies — from the Battle of Badr to Yarmouk, from Qadisiyyah to the Battle of Mu'tah — in every instance, Muslims, though fewer in number and weaker in weaponry, achieved astonishing victories fueled by the power of faith.

Conclusion: The True Key to Victory

Thus, even today, if a Muslim carries in his heart the same spirit of faith, the same trust in Allah, and the same focus on the Hereafter, then no material force can ever truly defeat him. No matter how advanced the weapons of this world become, the sword of faith remains stronger.

Allah says:

"How often has a small group overcome a mighty group by Allah’s permission! And Allah is with the steadfast."
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:249)

Thus, the true key to a Muslim's victory lies in faith (Iman), patience (Sabr), and complete reliance on Allah. No matter how adverse worldly calculations may appear, if genuine faith resides in the heart, Allah’s help is inevitable.