Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 1 through 6. This surah was revealed at a time when Muslims (barely one hundred in number) were being persecuted for their beliefs. In this session: Surah Al-Qasas as a preface to this chapter, and Al-Qasas as a prelude to the hijrah; the need for faith despite trials; the fallacy that faith removes all trials, and that worldly success is a sign of God's pleasure with you; tribulation as preparation for what is to come; the understanding of mujahadah as a prerequisite to the understanding of jihaad; the sahabah as role models for the ansaar. Historically, no nation has thrived that has not engaged in mujahadah.