To the Besieged in Homs and the Ghoutas

My brothers besieged in Homs and the Ghoutas, do you grieve because you see souls dying in vain, having achieved no defeat for the enemy nor brought victory to the Muslims? No, by Allah, it was not in vain! For whoever dies for his religion and honor is a martyr, even if he dies of hunger and siege. These are souls whom Allah chooses from among His creation: (And He will take from you martyrs), and Allah has no need to defeat the enemy, nor are you obligated, if Allah has chosen you, to bring victory to the Muslims. Rather, Allah has accepted your deeds, and Allah will not let your faith be lost. In the hadith narrated by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: (There is no expedition or raiding party that goes out and conquers and returns safely except that they have already been given two-thirds of their reward. And there is no expedition or raiding party that fails and is struck except that their reward is complete). And in the story narrated by Al-Bukhari, seventy of the best companions were called the reciters, meaning those who recited the Quran often, and they stood in prayer at night. The Messenger of Allah sent them to the tribes of Rael, Dhakwan, Usayyah, and Banu Lahyan to teach them Islam, but they were betrayed and one of them was stabbed in the back with a spear that came out of his chest, and he said: (I have won, by the Lord of the Kaaba)...he won because he was killed in obedience to Allah. Then the traitors killed the rest of them. Imagine, my brothers, this painful incident! Seventy of the best companions were killed, and they did not teach the people their religion, nor did they achieve any revenge against their enemies, nor did they bring a visible victory to the Muslims. And yet, what was their fate? Anas bin Malik said: (We recited the Quran for them, then that was raised: Convey to our people that we have met our Lord, and He was pleased with us and made us pleased)...verses that the companions recited for them before they were abrogated. What greater victory is there than this?! And by Allah, the souls of those who die among you will not be in vain, and by Allah, with His blessing and the blessing of others, He will establish glory for the Muslims, even if it is after some time. And it is enough that they have cleared their conscience, and it is enough that they remain an example for the Muslims, and close guides for every seeker of dignity, saying: The people of Homs and the Ghoutas were tested in Allah and besieged for two years, finding nothing to eat, and they were shaken by a severe earthquake, and Allah took them in this state, believers, patient, and accountable, or Allah made for them an exit from where they did not expect. So you, my brothers, are the makers of glory and beacons of steadfastness, and if you seek the reward, perhaps Allah will make those who follow your example of patience until the Day of Judgment in your records of deeds. And look at the state of the companions of the ditch, whom Allah has set as an example for the believers until the Day of Judgment. Therefore, I direct my speech to you now and leave those who are not in your situation, who have failed to support you. For you are of the highest status, the most enduring legacy, and the most honored in the hearts of the believers.