when you were on the nearer side (of the valley) and they were on the further side and the caravan was on your lower side, and if you had made a mutual appointment, you would have gone against the appointment, but (this arrangement was made) in order that Allah may accomplish an affair which was to be executed : that he who perished might perish (being involved) in a clear proof and he who survived might live (after having been involved) in a clear proof, and Allah is certainly One Who hears, knows.