When you [believers] are travelling in the land, you will not be blamed for shortening your prayers, if you fear the disbelievers may harm you. They are your avowed enemies. 101 Thus, when thou art among the believers and about to lead them in prayer, let [only] part of them stand up with thee, retaining their arms. Then, after they have finished their prayer, let them provide you cover while another group, who have not yet prayed, shall come forward and pray with thee, being fully prepared against danger and retaining their arms: (for) those who are bent on denying the truth would love to see you oblivious of your arms and your equipment, so that they might fall upon you in a surprise attack. But it shall not be wrong for you to lay down your arms [while you pray] if you are troubled by rain or if you are ill; but [always] be fully prepared against danger. Verily, God has readied shameful suffering for all who deny the truth! 102 Then when ye have finished the prayer, remember Allah, standing and sitting and lying on your sides. Then when ye are secure, establish the prayer; verily the prayer is prescribed unto the believers at definite times. 103 And slacken not in seeking the enemy people; if ye are suffering, then they suffer even as ye suffer, and you hope from Allah that which they hope not; and Allah is ever Knowing, Wise. 104