Koran 30:2-7

30:2 The Byzantines have been defeated 3 In the nearest land.

But they, after their defeat, will overcome 4 Within three to nine years.

To Allah belongs the command [i.e., decree] before and after.

And that day the believers will rejoice 5 In the victory of Allah.

He gives victory to whom He wills, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful.

6 [It is] the promise of Allah. Allah does not fail in His promise, but most of the people do not know.

7 They know what is apparent of the worldly life, but they, of the Hereafter, are unaware.

Koran 30:2-7

For more on this, see Muhammad and Romans. The Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 30:1, shows clearly that the victory and defeats were caused by mere humans, not by imaginary Allah, with:

Heraclius, the emperor of the Romans, was forced to flee to Constantinople where he was besieged for a lengthy period. Then Heraclius regained the upper hand.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 30:1

Obviously, a siege isn’t the action of a god but is the action of mere people, soldiers and their leaders.

Narrated ‘Atiyyah:
Abu Sa’eed narrated:

On the Day of Badr, the Romans had a victory over the Persians.

So the believers were pleased with that, then the following was revealed: “Alif Lam Mim. The Romans have been defeated”, up to His saying: “the believers will rejoice – with the help of Allah… (30:1-5)”

He said: “So the believers were happy with the victory of the Romans over the Persians.”

Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3192

Contrary to what Muslim apologists suggest, this passage isn’t a prophecy. It’s merely the news of the time of Muhammad.

The best replacement for this passage is: “”, the empty sentence.