The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The person who participates in (Holy battles) in Allah's cause and nothing compels him to do so except belief in Allah and His Apostles, will be recompensed by Allah either with a reward, or booty (if he survives) or will be admitted to Paradise (if he is killed in the battle as a martyr). Had I not found it difficult for my followers, then I would not remain behind any sariya going for Jihad and I would have loved to be martyred in Allah's cause and then made alive, and then martyred and then made alive, and then again martyred in His cause."
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble tradition from Sahih al-Bukhari (36) illuminates the supreme station of jihad in Allah's path and the profound love the Prophet (ﷺ) possessed for martyrdom. The initial portion establishes that the validity of one's jihad is contingent upon the purity of intention (ikhlas) - it must be undertaken solely for Allah's pleasure and to elevate His word, not for worldly gain or repute.
The Three Rewards for the Mujahid
Allah guarantees one of three magnificent rewards for the sincere warrior: either earthly spoils (ghanimah) upon victory, divine reward (ajr) for his striving if he returns safely, or - the ultimate prize - immediate entry into Paradise without reckoning if martyred. This demonstrates Allah's boundless generosity.
The Prophet's Yearning for Martyrdom
The Prophet's declaration, "Had I not found it difficult for my followers..." reveals his immense compassion. He refrained from leading every expedition personally lest it become an unbearable obligation (haraj) upon his Ummah. His repeated wish to be martyred, resurrected, and martyred again manifests the highest level of love for meeting Allah and sacrificing one's very soul for His cause.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, in Fath al-Bari, explains that this hadith underscores jihad as the pinnacle of Islamic practice after the pillars of faith. The Prophet's desire highlights that the pleasure of martyrdom far surpasses all worldly attachments. Scholars note this establishes the superiority of longing for martyrdom while entrusting the timing to Allah's wisdom.