Friday Prayer - Sahih al-Bukhari 907

I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "Anyone whose feet are covered with dust in Allah's cause, shall be saved by Allah from the Hell-Fire."

Commentary on the Virtue of Jihad

This noble hadith, narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari, demonstrates the immense virtue and reward for those who strive in the path of Allah. The phrase "feet covered with dust" refers to the physical exertion and hardship endured during military expeditions and defensive struggles for the sake of establishing Allah's religion.

Allah promises salvation from Hell-Fire for such believers, indicating that this act of devotion can serve as expiation for sins and a means of attaining Paradise. This encompasses both physical jihad and the spiritual struggle against one's lower self, though the primary meaning refers to armed struggle in Allah's cause when necessary.

The scholars explain that this reward is for those whose intention is purely for Allah's pleasure, not for worldly gain or fame. The completeness of one's faith is manifested in willingness to sacrifice wealth, time, and even life itself for the elevation of Allah's word.

Conditions and Understanding

This tremendous reward is contingent upon proper intention (ikhlas) and adherence to Islamic guidelines for warfare. The dust symbolizes the hardship and fatigue willingly endured, which Allah transforms into light and protection on the Day of Judgment.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that this hadith applies to all forms of striving in Allah's path, including seeking knowledge, enjoining good, and forbidding evil, though its primary context is physical jihad. The guarantee of salvation from Hell-Fire demonstrates Allah's immense mercy toward those who serve His cause.