A bedouin asked the Prophet, "A man may fight for the sake of booty, and another may fight so that he may be mentioned by the people, and a third may fight to show his position (i.e. bravery); which of these regarded as fighting in Allah's Cause?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who fights so that Allah's Word (i.e. Islam) should be superior, fights for Allah's Cause."
One-fifth of Booty to the Cause of Allah (Khumus)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 3126
Hadith Text
A bedouin asked the Prophet, "A man may fight for the sake of booty, and another may fight so that he may be mentioned by the people, and a third may fight to show his position (i.e. bravery); which of these regarded as fighting in Allah's Cause?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who fights so that Allah's Word (i.e. Islam) should be superior, fights for Allah's Cause."
Scholarly Commentary
This profound hadith establishes the fundamental criterion for valid jihad in Islam: purity of intention (ikhlas). The Prophet ﷺ clarifies that the mere physical act of fighting does not constitute true jihad unless accompanied by the sincere intention to elevate Allah's religion.
The bedouin's question reveals three common worldly motivations for combat: material gain (ghanimah), fame and reputation, and personal glory or demonstration of courage. All these are rejected as invalid intentions for Islamic warfare.
True jihad requires that the fighter's ultimate objective be the establishment of Allah's sovereignty and the supremacy of His divine law. This purification of intention transforms physical combat into spiritual worship, making the warrior's efforts acceptable to Allah and worthy of divine reward.
Scholars emphasize that this principle applies to all acts of worship - they must be performed solely for Allah's pleasure. The external form of an action may appear correct, but without proper intention, it lacks spiritual value in the sight of Allah.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This teaching establishes that the spiritual merit of jihad depends entirely on intention (niyyah), not merely on participation in battle. A fighter motivated by worldly aims receives only his worldly portion, while one fighting for Allah's cause receives both worldly compensation and eternal reward.
The hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to constantly examine and purify their intentions in all matters, ensuring that their actions align with divine pleasure rather than worldly desires.