"Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has guaranteed to the one who strives in His cause, only going out for Jihad in His cause, and believing in His Word, that He will admit him to Paradise, or bring him back to his home from which he emerged, with whatever he has earned of reward, or spoils of war."
Hadith Text & Source
"Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has guaranteed to the one who strives in His cause, only going out for Jihad in His cause, and believing in His Word, that He will admit him to Paradise, or bring him back to his home from which he emerged, with whatever he has earned of reward, or spoils of war."
Book: The Book of Jihad | Author: Sunan an-Nasa'i | Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 3122
Commentary on the Meaning
This noble hadith establishes a divine guarantee from Allah for the sincere mujahid. The phrase "only going out for Jihad in His cause" indicates the necessity of pure intention (ikhlas), where the struggle is undertaken solely to elevate Allah's word, not for worldly gain or reputation.
"Believing in His Word" refers to true faith (iman) in Allah's revelation and the truth of Islam. This condition distinguishes the believer's jihad from mere fighting. The guarantee manifests in three outcomes: martyrdom leading directly to Paradise, safe return with spiritual reward (thawab), or return with material spoils (ghanimah) alongside divine reward.
Conditions for the Divine Guarantee
1. Sincerity of Intention (Ikhlas): The jihad must be purely for Allah's cause, free from ostentation or worldly motives.
2. Correct Belief (Iman): The warrior must possess sound Islamic faith, affirming tawhid and the prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ).
3. Legitimate Jihad: The fighting must comply with Islamic law - defensive or to remove oppression, under legitimate Muslim authority.
Scholarly Insights
Imam an-Nawawi comments that this hadith demonstrates the immense virtue of jihad, making it among the most meritorious deeds. The guarantee covers both success and martyrdom, showing that in Allah's path there is no loss.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that "whatever he has earned" includes multiple rewards: for his intention, his physical effort, his wealth spent, and his patience in hardship. Even the spoils of war become halal (permissible) as an additional bounty from Allah.
Contemporary Application
Scholars emphasize that the principles extend to various forms of striving today, including combating false ideologies, supporting oppressed Muslims, and the internal jihad against one's base desires. The core requirement remains purity of intention and adherence to Islamic guidelines.