"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: 'Allah has guaranteed: 'For the one who goes out in the cause of Allah, and nothing makes him do that except faith in Me, and Jihad in My cause - that He will admit him to Paradise whether he is killed or he dies, or He will return him to his home from which he departed with whatever he has earned of reward or spoils of war.'"
Hadith Text & Reference
"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: 'Allah has guaranteed: 'For the one who goes out in the cause of Allah, and nothing makes him do that except faith in Me, and Jihad in My cause - that He will admit him to Paradise whether he is killed or he dies, or He will return him to his home from which he departed with whatever he has earned of reward or spoils of war.'"
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 3123, The Book of Jihad
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith establishes the divine guarantee for the sincere mujahid. The condition "nothing makes him do that except faith in Me" indicates that the intention must be purely for Allah's pleasure, not for worldly gain or reputation.
The three outcomes mentioned - martyrdom, natural death during jihad, or safe return - all result in tremendous reward. This demonstrates Allah's infinite mercy and justice toward those who sacrifice in His path.
The phrase "whatever he has earned of reward or spoils of war" shows that the mujahid receives both spiritual rewards and permissible material benefits, provided the primary intention remains sincere.
Legal Rulings & Conditions
Scholars stipulate that this guarantee applies only when jihad is performed with proper intention (ikhlas), following Islamic guidelines, and under legitimate Muslim leadership.
The "cause of Allah" refers to legitimate defensive jihad or fighting to remove oppression, not aggression against non-combatants or breaking treaties.
This divine promise serves as immense encouragement for Muslims to fulfill this collective obligation when necessary, while maintaining proper conduct and pure intentions.