"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever established Salah, pays Zakah, and dies not associating anything with Allah, he has a right from Allah the Mighty and Sublime, that He will forgive him, whether he emigrated, or died in his birthplace.' We said: 'O Messenger of Allah! Shall we not tell the people about it so that they may rejoice?' He said: 'In Paradise there are one hundred levels, (the distance) between each two of which is like (the distance) between the Heaven and the Earth; Allah has prepared them fro the Mujahidin who strive in His cause. Were it not that it would be too difficult for the believers and I cannot find mounts for them - and they do not like to stay behind if I go out (on a campaign) - I would not have stayed behind from any expedition. I wish that I could be killed then brought back to life, then killed again.'"
The Book of Jihad - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3132
This profound narration from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) combines fundamental Islamic teachings with the exalted status of jihad, presenting a comprehensive spiritual hierarchy wherein both the righteous believer and the mujahid attain divine rewards, though at different levels of proximity to Allah.
The Foundation of Faith
The Prophet (ﷺ) first establishes the essential pillars that guarantee Paradise: establishing prayer, paying zakat, and maintaining pure tawhid (monotheism). These constitute the basic requirements for salvation, demonstrating that Islam accommodates all believers regardless of their circumstances - whether they emigrate for Allah's cause or remain in their homeland.
The Hierarchy of Paradise
The description of one hundred levels in Paradise, with distances comparable to that between heaven and earth, illustrates the vast spiritual hierarchy awaiting believers. This imagery emphasizes that while all righteous believers enter Paradise, the mujahidin attain the highest stations due to their supreme sacrifice and struggle in Allah's path.
The Prophet's Yearning for Martyrdom
The Prophet's profound statement about wishing to be killed repeatedly reveals the ultimate value of martyrdom in Islam. This extreme expression demonstrates that the reward for jihad is so magnificent that even the Master of Messengers desired to experience multiple martyrdoms. His consideration for the believers' hardship shows his compassion, while his personal yearning reflects the spiritual excellence of striving in Allah's cause.
Practical Wisdom in Spiritual Guidance
The Companions' initial desire to broadcast this glad tiding widely was tempered by the Prophet's wisdom in revealing the hierarchy of Paradise. This teaches us that while basic salvation is accessible to all believers, the highest stations require greater sacrifice. The Prophet balanced encouragement with practical consideration for his community's capabilities, setting an example for Islamic pedagogy that considers both spiritual ideals and earthly realities.