"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: 'By the One in Whose hand is my soul, were it not that some men among the believers would not like to stay behind when I went out (to fight), and I could not find any mounts for them, I would not have stayed behind from any campaign that fought in the cause of Allah. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, I wish that I could be killed in the cause of Allah, then brought back to life, then killed, then be brought back to life, then killed.'"
The Book of Jihad - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3152
"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: 'By the One in Whose hand is my soul, were it not that some men among the believers would not like to stay behind when I went out (to fight), and I could not find any mounts for them, I would not have stayed behind from any campaign that fought in the cause of Allah. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, I wish that I could be killed in the cause of Allah, then brought back to life, then killed, then be brought back to life, then killed.'"
Commentary on the Hadith
This profound narration from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) demonstrates the ultimate level of devotion to jihad in Allah's cause. The Prophet swears by Allah twice, emphasizing the sincerity and intensity of his desire for martyrdom.
The first part reveals the Prophet's consideration for his companions who lacked mounts - showing that jihad requires both spiritual readiness and material capability. His reluctance to leave anyone behind reflects the Islamic principle of collective responsibility in warfare.
The repeated wish for martyrdom illustrates the highest station a believer can attain. Classical scholars explain that this expresses the Prophet's longing for the eternal reward of martyrdom, not a death wish. Each martyrdom would bring greater honor and proximity to Allah.
Imam Nawawi comments that this hadith establishes the superiority of martyrdom and encourages Muslims to cultivate similar love for sacrificing in Allah's path. The repetition emphasizes the intensity of this desire, which should inspire believers to value jihad appropriately.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the great virtue of jihad and martyrdom in Islam. Scholars derive from it that jihad remains obligatory until the Day of Judgment, though its forms may vary.
The Prophet's consideration for those without mounts teaches us that Islamic warfare requires proper preparation and should not endanger believers unnecessarily.
The spiritual lesson is that the believer should love what Allah loves - including sacrifice in His cause. This love should be so profound that one wishes to repeatedly experience the honor of martyrdom.