"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked: 'Which deed is the most virtuos ? And which deed is the best ?' He (ﷺ) said: 'Faith in Allah and His Messenger.' It was said: 'Then what ?' He said: 'Jihad is the hump (the most prominent) of the deeds.' Then what O Messenger of Allah ? He said: 'Then Hajj Mabrur.'"
[Abu 'Eisa said:] This Hadith is Hasan Sahih, it has been reported through other routes from Abu Hurairah from the Prophet (ﷺ).
The Book on Virtues of Jihad - Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1658
Hadith Text
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked: 'Which deed is the most virtuous? And which deed is the best?' He (ﷺ) said: 'Faith in Allah and His Messenger.' It was said: 'Then what?' He said: 'Jihad is the hump (the most prominent) of the deeds.' Then what O Messenger of Allah? He said: 'Then Hajj Mabrur.'"
[Abu 'Eisa said:] This Hadith is Hasan Sahih, it has been reported through other routes from Abu Hurairah from the Prophet (ﷺ).
Scholarly Commentary
The term "hump" (سنَام) in the hadith refers to the highest and most elevated part of something, just as the hump of a camel is its most prominent feature. This metaphor indicates that jihad occupies the highest station among physical acts of worship after the foundation of faith.
Faith (Iman) is established as the foremost requirement, for without it no deed is accepted by Allah. Jihad follows as the pinnacle of action because it involves the ultimate sacrifice of one's wealth, time, and potentially life itself for the sake of Allah.
The scholars explain that jihad encompasses both the greater jihad (struggle against one's ego) and the lesser jihad (physical struggle). The hadith specifically refers to armed jihad when necessary, which represents the ultimate test of faith and submission.
Hajj Mabrur (accepted pilgrimage) completes this hierarchy as it purifies the soul and embodies complete submission to Allah's commands, serving as a comprehensive act of worship that combines physical, financial, and spiritual devotion.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the hierarchy of virtuous deeds: 1) Correct faith, 2) Jihad, 3) Hajj Mabrur. This ordering demonstrates that while jihad is highly meritorious, it must be built upon sound belief.
The classification of this hadith as Hasan Sahih by Imam Tirmidhi indicates its reliable authenticity, supported by multiple chains of transmission from Abu Hurairah.
Scholars note that the virtue mentioned applies to jihad performed with proper intention solely for Allah's pleasure, in accordance with Islamic guidelines, and under legitimate Islamic authority.