Another proof from the Sunnah
72 – Moreover, the Sunan collections transmit that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “Our Lord marvels at two sorts of men:
A man who rises from the comfort of his bed, leaving his wife and household, in order to perform the prayer. Allah then says to His angels, ‘Look at My servant—he has risen from his bed, his couch, and from his family and kin to perform the prayer, desiring what is with Me and fearing what is with Me.’
And a man who goes out to fight in Allah’s cause: he and his comrades retreat, then he realizes the blame attached to fleeing and the reward for returning, so he turns back until his blood is shed. Allah says to His angels, ‘Look at My servant—he has returned, desiring what is with Me and fearing what is with Me, until his blood was spilled.’” ⦗1⦘
73 – Thus this man first fled with his companions, then returned alone, fought, and was killed.