and pleasant dwellings in the Gardens of Everlasting Bliss—that is the supreme triumph. And He will give you something else you love: help from Allah and a near victory. Give glad tidings to the believers. (al-Ṣaff 61:10–13). The verses dealing with this subject are many and well known.

As for the hadiths on the virtue of jihād, they are too numerous to be counted. Among them are the following:

1293 – Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked, “Which deed is best?” He replied, “Faith in Allah and His Messenger.” He was asked, “Then what?” He said, “Striving in the path of Allah.” He was asked, “Then what?” He said, “An accepted pilgrimage.” Agreed upon.

1294 – Ibn Masʿūd, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: I asked, “O Messenger of Allah, which deed is most beloved to Allah the Exalted?” He said, “Prayer at its proper time.” I asked, “Then which?” He said, “Kindness to parents.” I asked, “Then which?” He said, “Striving in the path of Allah.” Agreed upon.

1295 – Abu Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, which deed is best?” He said, “Belief in Allah and striving in His path.” Agreed upon.

1296 – Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Going out at dawn (1) in the path of Allah—or at dusk—is better than the world and everything in it.” Agreed upon.

1297 – Abu Saʿīd al-Khudrī, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: A man came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and asked, “Which of people is best?” He replied, “A believer who strives with his self and his wealth in the path of Allah.” He asked, “Then who?” He said, “A believer living in one of the mountain passes (2), worshipping Allah and keeping people safe from his harm.” Agreed upon.

1298 – Sahl ibn Saʿd, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Guarding the frontier for a single day …”