people and the corrupt elements among those affiliated with Islam who have sided with them; and the faction that withholds support, consisting of those who refrain from waging jihad against them, even if their Islam is sound. Let each man consider whether he belongs to the victorious faction, the faction that withholds support, or the opposing faction. There is no fourth category.

Know that jihad brings the good of this world and the Hereafter, while abandoning it brings loss in this world and the Hereafter. Allah Most High says in His Book:

“Say, ‘Are you waiting for anything to befall us except one of the two best outcomes?’”

This means either victory and triumph, or martyrdom and Paradise. Those who survive among those who wage jihad live in honour, receiving the reward of this world and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. Those who die or are killed go to Paradise. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The martyr is granted six privileges: he is forgiven with the first drop of his blood; he is shown his place in Paradise; he is clothed in a garment of faith; he is married to seventy-two wide-eyed maidens of Paradise; he is protected from the trial of the grave; and he is kept safe from the greatest terror.”

This was narrated by the compilers of the Sunan. He also said, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“In Paradise there are one hundred ranks, with a distance between each rank and the next like that between heaven and earth. Allah, glorified and exalted is He, has prepared them for those who wage jihad in His cause.”

Thus, those who wage jihad have an elevation in Paradise spanning fifty thousand years. He also said, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“The one who wages jihad in Allah’s cause is like someone who fasts and stands in devout prayer, never ceasing to pray or fast.”

“A man said, ‘Tell me of a deed that equals jihad in Allah’s cause?’

He replied, ‘You cannot do it.’

The man said: