returns—the only person who equals him in reward with Allah is the one who, from the moment the combatant sets out until he comes back, fasts by day and stands in prayer by night. Yet such constancy is beyond people’s ability, as the Prophet ﷺ himself declared and the Companions confirmed.

Another virtue is that Allah has prepared for those who strive in His cause one hundred ranks in Paradise; the expanse between any two ranks is like the distance between heaven and earth. All of these ranks are reserved for the combatants in His path.

These narrations—and there are very many of them—plainly demonstrate the excellence of jihad in Allah’s cause. Jihad may be carried out with one’s wealth or with one’s very self, but engaging in it personally is superior and earns a greater reward, for every one of the traditions we have heard pertains to those who fought in person. Still, the one who strives with his wealth is upon goodness. It is authentically reported from the Prophet ﷺ that “Whoever equips a warrior in the path of Allah has himself fought,” meaning the reward of the combatant is written for him; and “Whoever looks after a warrior’s family with good care has himself fought.”

We therefore ask Allah to make us and you among those who strive in His cause, seeking only His Countenance. He is indeed Powerful over all things.

1302 – Abū Bakr ibn Abī Mūsā al-Ashʿarī narrated: I heard my father (may Allah be pleased with him) while we were in the presence of the enemy say, “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ‘The gates of Paradise lie beneath the shade of swords.’” A man of shabby appearance rose and asked, “Abū Mūsā, did you actually hear the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say this?” He replied, “Yes.” The man returned to his companions and said, “Peace be upon you.” He then broke the scabbard of his sword, flung it away, advanced with his sword toward the enemy, and kept striking until he was killed. Narrated by Muslim.