fights so that the word of Allah may be exalted. He does not fight out of tribal zeal, nor merely to display courage, nor for ostentation; his only motive is to make the word of Allah supreme.

By contrast, anyone who fights out of zealotry—such as those who wage war for Arab nationalism—is no martyr, for combat undertaken for the sake of nationalism is not in the path of Allah; it is nothing but chauvinistic passion.

The same ruling applies to someone who fights purely out of bravery—his own daring spurs him on because he is brave, and people usually like to act according to the qualities they possess. If such a person is killed, his death is not counted as being in the path of Allah.

Likewise, whoever fights for show—Allah’s refuge is sought—so that people will notice his position and say that he is a man who battles the unbelieving enemy, is not fighting in Allah’s cause. The Prophet ﷺ was asked about a man who fights out of zeal, another who fights out of bravery, and a third who fights to be seen: “Which of them is in the path of Allah?” He replied, “Whoever fights so that the word of Allah may be supreme—he alone is in the path of Allah.”

This narration also demonstrates the Companions’ eagerness to gain understanding. The man posed his question to the Prophet ﷺ, and this was their constant habit: they never let an opportunity pass without asking the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, for through such questions they gained both knowledge and the ability to act upon it. Indeed, a scholar of the sacred law is blessed by Allah with knowledge, and when he puts that knowledge into practice, it is a second blessing. Such was the condition of the Companions—they would ask the Prophet ﷺ about the legal ruling precisely so that they could implement it, unlike those who