By Maulana Muhammad Masood Azhar حفظه الله

2) Mujahid The Most Superior

Narrated Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (رضي الله عنه), somebody asked, 'O Allah's Messenger! (صلي الله عليه وسلم) Who is the best among the people?' Allah's Messenger (صلي الله عليه وسلم) replied, ‘A believer who performs Jihad with his life and wealth.' They asked, 'Who is next?”' He (صلي الله عليه وسلم) replied, 'A believer who stays in one of the mountain paths worshipping Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and leaving the people safe from his Mischief.' (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, p391)

It is clear from this hadith that the person who does Jihad in Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) path is more superior than other Muslims. This has also been clearly stated in the Quran:

“Allah has preferred in grades those who strive hard and fight with their wealth and lives above those who sit (at home). Unto each, Allah has promised good (Paradise), but Allah has preferred those who strive hard and fight above those who sit (at home) by a huge reward.” (4:95)

It is regarding the great virtue and importance of Jihad that the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) participated in Jihad personally and urged his companions (رضي الله عنهم أجمعين) upon this deed so much so that there was no deed more beloved and virtuous in the eyes of the Sahaba (رضي الله عنهم أجمعين) as much as Jihad.

Some examples of the love for Jihad amongst the Sahaba (رضي الله عنهم أجمعين):

Hadhrat 'Umar (رضي الله عنه) said, 'Perform Hajj as this is a good deed, Allah has ordained us to perform Hajj, and Jihad is even better.' (Kanzul Ummal, Vol. 2, p258)

Hadhrat Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه) said, 'Safe guarding the Muslim borders in the path of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) (Jihad) is more beloved to me, than my worshipping Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) in the night of Qadr (Lailatul Qadr) in front of‘ Hajera Aswad (the black stone in the corner of‘ the Ka'bah).'

When the time of Hadhrat Khalid (رضي الله عنه) came to depart from the world, he said, 'I reached every possible place for Shahadah (martyrdom) , but it was written in my fate that I should die on my bed. In my opinion there is no deed more dearer than my waiting with my horse and shield in the darkness of night, the sky to be glittering due to the rain, waiting for the onset of dawn, so that I can attack the enemy.' (Al Jihad by Ibn Mubarak, p88)

Artat ibn Munzir reports that 'Umar (رضي الله عنه) asked the people in his gathering, '“Which person would attain the most virtue and reward?' The people suggested Zakah and Salah and agreed the highest rank is for the Ameerul Mu'mineen ('Umar (رضي الله عنه) himself) and started naming other individuals. Hazrat 'Umar (رضي الله عنه) then advised, '“Shall I tell you the best person in terms of virtue who is even higher than the Ameerul Mu'mineen (the leader of the Believers)?'. The people replied, “'Please do tell us.' He said, “'That small person who is holding the reins of his horse in Syria safeguarding the Muslim army, he is unaware if a wild animal will rip hint apart or an insect will bite him or the enemy will attack. This person is higher in rank than those people whom you have mentioned and he is higher than the Ameerul Mu'mineen in virtue.' (Kanzul Ummal, Vol 2, p289)

Hadhrat Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) used to walk with the Mujahideen (Islamic army) and accompany them to the outskirts of Madinah. (Sunani Kubra Baihaqi, Vol. 9, p173)

It is stated in a narration of Kanzul Ummal that a person came to 'Umar (رضي الله عنه) and asked for a horse. Hazrat 'Umar (رضي الله عنه) set the saddle on the horse and when that person started to ride off Hazrat 'Umar (رضي الله عنه) followed that person requesting he would supplicate for him. When 'Umar (رضي الله عنه) departed from him, that person said, 'O Allah give 'Umar (رضي الله عنه) the best reward.' (Kanzul Ummal, Vol 2, p289)

May Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) give us the ability to follow the footsteps of the Sahabah (رضي الله عنهم أجمعين) in their love for Jihad. Ameen!

[The Virtues Of Jihad]

» Posted by Seifeddine-M on 30th January 2011

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