Riyad as-Salihin, 8
Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about who fights in the battlefield out of valour, or out of zeal, or out of hypocrisy, which of this is considered as fighting in the cause of Allah? He said:
"He who fights in order that the Word of Allah remains the supreme, is considered as fighting in the cause of Allah". <b>[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]</b>.
وعن أبي موسى عبد الله بن قيس الأشعرى رضي الله عنه قال: سئل رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عن الرجل يقاتل شجاعة، ويقاتل حميةً، ويقاتل رياء، أى ذلك في سبيل الله؟ فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم:
من قاتل لتكون كلمة الله هى العليا فهو في سبيل الله
((متفق عليه)).
References1 variant
- In-Book Reference
- Introduction, Hadith 8
Sharh · explanationclick to expand
<b>Guidance from the Hadith:</b><br>
1) This shows how people share different intentions when they are on the battlefield. The one with the most righteous intention is he who fights to make the Word of Allah reign supreme.<br>
2) The path of Allah is one whereas the paths of the devil are many; and a truly guided individual is he whom Allah Almighty guided to His path. Allah Almighty said: {This is My straight path; follow it and do not follow other ways, lest they lead you away from His way.} [Surat al-An‘ām: 153]<br>
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<b>Words in the Hadith:</b><br>
Pride: fighting out of loyalty for his family or his country.