Riyad as-Salihin, 1297

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

One of the Prophet's Companions came upon a valley containing a rivulet of fresh water and was delighted by it. He reflected: 'I wish to withdraw from people and settle in this valley; but I won't do so without the permission of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).' This was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he said (to the man), "Do not do that, for when any of you remains in Allah's way, it is better for him than performing Salat (prayer) in his house for seventy years. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you and admit you to Jannah? Fight in Allah's way, for he who fights in Allah's Cause as long as the time between two consecutive turns of milking a she-camel, will be surely admitted to Jannah." [At-Tirmidhi].

وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ مر رجل من أصحاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بشعب فيه عيينة من ماء عذبة فأعجبته، فقال‏:‏ لو اعتزلت الناس فأقمت في هذا الشعب، ولن أفعل حتى استأذن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فذكر ذلك لرسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال‏:‏ ‏"‏لا تفعل فإن مقام أحدكم في سبيل الله أفضل من صلاته في بيته سبعين عامًا، ألا تحبون أن يغفر الله لكم ويدخلكم الجنة‏؟‏ اغزو في سبيل الله من قاتل في سبيل الله فواق ناقة وجبت له الجنة‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه الترمذي وقال‏:‏ حديث حسن‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏‏"‏والفواق‏"‏‏:‏ ما بين الحلبتين‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

References1 variant

In-Book Reference: Book 11, Hadith 13

Sharh · explanationclick to expand

Guidance from the Hadith: 1) It points out the high status of Jihad, for its benefit extends to individuals and the whole Ummah. Other acts of worship, on the other hand, mostly benefit individuals only. 2) Fighting for the purpose of elevating the word of Allah, if done with sincere intention, is a reason for entering Paradise. 3) It shows the merit of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), as they would not engage in any religious act without the Prophet’s permission.

Related hadiths1

Jami` at-Tirmidhi1650hasan