Riyad as-Salihin, 1310
Al-Bara (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
A man equipped with arms came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and asked: "O Messenger of Allah! Should I go and fight or should I embrace Islam first?" He (ﷺ) replied, "Enter in the fold of Islam and then fight." He embraced Islam and fought until he was killed. Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He accepted Islam for a short time but was rewarded much." <b>[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]</b>.
وعن البراء رضي الله عنه قال أتى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم رجل مقنع بالحديد، فقال يا رسول الله أقاتل أو أسلم؟ قال: "أسلم، ثم قاتل" فأسلم، ثم قاتل فقتل، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : عمل قليلا وأُجر كثيرًا" ((متفق عليه وهذا لفظ البخاري)) .
References1 variant
- In-Book Reference
- Book 11, Hadith 26
Sharh · explanationclick to expand
<b>Guidance from the Hadith:</b><br>
1) Being a Muslim is a requirement for the validity of any act of worship.<br>
2) It is prohibited to seek help from disbelievers in any battle whatsoever, even if it is against disbelievers. Far worse is to seek help from disbelievers to fight fellow Muslims!<br>
3) A small deed which is done with sincerity entails a great reward.