(234) Chapter: Obligation of Jihad

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked: "What other good deed could be an equivalent of Jihad in the way of Allah?" He (ﷺ) replied, "You do not have the strength to do it." (The narrator said:) The question was repeated twice or thrice, but every time he (ﷺ) answered, "You do not have the strength to do it." Then he (ﷺ) said, "One who goes out for Jihad in the Cause of Allah is like a person who observes Saum (fasting), stands in Salat (prayer) constantly, recites the Ayat of the Qur'an and does not exhibit any lassitude in fasting and prayer until the participant of Jihad in the way of Allah returns." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary: "Alqanit'' signifies one who makes recitation of the Ayat of the Noble Qur'an with the fear of Allah and humility, or is submissive and obedient to the Commands of Allah. The example cited here means that so long a Mujahid is engaged in Jihad, he is like a person who keeps himself occupied in Salat at night and observes Saum in the day time. The action of such a person can be equal in reward to the conduct of a Mujahid. Thus, in special situations Jihad is the most meritorious act. A worshipper cannot attain that reward for his worship which a Mujahid achieves in Jihad.