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Sahih al-Bukhari 1520

Narrated `Aisha:

(the mother of the faithful believers) I said, "O Allah's Apostle! We consider Jihad as the best deed." The Prophet said, "The best Jihad (for women) is Hajj Mabrur. "

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ الْمُبَارَكِ، حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدٌ، أَخْبَرَنَا حَبِيبُ بْنُ أَبِي عَمْرَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ بِنْتِ طَلْحَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ أُمِّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّهَا قَالَتْ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، نَرَى الْجِهَادَ أَفْضَلَ الْعَمَلِ، أَفَلاَ نُجَاهِدُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ لاَ، لَكِنَّ أَفْضَلَ الْجِهَادِ حَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 1520
In-book reference : Book 25, Hadith 8
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 2, Book 26, Hadith 595
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
Riyad as-Salihin 1276
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
I said: "O Messenger of Allah! We consider Jihad as the best deed, should we not then go for Jihad?" The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The best Jihad for you women is Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted by Allah)."

[Al-Bukhari].

وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت‏:‏ قلت يا رسول الله نرى الجهاد أفضل العمل، أفلا نجاهد‏؟‏ فقال‏:‏ ‏:‏ ‏ "‏لَكُنّ أفضل الجهاد حج مبرور‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه البخاري‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1276
In-book reference : Book 10, Hadith 6
Sahih al-Bukhari 2784

Narrated `Aisha:

(That she said), "O Allah's Apostle! We consider Jihad as the best deed. Should we not fight in Allah's Cause?" He said, "The best Jihad (for women) is Hajj-Mabrur (i.e. Hajj which is done according to the Prophet's tradition and is accepted by Allah).

حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا حَبِيبُ بْنُ أَبِي عَمْرَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ بِنْتِ طَلْحَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّهَا قَالَتْ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ تُرَى الْجِهَادَ أَفْضَلَ الْعَمَلِ، أَفَلاَ نُجَاهِدُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ لَكِنَّ أَفْضَلَ الْجِهَادِ حَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 2784
In-book reference : Book 56, Hadith 3
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 4, Book 52, Hadith 43
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Sunan an-Nasa'i 2628
The Mother of the Believers, 'Aishah, said:
"I said: 'O Messenger of allah, shall we not go out and fight in jihad with you, for I do not think there is any deed in the qur'an that is better than jihad.' He said: 'No. the best and most beautiful (type) of jihad is Hajj to the House; Hajj Al-Mabrur. ''(sahih)
أَخْبَرَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ حَبِيبٍ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ أَبِي عَمْرَةَ - عَنْ عَائِشَةَ بِنْتِ طَلْحَةَ، قَالَتْ أَخْبَرَتْنِي أُمُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ، عَائِشَةُ قَالَتْ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَلاَ نَخْرُجُ فَنُجَاهِدَ مَعَكَ فَإِنِّي لاَ أَرَى عَمَلاً فِي الْقُرْآنِ أَفْضَلَ مِنَ الْجِهَادِ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏ "‏ لاَ وَلَكُنَّ أَحْسَنُ الْجِهَادِ وَأَجْمَلُهُ حَجُّ الْبَيْتِ حَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 2628
In-book reference : Book 24, Hadith 10
English translation : Vol. 3, Book 24, Hadith 2629
Sunan an-Nasa'i 3129
It was narrated from Abu Dharr that he asked the prophet of Allah (PBUH) which deed was best. He said:
"Belief in Allah and Jihad in the cause of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime."
أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْحَكَمِ، عَنْ شُعَيْبٍ، عَنِ اللَّيْثِ، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عُرْوَةُ، عَنْ أَبِي مُرَاوِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ، أَنَّهُ سَأَلَ نَبِيَّ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ خَيْرٌ قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ وَجِهَادٌ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3129
In-book reference : Book 25, Hadith 45
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 25, Hadith 3131
Sunan an-Nasa'i 4986
It was narrated from Abdullah bin Hubshi Al-Khath'ami that:
The Prophet [SAW] was asked: "Which deed is best?" He said: "Faith in which there is no doubt, Jihad in which there is no Ghulul, and Hajjatun Mabrur."
أَخْبَرَنَا هَارُونُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا حَجَّاجٌ، عَنِ ابْنِ جُرَيْجٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عُثْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ عَلِيٍّ الأَزْدِيِّ، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ حُبْشِيٍّ الْخَثْعَمِيِّ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم سُئِلَ أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ إِيمَانٌ لاَ شَكَّ فِيهِ وَجِهَادٌ لاَ غُلُولَ فِيهِ وَحَجَّةٌ مَبْرُورَةٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4986
In-book reference : Book 47, Hadith 2
English translation : Vol. 6, Book 47, Hadith 4989
Sunan an-Nasa'i 2624
It was narrated that abu Hurairah said:
"A man asked the Prophet 'O Messenger of Allah, which deed is best?' He said: 'Jihad in the cause of Allah.' He said: 'Then what?' He said: 'then Hajj Al-Mabrir.'''
أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رَافِعٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنِ ابْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ سَأَلَ رَجُلٌ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ الإِيمَانُ بِاللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ مَاذَا قَالَ ‏"‏ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ مَاذَا قَالَ ‏"‏ ثُمَّ الْحَجُّ الْمَبْرُورُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 2624
In-book reference : Book 24, Hadith 6
English translation : Vol. 3, Book 24, Hadith 2625
Riyad as-Salihin 1287
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked: "Which deed is the best?" He (PBUH) replied, "Faith in Allah and Jihad (fighting, struggle) in the Cause of Allah."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
وعن أبي ذر رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قلت يا رسول الله أي العمل أفضل‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏الإيمان بالله والجهاد في سبيله‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1287
In-book reference : Book 11, Hadith 3
Sahih al-Bukhari 1519

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet was asked, "Which is the best deed?" He said, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle." He was then asked, "Which is the next (in goodness)?" He said, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause." He was then asked, "Which is the next?" He said, "To perform Hajj-Mabrur. "

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ سُئِلَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قِيلَ ثُمَّ مَاذَا قَالَ ‏"‏ جِهَادٌ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قِيلَ ثُمَّ مَاذَا قَالَ ‏"‏ حَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 1519
In-book reference : Book 25, Hadith 7
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 2, Book 26, Hadith 594
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Sunan an-Nasa'i 3130
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said:
"A man asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) which deed is best. He said: 'Faith in Allah.' He said: 'Then what?' He said: 'Jihad in the cause of Allah.' He said: 'Then what?' He said: 'Hajjun Mabrur.'" [1] [1] Hajj, that is accepted, or free of sin.
أَخْبَرَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنِ ابْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ سَأَلَ رَجُلٌ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ مَاذَا قَالَ ‏"‏ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ مَاذَا قَالَ ‏"‏ حَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3130
In-book reference : Book 25, Hadith 46
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 25, Hadith 3132
Sunan an-Nasa'i 2526
It was narrated from 'Abudullah bin Hubshi Al-Khath 'ami that the Prophet was asked:
"Which deed is best?" He said: "Faith in which there is no doubt, Jihad in which there is no stealing of the spoils of war, and Hjijatun Mabrurah."[1] It was said: "Which prayer is best? He said:"That in which there is ling Qunut (standing)." It was said: "Which charity is best?" He said: "The poor's night." It was said: "Which Hijrah (emigration) is best?" He said: "One who shuns (Hahara) that which Allah has forbidden." It was said: "One who strives against the idolaters with his life and his wealth. "It was said: "Which death is best?" He said: "One who sheds his blood while his horse's feet are cut with swords."
أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ الْوَهَّابِ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْحَكَمِ، عَنْ حَجَّاجٍ، قَالَ ابْنُ جُرَيْجٍ أَخْبَرَنِي عُثْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ عَلِيٍّ الأَزْدِيِّ، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ حُبْشِيٍّ الْخَثْعَمِيِّ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم سُئِلَ أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ إِيمَانٌ لاَ شَكَّ فِيهِ وَجِهَادٌ لاَ غُلُولَ فِيهِ وَحَجَّةٌ مَبْرُورَةٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قِيلَ فَأَىُّ الصَّلاَةِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ طُولُ الْقُنُوتِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قِيلَ فَأَىُّ الصَّدَقَةِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ جَهْدُ الْمُقِلِّ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قِيلَ فَأَىُّ الْهِجْرَةِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ مَنْ هَجَرَ مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قِيلَ فَأَىُّ الْجِهَادِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ مَنْ جَاهَدَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ بِمَالِهِ وَنَفْسِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قِيلَ فَأَىُّ الْقَتْلِ أَشْرَفُ قَالَ ‏"‏ مَنْ أُهْرِيقَ دَمُهُ وَعُقِرَ جَوَادُهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 2526
In-book reference : Book 23, Hadith 92
English translation : Vol. 3, Book 23, Hadith 2527
Riyad as-Salihin 1273
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Prophet (PBUH) was asked: "Which deed is the best?" He (PBUH) replied, "Faith in Allah and His Messenger." Then he was asked: "What is next?" He replied, "Jihad (holy fighting) in the Cause of Allah." Then he was asked, "What is after that?" He (PBUH) replied, "Hajj Mabrur (an accepted pilgrimage)."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

وعنه قال‏:‏ سئل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أي العمل أفضل‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏إيمان بالله ورسوله‏"‏ قيل‏:‏ ثم ماذا‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏الجهاد في سبيل الله‏"‏ قيل ثم ماذا‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏حج مبرور‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏

‏"‏المبرور‏"‏ هو الذي لا يرتكب صاحبه فيه معصية‏.‏

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1273
In-book reference : Book 10, Hadith 3
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1658
Narrated Abu Hurairah:

"The Messenger of Allah (saws) was asked: 'Which deed is the most virtuos ? And which deed is the best ?' He (saws) said: 'Faith in Allah and His Messenger.' It was said: 'Then what ?' He said: 'Jihad is the hump (the most prominent) of the deeds.' Then what O Messenger of Allah ? He said: 'Then Hajj Mabrur.'"

[Abu 'Eisa said:] This Hadith is Hasan Sahih, it has been reported through other routes from Abu Hurairah from the Prophet (saws).

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو كُرَيْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدَةُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ سُئِلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ أَوْ أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ خَيْرٌ قَالَ ‏"‏ إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قِيلَ ثُمَّ أَىُّ شَيْءٍ قَالَ ‏"‏ الْجِهَادُ سَنَامُ الْعَمَلِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قِيلَ ثُمَّ أَىُّ شَيْءٍ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ ثُمَّ حَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ وَقَدْ رُوِيَ مِنْ غَيْرِ وَجْهٍ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏.‏
Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)
Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1658
In-book reference : Book 22, Hadith 41
English translation : Vol. 3, Book 20, Hadith 1658
Riyad as-Salihin 1285
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked, "Which deed is the best?" He (PBUH) replied, "Faith in Allah and His Messenger." He (PBUH) was asked, "What is next?" He (PBUH) replied, "Jihad (holy fighting) in the Cause of Allah." Then he was asked: "What is after that (in goodness)?" He (PBUH) replied, "Hajj Mabrur (which is accepted by Allah)."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ سئل رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أي العمل أفضل‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏إيمان بالله ورسوله‏"‏ قيل‏:‏ ثم ماذا‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏الجهاد في سبيل الله‏"‏ قيل‏:‏ ثم ماذا‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏حج مبرور‏"‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1285
In-book reference : Book 11, Hadith 1
Sahih al-Bukhari 7534

Narrated Ibn Mas`ud:

A man asked the Prophet "What deeds are the best?" The Prophet said: "(1) To perform the (daily compulsory) prayers at their (early) stated fixed times, (2) to be good and dutiful to one's own parents, (3) and to participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause."

حَدَّثَنِي سُلَيْمَانُ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنِ الْوَلِيدِ،‏.‏ وَحَدَّثَنِي عَبَّادُ بْنُ يَعْقُوبَ الأَسَدِيُّ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبَّادُ بْنُ الْعَوَّامِ، عَنِ الشَّيْبَانِيِّ، عَنِ الْوَلِيدِ بْنِ الْعَيْزَارِ، عَنْ أَبِي عَمْرٍو الشَّيْبَانِيِّ، عَنِ ابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَجُلاً، سَأَلَ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ الصَّلاَةُ لِوَقْتِهَا، وَبِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ، ثُمَّ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 7534
In-book reference : Book 97, Hadith 159
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 9, Book 93, Hadith 625
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Musnad Ahmad 379
It was narrated from Subayy bin Ma`bad that he was a Taghlibi Christian, then he became Muslim and asked which deed is best? He was told:
Jihad for the sake of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. He wanted to go for jihad. but he was asked: Have you done Hajj? He said. No. It was said to him: Do Hajj and `Umrah, then go for jihad. So he entered ihram for both of them together, then he met Zaid bin Soohan and Salman bin Rabee`ah who said: He is more misguided than his camel, or he is no more guided than his camel, He went to `Umar (رضي الله عنه) and told him what they had said, and he said: You have been guided to the Sunnah of your Prophet (ﷺ) , or to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) .
حَدَّثَنَا عَفَّانُ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنِ الْحَكَمِ، عَنْ أَبِي وَائِلٍ، عَنْ صُبَيِّ بْنِ مَعْبَدٍ، أَنَّهُ كَانَ نَصْرَانِيًّا تَغْلِبِيًّا فَأَسْلَمَ فَسَأَلَ أَيُّ الْعَمَلِ أَفْضَلُ فَقِيلَ لَهُ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَأَرَادَ أَنْ يُجَاهِدَ فَقِيلَ لَهُ أَحَجَجْتَ قَالَ لَا فَقِيلَ لَهُ حُجَّ وَاعْتَمِرْ ثُمَّ جَاهِدْ فَأَهَلَّ بِهِمَا جَمِيعًا فَوَافَقَ زَيْدَ بْنَ صُوحَانَ وَسَلْمَانَ بْنَ رَبِيعَةَ فَقَالَا هُوَ أَضَلُّ مِنْ نَاقَتِهِ أَوْ مَا هُوَ بِأَهْدَى مِنْ جَمَلِهِ فَانْطَلَقَ إِلَى عُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ فَأَخْبَرَهُ بِقَوْلِهِمَا فَقَالَ هُدِيتَ لِسُنَّةِ نَبِيِّكَ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَوْ لِسُنَّةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) [] (Darussalam)
Reference : Musnad Ahmad 379
In-book reference : Book 2, Hadith 280
Sahih Muslim 85 a

It is narrated on the authority of 'Abdullah b. Mas'ud that he observed. I asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) which deed was the best. He (the Holy Prophet) replied:

Prayer at its appointed hour. I (again) said: Then what? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Kindness to the parents. I (again) said: Then what? He replied: Earnest endeavour (Jihad) in the cause of Allah. And I would have not ceased asking more questions but out of regard (for his feelings).
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُسْهِرٍ، عَنِ الشَّيْبَانِيِّ، عَنِ الْوَلِيدِ بْنِ الْعَيْزَارِ، عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ إِيَاسٍ أَبِي عَمْرٍو الشَّيْبَانِيِّ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، قَالَ سَأَلْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ الصَّلاَةُ لِوَقْتِهَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ قُلْتُ ثُمَّ أَىٌّ قَالَ ‏"‏ بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ قُلْتُ ثُمَّ أَىٌّ قَالَ ‏"‏ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ فَمَا تَرَكْتُ أَسْتَزِيدُهُ إِلاَّ إِرْعَاءً عَلَيْهِ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 85a
In-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 158
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 1, Hadith 151
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Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 220
Abu Dharr reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was asked, "What action is best?" He replied, "Belief in Allah and jihad in His way." He was asked, "Which slaves are best?" He replied, "The highest in price and most precious to their people." He said, "What do you think I should do if I am unable to fight?" He replied, "Help someone in trouble or work for someone who does not work." He asked, "What do you think that I should do if I am too weak (to act accordingly)?" He replied, "Spare people your evil. That is a sadaqa which you bestow on yourself."
حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ أُوَيْسٍ قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي مُرَاوِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم، قِيلَ‏:‏ أَيُّ الأَعْمَالِ خَيْرٌ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ، وَجِهَادٌ فِي سَبِيلِهِ، قِيلَ‏:‏ فَأَيُّ الرِّقَابِ أَفْضَلُ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ أَغْلاَهَا ثَمَنًا، وَأَنْفَسُهَا عِنْدَ أَهْلِهَا، قَالَ‏:‏ أَفَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ لَمْ أَسْتَطِعْ بَعْضَ الْعَمَلِ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ فَتُعِينُ ضَائِعًا، أَوْ تَصْنَعُ لأَخْرَقَ، قَالَ‏:‏ أَفَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ ضَعُفْتُ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ تَدَعُ النَّاسَ مِنَ الشَّرِّ، فَإِنَّهَا صَدَقَةٌ تَصَدَّقُ بِهَا عَلَى نَفْسِكَ‏.‏
Reference : Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 220
In-book reference : Book 10, Hadith 9
English translation : Book 10, Hadith 220
Abu Dharr reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was asked, "Which is the best action?" He replied, "Belief in Allah and jihad in His Way." He was asked, "Which slaves are best?" He replied, "The highest in price and the most precious to their people." He said, "What do you think I should do if I am unable to fight?" He said, "Help someone in trouble or work for someone who does not work." He said, "What do you think that I should do if I am too weak (to act accordingly)?" He said, "Spare people your evil. That is a sadaqa which you bestow on yourself."
حَدَّثَنَا الأُوَيْسِيُّ، قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي مُرَاوِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ‏:‏ سُئِلَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ أَيُّ الأَعْمَالِ خَيْرٌ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ، وَجِهَادٌ فِي سَبِيلِهِ، قَالَ‏:‏ فَأَيُّ الرِّقَابِ أَفْضَلُ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ أَغْلاَهَا ثَمَنًا، وَأَنْفَسُهَا عِنْدَ أَهْلِهَا، قَالَ‏:‏ أَفَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ لَمْ أَسْتَطِعْ بَعْضَ الْعَمَلِ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ تُعِينُ ضَائِعًا، أَوْ تَصْنَعُ لأَخْرَقَ، قَالَ‏:‏ أَفَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ ضَعُفْتُ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ تَدَعُ النَّاسَ مِنَ الشَّرِّ، فَإِنَّهَا صَدَقَةٌ تَصَدَّقَهَا عَلَى نَفْسِكَ‏.‏
Arabic/English book reference : Book 14, Hadith 305
Riyad as-Salihin 117
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I asked: "O Messenger of Allah! Which action is the best?" He (PBUH) said, "Faith in Allah and Jihad in the way of Allah." I asked: "Which neck (slave) is best (for emancipation)?" He said, "That which is dearest of them in price and most valuable of them to its masters". I asked: "If I cannot afford (it)?" He said, "Then help a labourer or work for one who is disabled". I asked: "If I cannot do (it)?" He said, "You should restrain yourself from doing wrong to people, because it (serves as) charity which you bestow upon yourself".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

الأول‏:‏ عن أبي ذر جندب بن جنادة رضي الله عنها قال‏:‏ قلت يا رسول الله، أي الأعمال أفضل‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏الإيمان بالله، والجهاد في سبيله‏"‏‏.‏ قلت‏:‏ أي الرقاب أفضل‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏أنفسها عند أهلها، وأكثرها ثمناً‏"‏ قلت‏:‏ فإن لم أفعل‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏تعين صانعاً أو تصنع لأخرق‏"‏ قلت‏:‏ يا رسول الله أرأيت إن ضعفت عن بعض العمل‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ تكف شرك عن الناس فإنها صدقة منك على نفسك‏"‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 117
In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 117
Sahih al-Bukhari 26

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle was asked, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad). The questioner then asked, "What is the next (in goodness)? He replied, "To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's Cause." The questioner again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To perform Hajj (Pilgrim age to Mecca) 'Mubrur, (which is accepted by Allah and is performed with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure only and not to show off and without committing a sin and in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet)."

حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُونُسَ، وَمُوسَى بْنُ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم سُئِلَ أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ أَفْضَلُ فَقَالَ ‏"‏ إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قِيلَ ثُمَّ مَاذَا قَالَ ‏"‏ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قِيلَ ثُمَّ مَاذَا قَالَ ‏"‏ حَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 26
In-book reference : Book 2, Hadith 19
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 26
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Sahih al-Bukhari 2782

Narrated `Abdullah bin Masud:

I asked Allah's Apostle, "O Allah's Apostle! What is the best deed?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is next in goodness?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents." I further asked, what is next in goodness?" He replied, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause." I did not ask Allah's Apostle anymore and if I had asked him more, he would have told me more.

حَدَّثَنَا الْحَسَنُ بْنُ صَبَّاحٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ سَابِقٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مَالِكُ بْنُ مِغْوَلٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ الْوَلِيدَ بْنَ الْعَيْزَارِ، ذَكَرَ عَنْ أَبِي عَمْرٍو الشَّيْبَانِيِّ، قَالَ قَالَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مَسْعُودٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ سَأَلْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ الصَّلاَةُ عَلَى مِيقَاتِهَا ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْتُ ثُمَّ أَىٌّ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ ثُمَّ بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْتُ ثُمَّ أَىٌّ قَالَ ‏"‏ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَسَكَتُّ عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَلَوِ اسْتَزَدْتُهُ لَزَادَنِي‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 2782
In-book reference : Book 56, Hadith 1
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 4, Book 52, Hadith 41
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Musnad Ahmad 83
It was narrated from Abu Wa'il that as-Subayy bin Ma'bad was a Bedouin Taghlibi Christian who became Muslim. He asked:
Which deed is best? He was told: Jihad for the sake of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. He wanted to go for jihad, but it was said to him: Have you done Hajj? He said no. So it was said to him: Go for Haji and 'Umrah, then go for jihad. So he set out and when he was in al-Hawa'it, he entered ihram for both Haji and 'Umrah together, Zaid bin Soohan and Salman bin Rabee'ah saw him and said: He is more astray than his camel, or he is no more guided than his camel. He went to ‘Umar and told him what they had said. He said: You have been guided to the Sunnah of your Prophet (ﷺ) . Al-Hakam said: I said to Abu Wa'il. Did as-Subayy tell you that? He said: Yes
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنِ الْحَكَمِ، عَنْ أَبِي وَائِلٍ، أَنَّ الصُّبَيَّ بْنَ مَعْبَدٍ، كَانَ نَصْرَانِيًّا تَغْلِبِيًّا أَعْرَابِيًّا فَأَسْلَمَ فَسَأَلَ أَيُّ الْعَمَلِ أَفْضَلُ فَقِيلَ لَهُ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَأَرَادَ أَنْ يُجَاهِدَ فَقِيلَ لَهُ حَجَجْتَ فَقَالَ لَا فَقِيلَ حُجَّ وَاعْتَمِرْ ثُمَّ جَاهِدْ فَانْطَلَقَ حَتَّى إِذَا كَانَ بِالْحَوَابِطِ أَهَلَّ بِهِمَا جَمِيعًا فَرَآهُ زَيْدُ بْنُ صُوحَانَ وَسَلْمَانُ بْنُ رَبِيعَةَ فَقَالَا لَهُوَ أَضَلُّ مِنْ جَمَلِهِ أَوْ مَا هُوَ بِأَهْدَى مِنْ نَاقَتِهِ فَانْطَلَقَ إِلَى عُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ فَأَخْبَرَهُ بِقَوْلِهِمَا فَقَالَ هُدِيتَ لِسُنَّةِ نَبِيِّكَ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ الْحَكَمُ فَقُلْتُ لِأَبِي وَائِلٍ حَدَّثَكَ الصُّبَيُّ فَقَالَ نَعَمْ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Musnad Ahmad 83
In-book reference : Book 2, Hadith 2
Sahih Muslim 84 a

Abu Dharr reported:

I said: Messenger of Allah, which of the deeds is the best? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Belief in Allah and Jihad in His cause. I again asked: Who is the slave whose emancipation is the best? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: One who is valuable for his master and whose price is high. I said: If I can't afford to do it? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Help an artisan or make anything for the unskilled (labourer). I (Abu Dharr) said: Messenger of Allah, you see that I am helpless in doing some of these deeds. He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Desist from doing mischief to the people. That is the charity of your person on your behalf.
حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو الرَّبِيعِ الزَّهْرَانِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ عُرْوَةَ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا خَلَفُ بْنُ هِشَامٍ، - وَاللَّفْظُ لَهُ - حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، عَنْ هِشَامِ بْنِ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي مُرَاوِحٍ اللَّيْثِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ، قَالَ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ الإِيمَانُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ قُلْتُ أَىُّ الرِّقَابِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ أَنْفَسُهَا عِنْدَ أَهْلِهَا وَأَكْثَرُهَا ثَمَنًا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ قُلْتُ فَإِنْ لَمْ أَفْعَلْ قَالَ ‏"‏ تُعِينُ صَانِعًا أَوْ تَصْنَعُ لأَخْرَقَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ ضَعُفْتُ عَنْ بَعْضِ الْعَمَلِ قَالَ ‏"‏ تَكُفُّ شَرَّكَ عَنِ النَّاسِ فَإِنَّهَا صَدَقَةٌ مِنْكَ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 84a
In-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 156
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 1, Hadith 149
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Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 1
Abu 'Amr ash-Shaybani said, "The owner of this house (and he pointed at the house of 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud) said, "I asked the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, which action Allah loves best. He replied, 'Prayer at its proper time.' 'Then what?' I asked. He said, 'Then kindness to parents." I asked, 'Then what?' He replied, 'Then jihad in the Way of Allah.'" He added, "He told me about these things. If I had asked him to tell me more, he would have told me more."
أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو نَصْرٍ أَحْمَدُ بْن مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ حَامِدِ بْنِ هَارُونَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الجْبَّارِ البُخَارِيُّ المَعْرُوفُ بِابْنِ النَّيَازِكِيِّ قِرَاءَةً عَلَيْهِ فَأَقْرَّ بِهِ قَدِمَ عَلَيْنَا حَاجًا فِي صَفَرَ سَنَةَ سَبْعِينَ وَثَلاثِمِئَةٍ، قَالَ‏:‏ أَخْبَرَناَ أَبُو الْخَيْرِ أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مُحَمِّدِ بْنِ الجَلِيلِ بْنِ خَالِدِ بْنِ حُرَيْثٍ البُخَارِيُّ الْكِرْمَانِيُّ الْعَبْقَسِيُّ البَزَّارُ سَنَة اثْنَتَيْنِ وَعِشْرِينَ وَثَلاَثِمِئَةٍ، قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَبْدِ اللهِ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ المُغَيرَةِ بْنِ الأَحْنَفِ الْجُعْفِيُّ البُخَاِرُّي قال‏:‏ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْوَلِيدِ، قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ قَالَ‏:‏ الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ الْعَيْزَارِ أَخْبَرَنِي قَالَ‏:‏ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَمْرٍو الشَّيْبَانِيَّ يَقُولُ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنَا صَاحِبُ هَذِهِ الدَّارِ، وَأَوْمَأَ بِيَدِهِ إِلَى دَارِ عَبْدِ اللهِ قَالَ‏:‏ سَأَلْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ أَيُّ الْعَمَلِ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ الصَّلاَةُ عَلَى وَقْتِهَا، قُلْتُ‏:‏ ثُمَّ أَيٌّ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ ثُمَّ بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ، قُلْتُ‏:‏ ثُمَّ أَيٌّ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ ثُمَّ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنِي بِهِنَّ، وَلَوِ اسْتَزَدْتُهُ لَزَادَنِي‏.‏
Reference : Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 1
In-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 1
English translation : Book 1, Hadith 1
Sunan an-Nasa'i 3157
It was narrated from 'Abdullah bin Qatadah that he heard Abu Qatadah narrate from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), that he stood up among them and said that Jihad in the cause of Allah and belief in Allah are the best of deeds. Then a man stood up and said:
"O Messenger of Allah, if I am killed in the cause of Allah, will Allah forgive my sins?" The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Yes, if you are killed in the cause of Allah, and you are patient and seek reward, and you are facing the enemy, not running way - except for debt. Jibril (peace be upon him) told me that."
أَخْبَرَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي قَتَادَةَ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَهُ يُحَدِّثُ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَامَ فِيهِمْ فَذَكَرَ لَهُمْ ‏"‏ أَنَّ الْجِهَادَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالإِيمَانَ بِاللَّهِ أَفْضَلُ الأَعْمَالِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ فَقَامَ رَجُلٌ فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ قُتِلْتُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَيُكَفِّرُ اللَّهُ عَنِّي خَطَايَاىَ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ نَعَمْ إِنْ قُتِلْتَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَأَنْتَ صَابِرٌ مُحْتَسِبٌ مُقْبِلٌ غَيْرُ مُدْبِرٍ إِلاَّ الدَّيْنَ فَإِنَّ جِبْرِيلَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ قَالَ لِي ذَلِكَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3157
In-book reference : Book 25, Hadith 73
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 25, Hadith 3159
Sahih al-Bukhari 2876

Narrated `Aisha:

the mother of the faithful believers: The Prophet was asked by his wives about the Jihad and he replied, "The best Jihad (for you) is (the performance of) Hajj."

حَدَّثَنَا قَبِيصَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ مُعَاوِيَةَ، بِهَذَا‏.‏ وَعَنْ حَبِيبِ بْنِ أَبِي عَمْرَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ بِنْتِ طَلْحَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ أُمِّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم سَأَلَهُ نِسَاؤُهُ عَنِ الْجِهَادِ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ نِعْمَ الْجِهَادُ الْحَجُّ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 2876
In-book reference : Book 56, Hadith 92
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 4, Book 52, Hadith 128
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Sahih Muslim 1878 a

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira who said:

The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) was asked: What deed could be an equivalent of Jihad in the way of Allah, the Almighty and Exalted? He answered: You do not have the strength to do that deed. The narrator said: They repeated the question twice or thrice. Every time he answered: You do not have the strength to do it. When the question was asked for the third time, he said: One who goes out for Jihad is like a person who keeps fasts, stands in prayer (constantly), (obeying) Allah's (behests contained in) the verses (of the Qur'an), and does not exhibit any lassitude in fasting and prayer until the Mujahid returns from Jihad in the way of Allah, the Exalted.
حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ مَنْصُورٍ، حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْوَاسِطِيُّ، عَنْ سُهَيْلِ بْنِ أَبِي، صَالِحٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قِيلَ لِلنَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم مَا يَعْدِلُ الْجِهَادَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ قَالَ ‏"‏ لاَ تَسْتَطِيعُونَهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَأَعَادُوا عَلَيْهِ مَرَّتَيْنِ أَوْ ثَلاَثًا كُلُّ ذَلِكَ يَقُولُ ‏"‏ لاَ تَسْتَطِيعُونَهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَقَالَ فِي الثَّالِثَةِ ‏"‏ مَثَلُ الْمُجَاهِدِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ الصَّائِمِ الْقَائِمِ الْقَانِتِ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ لاَ يَفْتُرُ مِنْ صِيَامٍ وَلاَ صَلاَةٍ حَتَّى يَرْجِعَ الْمُجَاهِدُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1878a
In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 165
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 20, Hadith 4636
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Mishkat al-Masabih 1460
Ibn ‘Abbas reported God's Messenger as saying, “There are no days in which a good deed is more pleasing to God than these ten days.” On being asked whether not even jihad in God’s path were as pleasing, he replied, “Not even jihad in God’s path, except when a man goes out in person with his property and loses both life and property.” Bukhari transmitted it.
وَعَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهِنَّ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ الْعَشَرَةِ» قَالُوا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ؟ قَالَ: «وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ إِلَّا رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِنْ ذَلِكَ بِشَيْءٍ» . رَوَاهُ البُخَارِيّ
  صَحِيحٌ   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Mishkat al-Masabih 1460
In-book reference : Book 4, Hadith 861
Sunan an-Nasa'i 611
It was narrated that 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud said:
"I asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) which action is most beloved to Allah? He said: 'Establishing prayer on time, honoring one's parents and Jihad in the cause of Allah.'"
أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ النَّخَعِيُّ، سَمِعَهُ مِنْ أَبِي عَمْرٍو، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، قَالَ سَأَلْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِقَامُ الصَّلاَةِ لِوَقْتِهَا وَبِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 611
In-book reference : Book 6, Hadith 118
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 6, Hadith 612
Riyad as-Salihin 177
Khalid Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Prophet (PBUH) said, "He who equips a warrior in the way of Allah (will get the reward of the one who has actually gone for Jihad); and he who looks after the family of a warrior in the way of Allah will get the reward of the one who has gone for Jihad".

[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

عن أبي عبد الرحمن زيد بن خالد الجهني رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ "‏من جهز غازياً في سبيل الله فقد غزا ومن خلف غازيا في أهله بخير فقد غزا‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 177
In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 177
Sahih al-Bukhari 2973

Narrated Yali:

I participated in the Ghazwa of Tabuk along with Allah's Apostle and I gave a young camel to be ridden in Jihad and that was, to me, one of my best deeds. Then I employed a laborer who quarrelled with another person. One of them bit the hand of the other and the latter drew his hand from the mouth of the former pulling out his front tooth. Then the former instituted a suit against the latter before the Prophet who rejected that suit saying, "Do you expect him to put out his hand for you to snap as a male camel snaps (vegetation)?"

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ جُرَيْجٍ، عَنْ عَطَاءٍ، عَنْ صَفْوَانَ بْنِ يَعْلَى، عَنْ أَبِيهِ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ غَزَوْتُ مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم غَزْوَةَ تَبُوكَ، فَحَمَلْتُ عَلَى بَكْرٍ، فَهْوَ أَوْثَقُ أَعْمَالِي فِي نَفْسِي، فَاسْتَأْجَرْتُ أَجِيرًا، فَقَاتَلَ رَجُلاً، فَعَضَّ أَحَدُهُمَا الآخَرَ فَانْتَزَعَ يَدَهُ مِنْ فِيهِ، وَنَزَعَ ثَنِيَّتَهُ، فَأَتَى النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَأَهْدَرَهَا فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ أَيَدْفَعُ يَدَهُ إِلَيْكَ فَتَقْضَمُهَا كَمَا يَقْضَمُ الْفَحْلُ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 2973
In-book reference : Book 56, Hadith 182
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 4, Book 52, Hadith 217
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Riyad as-Salihin 1249
Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah)." He was asked: "O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah?" He (PBUH) replied, "Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it."

[Al- Bukhari].

وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏"‏ ما من أيام العمل الصالح فيها أحب إلى الله من هذه الأيام‏"‏ يعني أيام العشر، قالوا‏:‏ يا رسول الله ولا الجهاد في سبيل الله‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏ولا الجهاد في سبيل الله، إلا رجل خرج بنفسه، وماله فلم يرجع من ذلك بشيء‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه البخاري‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1249
In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 259
Sunan Abi Dawud 4344

Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri:

The Prophet (saws) said: The best fighting (jihad) in the path of Allah is (to speak) a word of justice to an oppressive ruler.

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبَادَةَ الْوَاسِطِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ هَارُونَ - أَخْبَرَنَا إِسْرَائِيلُ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جُحَادَةَ، عَنْ عَطِيَّةَ الْعَوْفِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ أَفْضَلُ الْجِهَادِ كَلِمَةُ عَدْلٍ عِنْدَ سُلْطَانٍ جَائِرٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ أَوْ ‏"‏ أَمِيرٍ جَائِرٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)  صحيح   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 4344
In-book reference : Book 39, Hadith 54
English translation : Book 38, Hadith 4330
Sunan Ibn Majah 4011
It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said:
“The best of jihad is a just word spoken to an unjust ruler.”
حَدَّثَنَا الْقَاسِمُ بْنُ زَكَرِيَّا بْنِ دِينَارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ مُصْعَبٍ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبَادَةَ الْوَاسِطِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ بْنُ هَارُونَ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْرَائِيلُ، أَنْبَأَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جُحَادَةَ، عَنْ عَطِيَّةَ الْعَوْفِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ "‏ أَفْضَلُ الْجِهَادِ كَلِمَةُ عَدْلٍ عِنْدَ سُلْطَانٍ جَائِرٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 4011
In-book reference : Book 36, Hadith 86
English translation : Vol. 5, Book 36, Hadith 4011
Sahih al-Bukhari 969

Narrated Ibn `Abbas:

The Prophet said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)." Then some companions of the Prophet said, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things."

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَرْعَرَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ الْبَطِينِ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ ‏"‏ مَا الْعَمَلُ فِي أَيَّامِ الْعَشْرِ أَفْضَلَ مِنَ الْعَمَلِ فِي هَذِهِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالُوا وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ قَالَ ‏"‏ وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ، إِلاَّ رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ يُخَاطِرُ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ بِشَىْءٍ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 969
In-book reference : Book 13, Hadith 18
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 2, Book 15, Hadith 86
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Riyad as-Salihin 1298
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked: "What other good deed could be an equivalent of Jihad in the way of Allah?" He (PBUH) replied, "You do not have the strength to do it." (The narrator said:) The question was repeated twice or thrice, but every time he (PBUH) answered, "You do not have the strength to do it." Then he (PBUH) 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].

وعنه قال قيل يا رسول الله‏:‏ ما يعدل الجهاد في سبيل الله‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏لاتستطيعونه‏"‏ فأعادوا عليه مرتين أو ثلاثًا كل ذلك يقول‏:‏ ‏"‏لاتستطيعونه‏!‏‏"‏ ثم قال‏:‏ ‏"‏مثل المجاهد في سبيل الله كمثل الصائم القائم القانت بآيات الله لا يفتر‏:‏ من صلاة ولا صيام، حتى يرجع المجاهد في سبيل الله‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه، وهذا لفظ مسلم‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏ وفي رواية البخاري، أن رجلا قال‏:‏ يا رسول الله دلني على عمل يعدل الجهاد‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏لا أجده‏"‏ ثم قال‏:‏ ‏"‏هل تستطيع إذا خرج المجاهد أن تدخل مسجدك فتقوم ولا تفتر وتصوم ولا تفطر‏؟‏ فقال‏:‏ ومن يستطيع ذلك‏؟‏‏!‏‏.‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1298
In-book reference : Book 11, Hadith 14
Sahih Muslim 83

Abu Huraira reported:

The Messenger of Allah was asked about the best of deeds. He observed: Belief in Allah. He (the inquirer) said: What next? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Jihad (struggle to the utmost) in the cause of Allah. He (the inquirer) again said: What next? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Pilgrimage accepted into the grace of the Lord. In the. tradition narrated on the authority of Muhammad b. Ja'far (the words are) that he (the Holy Prophet) said: Belief in Allah and His Messenger. Muhammad b. Rafi and 'Abd b. Humaid, 'Abdur-Razzaq and Ma'mar and Zuhri have narrated a hadith like this on the authority of the same chain of transmitters.
وَحَدَّثَنَا مَنْصُورُ بْنُ أَبِي مُزَاحِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ، ح وَحَدَّثَنِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ زِيَادٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ سَعْدٍ - عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ سُئِلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ مَاذَا قَالَ ‏"‏ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ مَاذَا قَالَ ‏"‏ حَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَفِي رِوَايَةِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ قَالَ ‏"‏ إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَحَدَّثَنِيهِ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رَافِعٍ، وَعَبْدُ بْنُ حُمَيْدٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّزَّاقِ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، بِهَذَا الإِسْنَادِ مِثْلَهُ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 83
In-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 155
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 1, Hadith 148
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Sahih Muslim 1911 b

In a version of the tradition narrated on the authority of A'mash, we have the words:

" They will share with you the reward (for Jihad)."
وَحَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَأَبُو سَعِيدٍ الأَشَجُّ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، أَخْبَرَنَا عِيسَى بْنُ، يُونُسَ كُلُّهُمْ عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، بِهَذَا الإِسْنَادِ غَيْرَ أَنَّ فِي، حَدِيثِ وَكِيعٍ ‏ "‏ إِلاَّ شَرِكُوكُمْ فِي الأَجْرِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Reference : Sahih Muslim 1911b
In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 228
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 20, Hadith 4698
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Mishkat al-Masabih 2506
He said that God’s messenger was asked what action was most excellent and replied that it was faith in God and His messenger. He was asked what came next and replied that it was jihad in God’s path. He was asked what came next and replied that it was a pilgrimage which was accepted. Bukhari and Muslim.
وَعَنْهُ قَالَ: سُئِلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: أَيُّ الْعَمَلِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: «إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ» قِيلَ: ثُمَّ مَاذَا؟ قَالَ: «الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ» . قِيلَ: ثُمَّ مَاذَا؟ قَالَ: «حَجٌّ مبرورٌ»
  مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Mishkat al-Masabih 2506
In-book reference : Book 10, Hadith 2
Sunan Ibn Majah 49
It was narrated that Hudhaifah said:
"The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'Allah will not accept any fasting, prayer, charity, Hajj, 'Umrah, Jihad, or any other obligatory or voluntary action from a person who follows innovation (Bid'ah). He comes out of Islam like a hair pulled out of dough."
حَدَّثَنَا دَاوُدُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ الْعَسْكَرِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ أَبُو هَاشِمٍ بْنُ أَبِي خِدَاشٍ الْمَوْصِلِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مِحْصَنٍ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ أَبِي عَبْلَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الدَّيْلَمِيِّ، عَنْ حُذَيْفَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ "‏ لاَ يَقْبَلُ اللَّهُ لِصَاحِبِ بِدْعَةٍ صَوْمًا وَلاَ صَلاَةً وَلاَ صَدَقَةً وَلاَ حَجًّا وَلاَ عُمْرَةً وَلاَ جِهَادًا وَلاَ صَرْفًا وَلاَ عَدْلاً يَخْرُجُ مِنَ الإِسْلاَمِ كَمَا تَخْرُجُ الشَّعَرَةُ مِنَ الْعَجِينِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Maudu' (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 49
In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 0
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 49
Sahih al-Bukhari 1861

Narrated Aisha (mother of the faithful believers):

I said, "O Allah's Apostle! Shouldn't we participate in Holy battles and Jihad along with you?" He replied, "The best and the most superior Jihad (for women) is Hajj which is accepted by Allah." `Aisha added: Ever since I heard that from Allah's Apostle I have determined not to miss Hajj.

حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْوَاحِدِ، حَدَّثَنَا حَبِيبُ بْنُ أَبِي عَمْرَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَتْنَا عَائِشَةُ بِنْتُ طَلْحَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ أُمِّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قَالَتْ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَلاَ نَغْزُوا وَنُجَاهِدُ مَعَكُمْ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ لَكُنَّ أَحْسَنُ الْجِهَادِ وَأَجْمَلُهُ الْحَجُّ، حَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَقَالَتْ عَائِشَةُ فَلاَ أَدَعُ الْحَجَّ بَعْدَ إِذْ سَمِعْتُ هَذَا مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 1861
In-book reference : Book 28, Hadith 41
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 3, Book 29, Hadith 84
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Sunan Ibn Majah 2794
It was narrated that ‘Amr bin ‘Abasah said:
“I came to the Prophet (saw) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, which Jihad is best?’ He said: ‘(That of a man) whose blood is shed and his horse is wounded.’”
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا يَعْلَى بْنُ عُبَيْدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَجَّاجُ بْنُ دِينَارٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ ذَكْوَانَ، عَنْ شَهْرِ بْنِ حَوْشَبٍ، عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ عَبَسَةَ، قَالَ أَتَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَىُّ الْجِهَادِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ أُهْرِيقَ دَمُهُ وَعُقِرَ جَوَادُهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 2794
In-book reference : Book 24, Hadith 42
English translation : Vol. 4, Book 24, Hadith 2794
Abu Dharr (RAA) narrated, I asked the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.) ‘Which action is the most excellent?’ He replied, “Faith in Allah and Jihad in His Cause.” I then asked, ‘Which slaves are the most excellent (for the purpose of emancipating them)’ and he replied, “Those whose prices are the highest and are the most valuable to their owners.” Agreed upon.
وَعَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ ‏- رضى الله عنه ‏- { قَالَ: سَأَلْتُ اَلنَّبِيَّ ‏- صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏-أَيُّ اَلْعَمَلِ أَفْضَلُ? قَالَ: "إِيمَانٌ بِاَللَّهِ, وَجِهَادٌ فِي سَبِيلِهِ" .‏ قُلْتُ: فَأَيُّ اَلرِّقَابِ أَفْضَلُ? قَالَ: " أَعْلَاهَ ا 1‏ ثَمَنًا, وَأَنْفَسُهَا عِنْدَ أَهْلِهَا" } مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ" .‏ 2‏ .‏
Sunnah.com reference : Book 15, Hadith 4
English translation : Book 15, Hadith 1465
Arabic reference : Book 15, Hadith 1421
Sunan an-Nasa'i 3128
Abu Hurairah said:
"A man came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said: 'Tell me of an action that is equal to Jihad.' He said: 'I cannot. When the Mujahid goes out, can you enter the Masjid and stand in prayer and never rest, and fast and never break your fast?' He said: 'Who can do that?'"
أَخْبَرَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَفَّانُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا هَمَّامٌ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جُحَادَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو حُصَيْنٍ، أَنَّ ذَكْوَانَ، حَدَّثَهُ أَنَّ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ حَدَّثَهُ قَالَ جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ دُلَّنِي عَلَى عَمَلٍ يَعْدِلُ الْجِهَادَ قَالَ ‏ "‏ لاَ أَجِدُهُ هَلْ تَسْتَطِيعُ إِذَا خَرَجَ الْمُجَاهِدُ تَدْخُلُ مَسْجِدًا فَتَقُومُ لاَ تَفْتُرُ وَتَصُومُ لاَ تُفْطِرُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ مَنْ يَسْتَطِيعُ ذَلِكَ
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3128
In-book reference : Book 25, Hadith 44
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 25, Hadith 3130
Sunan Abi Dawud 2516

Narrated AbuHurayrah:

A man said: Messenger of Allah, a man wishes to take part in jihad in Allah's path desiring some worldly advantage? The Prophet (saws) said: He will have not reward. The people thought it terrible, and they said to the man: Go back to the Messenger of Allah (saws), for you might not have made him understand well. He, therefore, (went and again) asked: Messenger of Allah, a man wishes to take part in jihad in Allah's path desiring some worldly advantage? He replied: There is no reward for him. They again said to the man: Return to the Messenger of Allah. He, therefore, said to him third time. He replied: There is no reward for him.

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو تَوْبَةَ، ‏:‏ الرَّبِيعُ بْنُ نَافِعٍ عَنِ ابْنِ الْمُبَارَكِ، عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِي ذِئْبٍ، عَنِ الْقَاسِمِ، عَنْ بُكَيْرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الأَشَجِّ، عَنِ ابْنِ مِكْرَزٍ، - رَجُلٍ مِنْ أَهْلِ الشَّامِ - عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، ‏:‏ أَنَّ رَجُلاً، قَالَ ‏:‏ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، رَجُلٌ يُرِيدُ الْجِهَادَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَهُوَ يَبْتَغِي عَرَضًا مِنْ عَرَضِ الدُّنْيَا فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏"‏ لاَ أَجْرَ لَهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ فَأَعْظَمَ ذَلِكَ النَّاسُ، وَقَالُوا لِلرَّجُلِ ‏:‏ عُدْ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَلَعَلَّكَ لَمْ تُفَهِّمْهُ ‏.‏ فَقَالَ ‏:‏ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، رَجُلٌ يُرِيدُ الْجِهَادَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَهُوَ يَبْتَغِي عَرَضًا مِنْ عَرَضِ الدُّنْيَا ‏.‏ فَقَالَ ‏:‏ ‏"‏ لاَ أَجْرَ لَهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ فَقَالُوا لِلرَّجُلِ ‏:‏ عُدْ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏.‏ فَقَالَ لَهُ الثَّالِثَةَ، فَقَالَ لَهُ ‏:‏ ‏"‏ لاَ أَجْرَ لَهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Hasan (Al-Albani)  حسن   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 2516
In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 40
English translation : Book 14, Hadith 2510
Sunan an-Nasa'i 610
Al-Walid bin Al'Ayzar said:
"I heard Abu 'Amr Ash-Shaibani say: 'The owner of this house - and he pointed to the house of 'Abdullah - said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH): 'Which deed is most beloved to Allah, may He be exalted?' He said: 'Prayer offered on time, honoring one's parents, and Jihad in the cause of Allah.'"
أَخْبَرَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ الْعَيْزَارِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَمْرٍو الشَّيْبَانِيَّ، يَقُولُ حَدَّثَنَا صَاحِبُ، هَذِهِ الدَّارِ وَأَشَارَ إِلَى دَارِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ سَأَلْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ تَعَالَى قَالَ ‏ "‏ الصَّلاَةُ عَلَى وَقْتِهَا وَبِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 610
In-book reference : Book 6, Hadith 117
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 6, Hadith 611
Sunan an-Nasa'i 4209
It was narrated from Tariq bin Shihab that:
a man asked the Prophet, when he had put his leg in the stirrup: "Which kind of Jihad is best?'" He said: " a word of truth spoken before an unjust rulers."
أَخْبَرَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ مَنْصُورٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ عَلْقَمَةَ بْنِ مَرْثَدٍ، عَنْ طَارِقِ بْنِ شِهَابٍ، أَنَّ رَجُلاً، سَأَلَ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَقَدْ وَضَعَ رِجْلَهُ فِي الْغَرْزِ أَىُّ الْجِهَادِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ كَلِمَةُ حَقٍّ عِنْدَ سُلْطَانٍ جَائِرٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4209
In-book reference : Book 39, Hadith 61
English translation : Vol. 5, Book 39, Hadith 4214
Riyad as-Salihin 1359
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), "Which deed is most excellent?" He replied, "Faith in Allah and Jihad in His path." I then asked, "Which slaves are most excellent (to set free)?" He replied, "Those who are held in high esteem by their people and whose value is higher."

[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

وعن أبي ذر رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قلت يا رسول الله أي الأعمال أفضل‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏الإيمان بالله، والجهاد في سبيل الله‏"‏ قلت‏:‏ أي الرقاب أفضل‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏أنفسها عند أهلها وأكثرها ثمنًا” ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1359
In-book reference : Book 11, Hadith 75
Mishkat al-Masabih 3798
Buraida reported God's Messenger as saying, “The respect to be shown by those who stay at home to the women of those who are engaged in jihad is to be like that shown to their mothers. If any man among those who stay at home is entrusted with the oversight of his family by one who is engaged in jihad and betrays him, he will be set up for him* on the day of resurrection and he may take what he wants from his good deeds. So what do you think?” *i.e. the betrayer for the man he has betrayed. Muslim transmitted it.
وَعَنْ بُرَيْدَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «حُرْمَةُ نِسَاءِ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ عَلَى الْقَاعِدِينَ كَحُرْمَةِ أُمَّهَاتِهِمْ وَمَا مِنْ رَجُلٍ مِنَ الْقَاعِدِينَ يَخْلُفُ رَجُلًا مِنَ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ فِي أَهْلِهِ فَيَخُونُهُ فِيهِمْ إِلَّا وُقِفَ لَهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فيأخذُ مِنْ عَمَلِهِ مَا شَاءَ فَمَا ظَنُّكُمْ؟» . رَوَاهُ مُسلم
  صَحِيح   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Mishkat al-Masabih 3798
In-book reference : Book 19, Hadith 12
Sahih al-Bukhari 2785

Narrated Abu Huraira:

A man came to Allah's Apostle and said, "Instruct me as to such a deed as equals Jihad (in reward)." He replied, "I do not find such a deed." Then he added, "Can you, while the Muslim fighter is in the battle-field, enter your mosque to perform prayers without cease and fast and never break your fast?" The man said, "But who can do that?" Abu- Huraira added, "The Mujahid (i.e. Muslim fighter) is rewarded even for the footsteps of his horse while it wanders bout (for grazing) tied in a long rope."

حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ مَنْصُورٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَفَّانُ، حَدَّثَنَا هَمَّامٌ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جُحَادَةَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي أَبُو حَصِينٍ، أَنَّ ذَكْوَانَ، حَدَّثَهُ أَنَّ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ حَدَّثَهُ قَالَ جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ دُلَّنِي عَلَى عَمَلٍ يَعْدِلُ الْجِهَادَ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏ "‏ لاَ أَجِدُهُ ـ قَالَ ـ هَلْ تَسْتَطِيعُ إِذَا خَرَجَ الْمُجَاهِدُ أَنْ تَدْخُلَ مَسْجِدَكَ فَتَقُومَ وَلاَ تَفْتُرَ وَتَصُومَ وَلاَ تُفْطِرَ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ وَمَنْ يَسْتَطِيعُ ذَلِكَ قَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ إِنَّ فَرَسَ الْمُجَاهِدِ لَيَسْتَنُّ فِي طِوَلِهِ فَيُكْتَبُ لَهُ حَسَنَاتٍ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 2785
In-book reference : Book 56, Hadith 4
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 4, Book 52, Hadith 44
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Sahih Muslim 1882

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said:

If some persons of my Umma (were not to undertake the hardships of Jihad), and he (Abu Huraira) then narrated the rest of the hadith and then said: A journey undertaken for jihad in the evening or morning merits a reward better than the world and all that is in it.
حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي عُمَرَ، حَدَّثَنَا مَرْوَانُ بْنُ مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ ذَكْوَانَ، بْنِ أَبِي صَالِحٍ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ لَوْلاَ أَنَّ رِجَالاً مِنْ أُمَّتِي ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَسَاقَ الْحَدِيثَ وَقَالَ فِيهِ ‏"‏ وَلَرَوْحَةٌ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَوْ غَدْوَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا فِيهَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1882
In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 172
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 20, Hadith 4642
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Jami` at-Tirmidhi 757
Ibn Abbas narrated that :
the Messenger of Allah said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than those ten days." They said: "O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in Allah Cause?" The Messenger of Allah said: "Not even Jihad in Allah's Cause, unless a man were to out with his self and his wealth and not return from that with anything."
حَدَّثَنَا هَنَّادٌ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ، هُوَ الْبَطِينُ وَهُوَ ابْنُ عِمْرَانَ عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهِنَّ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الأَيَّامِ الْعَشْرِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ فَقَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِنْ ذَلِكَ بِشَيْءٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ وَأَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ وَعَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو وَجَابِرٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى حَدِيثُ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ غَرِيبٌ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 757
In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 76
English translation : Vol. 2, Book 3, Hadith 757
Riyad as-Salihin 194
Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah bepleased with him) reported:
The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The best type of Jihad (striving in the way of Allah) is speaking a true word in the presence of a tyrant ruler."

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi, who categorized it as Hadith Hasan].

الحادي عشر‏:‏ عن أبي سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏أفضل الجهاد كلمة عدل عند سلطان جائر‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود، والترمذي وقال‏:‏ حديث حسن‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 194
In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 194
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 173
Abu Amr Ash-Shaibani narrated:
"A man said to Ibn Mas'ud: 'Which deed is most virtuous?' He said: 'I asked Allah's Messenger (that). He said: "Salat at the beginning of its time." I asked him: "What is after that O Messenger of Allah?" He said: "Being dutiful to one's parents." I said: "What is after that [O Messenger of Allah]?" He said: "Jihad in the Way of Allah."
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا مَرْوَانُ بْنُ مُعَاوِيَةَ الْفَزَارِيُّ، عَنْ أَبِي يَعْفُورٍ، عَنِ الْوَليِدِ بْنِ الْعَيْزَارِ، عَنْ أَبِي عَمْرٍو الشَّيْبَانِيِّ، أَنَّ رَجُلاً، قَالَ لاِبْنِ مَسْعُودٍ أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ سَأَلْتُ عَنْهُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ ‏"‏ الصَّلاَةُ عَلَى مَوَاقِيتِهَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قُلْتُ وَمَاذَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ وَبِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قُلْتُ وَمَاذَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ وَالْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى وَهَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏ وَقَدْ رَوَى الْمَسْعُودِيُّ وَشُعْبَةُ وَسُلَيْمَانُ هُوَ أَبُو إِسْحَاقَ الشَّيْبَانِيُّ وَغَيْرُ وَاحِدٍ عَنِ الْوَلِيدِ بْنِ الْعَيْزَارِ هَذَا الْحَدِيثَ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 173
In-book reference : Book 2, Hadith 25
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 173
Sahih al-Bukhari 3915

Narrated Abu Burda Bin Abi Musa Al-Ash`ari:

`Abdullah bin `Umar said to me, "Do you know what my father said to your father once?" I said, "No." He said, "My father said to your father, 'O Abu Musa, will it please you that we will be rewarded for our conversion to Islam with Allah's Apostle and our migration with him, and our Jihad with him and all our good deeds which we did, with him, and that all the deeds we did after his death will be disregarded whether good or bad?' Your father (i.e. Abu Musa) said, 'No, by Allah, we took part in Jihad after Allah's Apostle , prayed and did plenty of good deeds, and many people have embraced Islam at our hands, and no doubt, we expect rewards from Allah for these good deeds.' On that my father (i.e. `Umar) said, 'As for myself, By Him in Whose Hand `Umar's soul is, I wish that the deeds done by us at the time of the Prophet remain rewardable while whatsoever we did after the death of the Prophet be enough to save us from Punishment in that the good deeds compensate for the bad ones.' " On that I said (to Ibn `Umar), "By Allah, your father was better than my father!"

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ بِشْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا رَوْحٌ، حَدَّثَنَا عَوْفٌ، عَنْ مُعَاوِيَةَ بْنِ قُرَّةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو بُرْدَةَ بْنُ أَبِي مُوسَى الأَشْعَرِيُّ، قَالَ قَالَ لِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عُمَرَ هَلْ تَدْرِي مَا قَالَ أَبِي لأَبِيكَ قَالَ قُلْتُ لاَ‏.‏ قَالَ فَإِنَّ أَبِي قَالَ لأَبِيكَ يَا أَبَا مُوسَى، هَلْ يَسُرُّكَ إِسْلاَمُنَا مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَهِجْرَتُنَا مَعَهُ، وَجِهَادُنَا مَعَهُ، وَعَمَلُنَا كُلُّهُ مَعَهُ، بَرَدَ لَنَا، وَأَنَّ كُلَّ عَمَلٍ عَمِلْنَاهُ بَعْدَهُ نَجَوْنَا مِنْهُ كَفَافًا رَأْسًا بِرَأْسٍ فَقَالَ أَبِي لاَ وَاللَّهِ، قَدْ جَاهَدْنَا بَعْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَصَلَّيْنَا، وَصُمْنَا، وَعَمِلْنَا خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا، وَأَسْلَمَ عَلَى أَيْدِينَا بَشَرٌ كَثِيرٌ، وَإِنَّا لَنَرْجُو ذَلِكَ‏.‏ فَقَالَ أَبِي لَكِنِّي أَنَا وَالَّذِي نَفْسُ عُمَرَ بِيَدِهِ لَوَدِدْتُ أَنَّ ذَلِكَ بَرَدَ لَنَا، وَأَنَّ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ عَمِلْنَاهُ بَعْدُ نَجَوْنَا مِنْهُ كَفَافًا رَأْسًا بِرَأْسٍ‏.‏ فَقُلْتُ إِنَّ أَبَاكَ وَاللَّهِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَبِي‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 3915
In-book reference : Book 63, Hadith 140
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 5, Book 58, Hadith 254
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Riyad as-Salihin 321
'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) of Allah and said, "I swear allegiance to you for emigration and Jihad, seeking reward from Allah." He (PBUH) said, "Is any of your parents alive?" He said, "Yes, both of them are alive." He (PBUH) then asked, "Do you want to seek reward from Allah?" He replied in the affirmative. Thereupon Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Go back to your parents and keep good company with them".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In another narration it is reported that a person came to Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and sought his permission to participate in Jihad. The Prophet (PBUH) asked, "Are your parents alive?" He replied in the affirmative. The Prophet a(PBUH) said, "(You should) consider their service as Jihad."

وعن عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص رضي الله عنهما قال‏:‏ أقبل رجل إلى نبي الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فقال‏:‏ أبايعك على الهجرة والجهاد أبتغي الأجر من الله تعالى‏.‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏فهل لك من والديك أحد حي‏؟‏‏"‏ قال‏:‏ نعم بل كلاهما قال‏:‏ ‏"‏فتبتغي الأجر من الله تعالى‏؟‏‏"‏ قال‏:‏ نعم‏.‏ قال ‏"‏فارجع إلى والديك، فأحسن صحبتهما‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏.‏ وهذا لفظ مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

وفي رواية لهما‏:‏ جاء رجل فاستأذنه في الجهاد فقال ‏"‏أحي والداك‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ نعم، قال‏:‏ ‏"‏ففيهما فجاهد‏"‏‏.‏

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 321
In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 321
Sahih al-Bukhari 2852

Narrated `Urwa Al-Bariqi:

The Prophet said, "Good will remain (as a permanent quality) in the foreheads of horses (for Jihad) till the Day of Resurrection, for they bring about either a reward (in the Hereafter) or (war) booty (in this world)."

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا زَكَرِيَّاءُ، عَنْ عَامِرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عُرْوَةُ الْبَارِقِيُّ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ الْخَيْلُ مَعْقُودٌ فِي نَوَاصِيهَا الْخَيْرُ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ الأَجْرُ وَالْمَغْنَمُ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 2852
In-book reference : Book 56, Hadith 68
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 4, Book 52, Hadith 104
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Sahih al-Bukhari 7463

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "Allah guarantees (the person who carries out Jihad in His Cause and nothing compelled him to go out but Jihad in His Cause and the belief in His Word) that He will either admit him into Paradise (Martyrdom) or return him with reward or booty he has earned to his residence from where he went out."

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ تَكَفَّلَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ جَاهَدَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ، لاَ يُخْرِجُهُ مِنْ بَيْتِهِ إِلاَّ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِهِ، وَتَصْدِيقُ كَلِمَتِهِ أَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ، أَوْ يَرُدَّهُ إِلَى مَسْكَنِهِ بِمَا نَالَ مِنْ أَجْرٍ أَوْ غَنِيمَةٍ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 7463
In-book reference : Book 97, Hadith 89
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 9, Book 93, Hadith 555
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Mishkat al-Masabih 568
Ibn Mas'ud said:
I asked the Prophet which action is dearest to God and he replied, “Prayer at its proper time.” I asked what came next, and he replied that it was kindness to parents. I asked what came next and he replied that it was jihad in God's path. He said, “He told me of them, and if I had asked for more he would have told me more.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ قَالَ: سَأَلْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَي الْأَعْمَال أحب إِلَى الله قَالَ: «الصَّلَاةُ لِوَقْتِهَا» قُلْتُ ثُمَّ أَيُّ قَالَ: «بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ» قُلْتُ ثُمَّ أَيُّ قَالَ: «الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ» قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي بِهِنَّ وَلَوِ استزدته لزادني
  مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Mishkat al-Masabih 568
In-book reference : Book 4, Hadith 5
Riyad as-Salihin 1286
Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH): "Which action is dearest to Allah?" He (PBUH) replied, "Performing As-Salat (the prayer) at its earliest fixed time." I asked, "What is next (in goodness)?" He (PBUH) said, "Kindness towards parents." I asked, "What is next (in goodness)?" He (PBUH) said, "To participate in Jihad in the Cause of Allah."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

وعن ابن مسعود، رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قلت يا رسول الله أي العمل أحب إلى الله تعالى‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏الصلاة على وقتها‏"‏ قلت‏:‏ ثم أي‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏بر الوالدين‏"‏ قلت ثم أي‏:‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏الجهاد في سبيل الله‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1286
In-book reference : Book 11, Hadith 2
Sunan Ibn Majah 1727
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said:
“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the (first) ten days of Dhul- Hijjah. They said: “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He said: “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, unless a man goes out with himself and his wealth and does not bring anything back.”
حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ الْبَطِينِ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏"‏ مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهَا أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الأَيَّامِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ يَعْنِي الْعَشْرَ ‏.‏ قَالُوا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ! وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ قَالَ: ‏"‏ وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ. إِلاَّ رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِنْ ذَلِكَ بِشَىْءٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 1727
In-book reference : Book 7, Hadith 90
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 7, Hadith 1727
Sahih al-Bukhari 7457

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "Allah guarantees to the person who carries out Jihad for His Cause and nothing compelled him to go out but the Jihad in His Cause, and belief in His Words, that He will either admit him into Paradise or return him with his reward or the booty he has earned to his residence from where he went out." (See Hadith No. 555).

حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، حَدَّثَنِي مَالِكٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ تَكَفَّلَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ جَاهَدَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ، لاَ يُخْرِجُهُ إِلاَّ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِهِ، وَتَصْدِيقُ كَلِمَاتِهِ، بِأَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ، أَوْ يَرْجِعَهُ إِلَى مَسْكَنِهِ الَّذِي خَرَجَ مِنْهُ، مَعَ مَا نَالَ مِنْ أَجْرٍ أَوْ غَنِيمَةٍ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 7457
In-book reference : Book 97, Hadith 83
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 9, Book 93, Hadith 549
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Sunan an-Nasa'i 3562
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said:
"The Messenger of Allah said: 'There is goodness tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection. And horses are of three types: Those that bring reward to man, those that are a means of protection for a man, and those that are a burden (of sin) for a man. As for those that bring reward, they are kept for the cause of Allah and for Jihad. No fodder enters their stomach but for everything that enters their stomachs, reward is written for him, even if he puts them out to pasture.'" And he quoted the Hadith.
أَخْبَرَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ يَحْيَى بْنِ الْحَارِثِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مَحْبُوبُ بْنُ مُوسَى، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو إِسْحَاقَ، - يَعْنِي الْفَزَارِيَّ - عَنْ سُهَيْلِ بْنِ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ الْخَيْلُ مَعْقُودٌ فِي نَوَاصِيهَا الْخَيْرُ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ الْخَيْلُ ثَلاَثَةٌ فَهِيَ لِرَجُلٍ أَجْرٌ وَهِيَ لِرَجُلٍ سَتْرٌ وَهِيَ عَلَى رَجُلٍ وِزْرٌ فَأَمَّا الَّذِي هِيَ لَهُ أَجْرٌ فَالَّذِي يَحْتَبِسُهَا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَيَتَّخِذُهَا لَهُ وَلاَ تُغَيِّبُ فِي بُطُونِهَا شَيْئًا إِلاَّ كُتِبَ لَهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ غَيَّبَتْ فِي بُطُونِهَا أَجْرٌ وَلَوْ عَرَضَتْ لَهُ مَرْجٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَسَاقَ الْحَدِيثَ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3562
In-book reference : Book 28, Hadith 2
English translation : Vol. 4, Book 28, Hadith 3592
Mishkat al-Masabih 3845
Abu Huraira told that a man said, “Messenger of God, a man wishes to take part in jihad in God’s path desiring some worldly advantage." The Prophet replied, “He will have no reward." Abu Dawud transmitted it.
وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَجُلًا قَالَ: يَا رسولَ الله رجلٌ يُرِيدُ الْجِهَادَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَهُوَ يَبْتَغِي عَرَضاً من عرَضِ الدُّنْيَا فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «لَا أجر لَهُ» . رَوَاهُ أَبُو دَاوُد
  صَحِيح   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Mishkat al-Masabih 3845
In-book reference : Book 19, Hadith 57
Sahih Muslim 1880

It has been narrated on the authority of Anas b. Malik that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said:

Leaving (for Jihad) in the way of Allah in the morning or in the evening (will merit a reward) better than the world and all that is in it.
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مَسْلَمَةَ بْنِ قَعْنَبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ ثَابِتٍ، عَنْ أَنَسِ، بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ لَغَدْوَةٌ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَوْ رَوْحَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا فِيهَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1880
In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 169
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 20, Hadith 4639
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
Mishkat al-Masabih 3833
‘Abdallah b. Hubshi told that the Prophet was asked which deed was most excellent and replied, “Standing long in prayer." He was asked what sadaqa was most excellent and replied, “The effort of one who possesses little.” He was asked what hijra was most excellent and replied, “That of one who forsakes what God has prohibited.” He was asked what jihad was most excellent and replied, “That of one who strives against the polytheists with his property and his person.” He was asked what manner of being killed was most honourable and replied, “That of one whose blood is shed and whose steed is wounded.” Abu Dawud transmitted it Nasa’i’s version says that the Prophet was asked which actions were most excellent and replied, “Faith which contains no doubt, jihad which contains no unfaithfulness regarding spoil, and a pilgrimage which is accepted.” He was asked what prayer was most excellent and replied, “Standing long in devotion.” The two versions agree about the remainder.
وَعَن عبدِ الله بنِ حُبَشيٍّ: أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ سُئِلَ أَيُّ الْأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: «طُولُ الْقِيَامِ» قِيلَ: فَأَيُّ الصَّدَقَةِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: «جُهْدُ الْمُقِلِّ» قِيلَ: فَأَيُّ الْهِجْرَةِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: «مَنْ هَجَرَ مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ» قِيلَ: فَأَيُّ الْجِهَادِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: «مَنْ جَاهَدَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ بِمَالِهِ وَنَفْسِهِ» . قِيلَ: فَأَيُّ الْقَتْلِ أَشْرَفُ؟ قَالَ: «مَنْ أُهْرِيقَ دَمُهُ وَعُقِرَ جَوَادُهُ» . رَوَاهُ أَبُو دَاوُدَ وَفِي رِوَايَةِ للنسائي: أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ سُئِلَ: أيُّ الأعمالِ أفضلُ؟ قَالَ: «إِيمانٌ لَا شكَّ فِيهِ وَجِهَادٌ لَا غُلُولَ فِيهِ وَحَجَّةٌ مَبْرُورَةٌ» . قِيلَ: فَأَيُّ الصَّلَاةِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: «طُولُ الْقُنُوتِ» . ثمَّ اتفقَا فِي الْبَاقِي
  صَحِيح   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Mishkat al-Masabih 3833
In-book reference : Book 19, Hadith 45
Mishkat al-Masabih 59
Anas reported God’s messenger as saying, “Three matters pertain to the root of faith:
no molestation of one who says there is no god but God, neither declaring him an infidel because of a sin, nor excommunicating him from Islam because of an action; jihad continues from the time God sent me till the last of this people fights with the dajjal, being annulled neither by the tyranny of a tyrannical ruler nor the justice of a just one; and belief in God’s decrees.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.
وَعَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسلم: «ثَلَاث من أَصْلِ الْإِيمَانِ الْكَفُّ عَمَّنْ قَالَ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا الله وَلَا نكفره بذنب وَلَا نخرجهُ من الْإِسْلَام بِعَمَل وَالْجِهَادُ مَاضٍ مُنْذُ بَعَثَنِي اللَّهُ إِلَى أَنْ يُقَاتل آخر أمتِي الدَّجَّالَ لَا يُبْطِلُهُ جَوْرُ جَائِرٍ وَلَا عَدْلُ عَادل وَالْإِيمَان بالأقدار» . رَوَاهُ أَبُو دَاوُد
Grade: Isnād Da'īf (Zubair `Aliza'i)  ضَعِيف   (الألباني) حكم   :
  إسنادہ ضعيف   (زبیر علی زئی)
Reference : Mishkat al-Masabih 59
In-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 53
Sahih al-Bukhari 527

Narrated `Abdullah:

I asked the Prophet "Which deed is the dearest to Allah?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents" I again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, 'To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's cause." `Abdullah added, "I asked only that much and if I had asked more, the Prophet would have told me more."

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْوَلِيدِ، هِشَامُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، قَالَ الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ الْعَيْزَارِ أَخْبَرَنِي قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَمْرٍو الشَّيْبَانِيَّ، يَقُولُ حَدَّثَنَا صَاحِبُ، هَذِهِ الدَّارِ وَأَشَارَ إِلَى دَارِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ سَأَلْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ الصَّلاَةُ عَلَى وَقْتِهَا ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ أَىُّ قَالَ ‏"‏ ثُمَّ بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ أَىُّ قَالَ ‏"‏ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي بِهِنَّ وَلَوِ اسْتَزَدْتُهُ لَزَادَنِي‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 527
In-book reference : Book 9, Hadith 6
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 1, Book 10, Hadith 505
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
Sahih Muslim 1881 a

It has been narrated on the authority of Sahl b. Sa'd as-Sa'idi that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said:

The journey undertaken by a person in the morning (for Jihad) in the way of Allah (will merit a reward) better than the world and all that is in it.
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ بْنُ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ سَهْلِ، بْنِ سَعْدٍ السَّاعِدِيِّ عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ وَالْغَدْوَةَ يَغْدُوهَا الْعَبْدُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا فِيهَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1881a
In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 170
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 20, Hadith 4640
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
Sahih Muslim 1881 b

It has been narrated on the authority of Sahl b. Sa'd as-Sa'idi that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said:

A journey undertaken in the morning or evening (fond Jihad) in the way of Allah (will merit a reward) better than the world and all that is in it.
وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَزُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ السَّاعِدِيِّ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ غَدْوَةٌ أَوْ رَوْحَةٌ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا فِيهَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1881b
In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 171
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 20, Hadith 4641
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Yahya related to me from Malik from Abu'z Zinad from al-Araj from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Allah guarantees either the Garden or a safe return to his home with whatever he has obtained of reward or booty, for the one who does jihad in His way, if it is solely jihad and trust in his promise that brings him out of his house."

وَحَدَّثَنِي عَنْ مَالِكٍ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ تَكَفَّلَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ جَاهَدَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ - لاَ يُخْرِجُهُ مِنْ بَيْتِهِ إِلاَّ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِهِ وَتَصْدِيقُ كَلِمَاتِهِ - أَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ أَوْ يَرُدَّهُ إِلَى مَسْكَنِهِ الَّذِي خَرَجَ مِنْهُ مَعَ مَا نَالَ مِنْ أَجْرٍ أَوْ غَنِيمَةٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 21, Hadith 2
Arabic reference : Book 21, Hadith 963
Sahih Muslim 2549 a

Abdullah b. 'Amr reported that a person came to Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) and sought permission (to participate) in Jihad, whereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said:

Are your parents living? He said: Yes. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: You should put in your best efforts (in their) service.
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَزُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ حَبِيبٍ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ سَعِيدٍ الْقَطَّانَ - عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، وَشُعْبَةَ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا حَبِيبٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الْعَبَّاسِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، قَالَ جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَسْتَأْذِنُهُ فِي الْجِهَادِ فَقَالَ ‏"‏ أَحَىٌّ وَالِدَاكَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ نَعَمْ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ فَفِيهِمَا فَجَاهِدْ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2549a
In-book reference : Book 45, Hadith 5
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 32, Hadith 6184
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Sunan Ibn Majah 3978
It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri that a man came to the Prophet (saw) and said:
“Which of the people is best?” He said: “A man who strives in Jihad in the cause of Allah with himself and his wealth.” He said: “Then who?” He said: “A man in a mountain pass who worships Allah and leaves the people from his evil.”
حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ عَمَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ حَمْزَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا الزُّبَيْدِيُّ، حَدَّثَنِي الزُّهْرِيُّ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ يَزِيدَ اللَّيْثِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، أَنَّ رَجُلاً، أَتَى النَّبِيَّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ فَقَالَ أَىُّ النَّاسِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ رَجُلٌ مُجَاهِدٌ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ مَنْ قَالَ ‏"‏ ثُمَّ امْرُؤٌ فِي شِعْبٍ مِنَ الشِّعَابِ يَعْبُدُ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَيَدَعُ النَّاسَ مِنْ شَرِّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 3978
In-book reference : Book 36, Hadith 53
English translation : Vol. 5, Book 36, Hadith 3978
Sunan Abi Dawud 2532

Narrated Anas ibn Malik:

The Prophet (saws) said: Three things are the roots of faith: to refrain from (killing) a person who utters, "There is no god but Allah" and not to declare him unbeliever whatever sin he commits, and not to excommunicate him from Islam for his any action; and jihad will be performed continuously since the day Allah sent me as a prophet until the day the last member of my community will fight with the Dajjal (Antichrist). The tyranny of any tyrant and the justice of any just (ruler) will not invalidate it. One must have faith in Divine decree.

حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ مَنْصُورٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا جَعْفَرُ بْنُ بُرْقَانَ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ أَبِي نُشْبَةَ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ "‏ ثَلاَثَةٌ مِنْ أَصْلِ الإِيمَانِ ‏:‏ الْكَفُّ عَمَّنْ قَالَ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَلاَ تُكَفِّرْهُ بِذَنْبٍ وَلاَ تُخْرِجْهُ مِنَ الإِسْلاَمِ بِعَمَلٍ، وَالْجِهَادُ مَاضٍ مُنْذُ بَعَثَنِيَ اللَّهُ إِلَى أَنْ يُقَاتِلَ آخِرُ أُمَّتِي الدَّجَّالَ لاَ يُبْطِلُهُ جَوْرُ جَائِرٍ وَلاَ عَدْلُ عَادِلٍ، وَالإِيمَانُ بِالأَقْدَارِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Da'if (Al-Albani)  ضعيف   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 2532
In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 56
English translation : Book 14, Hadith 2526
Riyad as-Salihin 1074
Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH): "Which act is the best?" He (PBUH) said, "As-Salat at their fixed times." I asked, "What next?" He (PBUH) said, "Being dutiful to parents." I asked, "What next?" He (PBUH) said, "Striving (Jihad) in the way of Allah."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

وعن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ سألت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ أي الأعمال أفضل‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏الصلاة على أوقتها‏"‏ قلت‏:‏ ثم أي‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏بر الوالدين‏"‏ قلت ثم أي‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏ الجهاد في سبيل الله‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1074
In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 84
Sahih al-Bukhari 2548

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "A pious slave gets a double reward." Abu Huraira added: By Him in Whose Hands my soul is but for Jihad (i.e. holy battles), Hajj, and my duty to serve my mother, I would have loved to die as a slave.

حَدَّثَنَا بِشْرُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا يُونُسُ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، سَمِعْتُ سَعِيدَ بْنَ الْمُسَيَّبِ، يَقُولُ قَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ لِلْعَبْدِ الْمَمْلُوكِ الصَّالِحِ أَجْرَانِ، وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لَوْلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالْحَجُّ وَبِرُّ أُمِّي، لأَحْبَبْتُ أَنْ أَمُوتَ وَأَنَا مَمْلُوكٌ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 2548
In-book reference : Book 49, Hadith 31
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 3, Book 46, Hadith 724
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Yahya related to me from Abdullah ibn Abd ar-Rahman ibn Mamar al- Ansari that Ata ibn Yasar said that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Shall I tell you who has the best degree among people? A man who takes the rein of his horse to do jihad in the way of Allah. Shall I tell you who has the best degree among people after him? A man who lives alone with a few sheep, performs the prayer, pays the zakat, and worships Allah without associating anything with him."

وَحَدَّثَنِي عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ مَعْمَرٍ الأَنْصَارِيِّ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ يَسَارٍ، أَنَّهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ أَلاَ أُخْبِرُكُمْ بِخَيْرِ النَّاسِ مَنْزِلاً رَجُلٌ آخِذٌ بِعِنَانِ فَرَسِهِ يُجَاهِدُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَلاَ أُخْبِرُكُمْ بِخَيْرِ النَّاسِ مَنْزِلاً بَعْدَهُ رَجُلٌ مُعْتَزِلٌ فِي غُنَيْمَتِهِ يُقِيمُ الصَّلاَةَ وَيُؤْتِي الزَّكَاةَ وَيَعْبُدُ اللَّهَ لاَ يُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا ‏"‏ ‏.‏
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 21, Hadith 4
Arabic reference : Book 21, Hadith 965
Sunan Abi Dawud 2519

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As:

Messenger of Allah, tell me about jihad and fighting. He replied: Abdullah ibn Amr, if you fight with endurance seeking from Allah your reward, Allah will resurrect you showing endurance and seeking your reward from Him, but, if you fight for vain show seeking to acquire much, Allah will resurrect you making a vain show and seeking to acquire much. In whatever you fight or are killed, Abdullah ibn Amr, in that state Allah will resurrect you.

حَدَّثَنَا مُسْلِمُ بْنُ حَاتِمٍ الأَنْصَارِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ مَهْدِيٍّ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ أَبِي الْوَضَّاحِ، عَنِ الْعَلاَءِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ رَافِعٍ، عَنْ حَنَانِ بْنِ خَارِجَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، قَالَ قَالَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عَمْرٍو ‏:‏ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَخْبِرْنِي عَنِ الْجِهَادِ، وَالْغَزْوِفَقَالَ ‏:‏ ‏ "‏ يَا عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَمْرٍو، إِنْ قَاتَلْتَ صَابِرًا مُحْتَسِبًا بَعَثَكَ اللَّهُ صَابِرًا مُحْتَسِبًا، وَإِنْ قَاتَلْتَ مُرَائِيًا مُكَاثِرًا بَعَثَكَ اللَّهُ مُرَائِيًا مُكَاثِرًا، يَا عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَمْرٍو، عَلَى أَىِّ حَالٍ قَاتَلْتَ أَوْ قُتِلْتَ بَعَثَكَ اللَّهُ عَلَى تِيكَ الْحَالِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Da'if (Al-Albani)  ضعيف   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 2519
In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 43
English translation : Book 14, Hadith 2513
Musnad Ahmad 166
It was narrated from Zaid bin Aslarn, from his father that ‘Umar gave a horse (to a man for jihad) for the sake of Allah, then he saw it or one of its foals being offered for sale, and he wanted to buy it. He asked the Prophet ﷺ about it and he said:
`Leave it, and it (its reward) will come to you or you will have them all (i.e., the reward of all of them).` On one occasion he said: He told him not to (buy it) and he said: “Do not buy it and do not take back your charity.`
حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ أَسْلَمَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، أَنَّ عُمَرَ، حَمَلَ عَلَى فَرَسٍ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَرَآهَا أَوْ بَعْضَ نِتَاجِهَا يُبَاعُ فَأَرَادَ شِرَاءَهُ فَسَأَلَ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنْهُ فَقَالَ اتْرُكْهَا تُوَافِكَ أَوْ تَلْقَهَا جَمِيعًا وَقَالَ مَرَّتَيْنِ فَنَهَاهُ وَقَالَ لَا تَشْتَرِهِ وَلَا تَعُدْ فِي صَدَقَتِكَ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) [ al-Bukhari (1490) and Muslim (1620)] (Darussalam)
Reference : Musnad Ahmad 166
In-book reference : Book 2, Hadith 83
Sahih Muslim 85 b

'Abdullah b. Mas'ud reported:

I said: Messenger of Allah, which of the deeds (takes one) nearer to Paradise? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Prayer at its proper time, I said: What next, Messenger of Allah? He replied: Kindness to the parents. I said: What next? He replied: Jihad in the cause of Allah.
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ أَبِي عُمَرَ الْمَكِّيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا مَرْوَانُ الْفَزَارِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو يَعْفُورٍ، عَنِ الْوَلِيدِ بْنِ الْعَيْزَارِ، عَنْ أَبِي عَمْرٍو الشَّيْبَانِيِّ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، قَالَ قُلْتُ يَا نَبِيَّ اللَّهِ أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَقْرَبُ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ قَالَ ‏"‏ الصَّلاَةُ عَلَى مَوَاقِيتِهَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قُلْتُ وَمَاذَا يَا نَبِيَّ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قُلْتُ وَمَاذَا يَا نَبِيَّ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 85b
In-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 159
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 1, Hadith 152
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Sahih al-Bukhari 5970

Narrated Al-Walid bin 'Aizar:

I heard Abi `Amr 'Ash-Shaibani saying, "The owner of this house." he pointed to `Abdullah's house, "said, 'I asked the Prophet 'Which deed is loved most by Allah?" He replied, 'To offer prayers at their early (very first) stated times.' " `Abdullah asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" The Prophet said, "To be good and dutiful to one's parents," `Abdullah asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" The Prophet (saws) said, "To participate in Jihad for Allah's Cause." `Abdullah added, "The Prophet narrated to me these three things, and if I had asked more, he would have told me more."

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْوَلِيدِ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، قَالَ الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ عَيْزَارٍ أَخْبَرَنِي قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَمْرٍو الشَّيْبَانِيَّ، يَقُولُ أَخْبَرَنَا صَاحِبُ، هَذِهِ الدَّارِ ـ وَأَوْمَأَ بِيَدِهِ إِلَى دَارِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ـ قَالَ سَأَلْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ الصَّلاَةُ عَلَى وَقْتِهَا ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ أَىُّ قَالَ ‏"‏ ثُمَّ بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ أَىّ قَالَ ‏"‏ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي بِهِنَّ وَلَوِ اسْتَزَدْتُهُ لَزَادَنِي‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5970
In-book reference : Book 78, Hadith 1
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 8, Book 73, Hadith 1
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Riyad as-Salihin 1363
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The faithful and diligent slave will have a double reward." (Abu Hurairah added:) By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Abu Hurairah is! but for Jihad in the Cause of Allah, and Hajj and kindness to my mother, I would have preferred to die as a slave.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ "‏للعبد المملوك المصلح أجران، والذي نفس أبي هريرة بيده لولا الجهاد في سبيل الله والحج، وبر أمي لأحببت أن أموت وأنا مملوك‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1363
In-book reference : Book 11, Hadith 79
Sahih Muslim 1353 c

It has been narrated on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said on the day of the Conquest of Mecca:

There is no Hijra now, but (only) Jihad (fighting for the cause of Islam) and sincerity of purpose (have great reward) ; when you are asked to set out (on an expedition undertaken for the cause of Islam) you should (readily) do so.
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، وَإِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالاَ أَخْبَرَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنْ مُجَاهِدٍ، عَنْ طَاوُسٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ الْفَتْحِ فَتْحِ مَكَّةَ ‏ "‏ لاَ هِجْرَةَ وَلَكِنْ جِهَادٌ وَنِيَّةٌ وَإِذَا اسْتُنْفِرْتُمْ فَانْفِرُوا ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1353c
In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 125
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 20, Hadith 4597
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Sunan Abi Dawud 2510
Abu Sa’id Al Khudri said “The Apostle of Allaah(saws) sent an expedition towards Banu Lihyan and said “One of the two persons should go forth. He then said to those who sat (at home), If any one of you looks after the family and property of a warrior, he will receive half the reward of the one who goes forth (in jihad).”
حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ مَنْصُورٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ، أَخْبَرَنِي عَمْرُو بْنُ الْحَارِثِ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ أَبِي حَبِيبٍ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ، مَوْلَى الْمَهْرِيِّ عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، ‏:‏ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم بَعَثَ إِلَى بَنِي لِحْيَانَ وَقَالَ ‏:‏ ‏"‏ لِيَخْرُجْ مِنْ كُلِّ رَجُلَيْنِ رَجُلٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِلْقَاعِدِينَ ‏:‏ ‏"‏ أَيُّكُمْ خَلَفَ الْخَارِجَ فِي أَهْلِهِ وَمَالِهِ بِخَيْرٍ كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ نِصْفِ أَجْرِ الْخَارِجِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)  صحيح   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 2510
In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 34
English translation : Book 14, Hadith 2504
Mishkat al-Masabih 3847
'Abdallah b. ‘Amr told that he asked God’s Messenger to tell him about jihad and he replied, “If you fight with endurance, ‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr, seeking from God your reward, God will resurrect you showing endurance and seeking your reward from Him, but if you fight for vain show seeking to acquire much God will resurrect you making a vain show and seeking to acquire much. In whatever state you fight or are killed, ‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr, in that state God will resurrect you." Abu Dawud transmitted it.
وَعَن عبد الله بن عَمْرو أَنَّهُ قَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَخْبِرْنِي عَنِ الْجِهَادِ فَقَالَ: «يَا عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَمْرٍو إِنْ قَاتَلْتَ صَابِرًا مُحْتَسِبًا بَعَثَكَ اللَّهُ صَابِرًا مُحْتَسِبًا وَإِنْ قَاتَلْتَ مُرَائِيًا مُكَاثِرًا بَعَثَكَ اللَّهُ مُرَائِيًا مُكَاثِرًا يَا عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَمْرٍو عَلَى أَيِّ حَالٍ قَاتَلْتَ أَوْ قُتِلْتَ بَعَثَكَ اللَّهُ عَلَى تِلْكَ الْحَالِ» . رَوَاهُ أَبُو دَاوُدَ
  ضَعِيف   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Mishkat al-Masabih 3847
In-book reference : Book 19, Hadith 59
Mishkat al-Masabih 3787
Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone believes in God and His Messenger, observes the prayer and fasts during Ramadan, God will assuredly bring him into paradise whether he has engaged in jihad in God’s path or remained in his land in which he was born.” On being asked whether people should not be given this good news he replied, “In paradise there are a hundred degrees which God has prepared for those who engage in jihad in God’s path, between each pair of which there is a distance like that between heaven and earth; so when you make requests of God ask him for Firdaus, for it is the best and highest part of paradise, above it is the throne of the Compassionate One, and from it the rivers of paradise issue.” Bukhari transmitted it.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَاةَ وَصَامَ رَمَضَانَ كَانَ حَقًّا عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ جَاهَدَ فِي سهل اللَّهِ أَوْ جَلَسَ فِي أَرْضِهِ الَّتِي وُلِدَ فِيهَا» . قَالُوا: أفَلا نُبشِّرُ النَّاسَ؟ قَالَ: «إِنَّ فِي الْجَنَّةِ مِائَةَ دَرَجَةٍ أَعَدَّهَا اللَّهُ لِلْمُجَاهِدِينَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ مَا بَيْنَ الدَّرَجَتَيْنِ كَمَا بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ فَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُ اللَّهَ فَاسْأَلُوهُ الْفِرْدَوْسَ فَإِنَّهُ أَوْسَطُ الْجَنَّةِ وَأَعْلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَفَوْقَهُ عَرْشُ الرَّحْمَنِ وَمِنْهُ تُفَجَّرُ أنهارُ الجنَّةِ» . رَوَاهُ البُخَارِيّ
  صَحِيح   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Mishkat al-Masabih 3787
In-book reference : Book 19, Hadith 1
Sahih Muslim 1872 a

It has been narrated on the authority of Jarir b. Abdullah who said:

I saw that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) was twisting the forelock of a horse with his fingers and he was saying: (A great) benefit. i. e. reward (for rearing them for Jihad) and spoils of war, has been tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Judgment.
وَحَدَّثَنَا نَصْرُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ الْجَهْضَمِيُّ، وَصَالِحُ بْنُ حَاتِمِ بْنِ وَرْدَانَ، جَمِيعًا عَنْ يَزِيدَ، - قَالَ الْجَهْضَمِيُّ حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ بْنُ زُرَيْعٍ، - حَدَّثَنَا يُونُسُ بْنُ عُبَيْدٍ، عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ أَبِي زُرْعَةَ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ جَرِيرٍ، عَنْ جَرِيرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَلْوِي نَاصِيَةَ فَرَسٍ بِإِصْبَعِهِ وَهُوَ يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ الْخَيْلُ مَعْقُودٌ بِنَوَاصِيهَا الْخَيْرُ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ الأَجْرُ وَالْغَنِيمَةُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1872a
In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 143
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 20, Hadith 4614
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Sahih al-Bukhari 3123

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Paradise (if martyred) or bring him back to his dwelling place, whence he has come out, with what he gains of reward and booty."

حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي مَالِكٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ تَكَفَّلَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ جَاهَدَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ، لاَ يُخْرِجُهُ إِلاَّ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِهِ وَتَصْدِيقُ كَلِمَاتِهِ، بِأَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ، أَوْ يَرْجِعَهُ إِلَى مَسْكَنِهِ الَّذِي خَرَجَ مِنْهُ ‏{‏مَعَ مَا نَالَ‏}‏ مِنْ أَجْرٍ أَوْ غَنِيمَةٍ ‏"‏‏.‏
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 3123
In-book reference : Book 57, Hadith 32
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 4, Book 53, Hadith 352
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Sulaiman bin Buraidah narrated on the authority of his father on the authority of 'A’ishah (RAA), “Whenever Allah’s Messenger appointed a commander over an army or a Sariyah, he would instruct him to fear Allah in his own behavior and consider the welfare of the Muslims who were with him. He then used to say “Go out for Jihad in Allah’s name, in the Cause of Allah, and fight those who disbelieve in Allah. Go out for Jihad and do not indulge in Ghulul, or be treacherous or mutilate (dead bodies) or kill a child. When you meet your enemy, or the polytheists, invite them to three courses of action, and accept whichever of them they are willing to agree to, and withhold from doing anything else:
Call them to Islam, and if they agree accept it from them. Then invite them to migrate from their land to the land of the Emigrants (i.e. al-Madinah), if they refuse, then tell them they will be like the Muslim desert Arabs, thus they will have no right in the Ghanimah or Fai’ unless they participate in Jihad with the Muslims. If they refuse (to accept Islam) order them to pay the Jizyah and if they agree, accept it from them. If they refuse, seek Allah, the Most High’s help against them and fight them. When you besiege a fortress, and its people wish you to grant them the protection of Allah and His Prophet, grant them neither but grant them your protection, for it is less serious (a lesser guilt) to break your guarantee of protection than to break that of Allah’s. And if they offer to capitulate under the condition that they are subjected to the judgment of Allah, do not grant them this, but judge according to your own command, for you do not know whether or not you will be able to carry out Allah, the Most High’s Judgment regarding them.” Related by Muslim.
وَعَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ, عَنْ أَبِيهِ قَالَ: { كَانَ رَسُولُ اَللَّهِ ‏- صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏-إِذَا أَمَّرَ أَمِيرًا عَلَى جَيْشٍ أَوْصَاهُ بِتَقْوَى اَللَّهِ, وَبِمَنْ مَعَهُ مِنْ اَلْمُسْلِمِينَ خَيْراً, ثُمَّ قَالَ: "اُغْزُوا بِسْمِ اَللَّهِ, فِي سَبِيلِ اَللَّهِ, قَاتِلُوا مِنْ كَفَرَ بِاَللَّهِ, اُغْزُوا, وَلَا تَغُلُّوا, وَلَا تَغْدُرُوا, وَلَا تُمَثِّلُوا, وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا وَلِيداً, وَإِذَا لَقِيتَ عَدُوَّكَ مِنْ اَلْمُشْرِكِينَ فَادْعُهُمْ إِلَى ثَلَاثِ خِصَالٍ, فَأَيَّتُهُنَّ أَجَابُوكَ إِلَيْهَا, فَاقْبَلْ مِنْهُمْ, وَكُفَّ عَنْهُمْ: اُدْعُهُمْ إِلَى اَلْإِسْلَامِ فَإِنْ أَجَابُوكَ فَاقْبَلْ مِنْهُمْ.‏ ثُمَّ اُدْعُهُمْ إِلَى اَلتَّحَوُّلِ مِنْ دَارِهِمْ إِلَى دَارِ اَلْمُهَاجِرِينَ, فَإِنْ أَبَوْا فَأَخْبَرْهُمْ أَنَّهُمْ يَكُونُونَ كَأَعْرَابِ اَلْمُسْلِمِينَ, وَلَا يَكُونُ لَهُمْ 1‏ .‏ فِي اَلْغَنِيمَةِ وَالْفَيْءِ شَيْءٌ إِلَّا أَنْ يُجَاهِدُوا مَعَ اَلْمُسْلِمِينَ.‏ فَإِنْ هُمْ أَبَوْا فَاسْأَلْهُمْ اَلْجِزْيَةَ, فَإِنْ هُمْ أَجَابُوكَ فَاقْبَلْ مِنْهُمْ, فَإِنْ أَبَوْا فَاسْتَعِنْ بِاَللَّهِ وَقَاتِلْهُمْ.‏ وَإِذَا حَاصَرْتَ أَهْلَ حِصْنٍ فَأَرَادُوكَ أَنْ تَجْعَلَ لَهُمْ ذِمَّةَ اَللَّهِ وَذِمَّةَ نَبِيِّهِ, فَلَا تَفْعَلْ, وَلَكِنْ اِجْعَلْ لَهُمْ ذِمَّتَكَ; فَإِنَّكُمْ إِنْ تُخْفِرُوا ذِمَمَكُمْ 2‏ .‏ أَهْوَنُ مِنْ أَنَّ تُخْفِرُوا ذِمَّةَ اَللَّهِ, وَإِذَا أَرَادُوكَ أَنْ تُنْزِلَهُمْ ...
Sunnah.com reference : Book 11, Hadith 11
English translation : Book 11, Hadith 1308
Arabic reference : Book 11, Hadith 1281
Riyad as-Salihin 312
'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I asked the Prophet (PBUH) , "Which of the deeds is loved most by Allah?" Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Salat at its proper time." I asked, ''What next?" He (PBUH) replied, ''Kindness to parents." I asked, ''What next?" He replied, ''Jihad in the way of Allah."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

عن أبي عبد الرحمن عبد الله بن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ سألت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ أي العمل أحب إلى الله تعالى‏؟‏ قال ‏"‏ الصلاة على وقتها‏"‏ قلت‏:‏ ثم أي‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏ بر الوالدين‏"‏ قلت‏:‏ ثم أي‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏ الجهاد في سبيل الله‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 312
In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 312
Sunan an-Nasa'i 3122
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
"Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has guaranteed to the one who strives in His cause, only going out for Jihad in His cause, and believing in His Word, that He will admit him to Paradise, or bring him back to his home from which he emerged, with whatever he has earned of reward, or spoils of war."
أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ، وَالْحَارِثُ بْنُ مِسْكِينٍ، قِرَاءَةً عَلَيْهِ وَأَنَا أَسْمَعُ، عَنِ ابْنِ الْقَاسِمِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ تَكَفَّلَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لِمَنْ جَاهَدَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ لاَ يُخْرِجُهُ إِلاَّ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِهِ وَتَصْدِيقُ كَلِمَتِهِ بِأَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ أَوْ يَرُدَّهُ إِلَى مَسْكَنِهِ الَّذِي خَرَجَ مِنْهُ مَعَ مَا نَالَ مِنْ أَجْرٍ أَوْ غَنِيمَةٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3122
In-book reference : Book 25, Hadith 38
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 25, Hadith 3124
Sunan an-Nasa'i 4165
It was narrated that 'Abdullah bin 'Amr said:
"A man said: 'O Messenger of Allah! Which emigration (Hijrah) is best?' He said: 'To leave what your Lord, the Mighty and Sublime, dislikes.' He said: 'There are two kinds of emigration, the emigration of the town dweller and the emigration of the Bedouin. As for the Bedouin, when he is called (to fight in Jihad) he must respond, and he must obey when he is commanded, and as for the town dweller, he is the one who is more severely tested and more greatly rewarded."'
أَخْبَرَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الْحَكَمِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ مُرَّةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الْحَارِثِ، عَنْ أَبِي كَثِيرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، قَالَ قَالَ رَجُلٌ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَىُّ الْهِجْرَةِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏"‏ أَنْ تَهْجُرَ مَا كَرِهَ رَبُّكَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ الْهِجْرَةُ هِجْرَتَانِ هِجْرَةُ الْحَاضِرِ وَهِجْرَةُ الْبَادِي فَأَمَّا الْبَادِي فَيُجِيبُ إِذَا دُعِيَ وَيُطِيعُ إِذَا أُمِرَ وَأَمَّا الْحَاضِرُ فَهُوَ أَعْظَمُهُمَا بَلِيَّةً وَأَعْظَمُهُمَا أَجْرًا ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4165
In-book reference : Book 39, Hadith 17
English translation : Vol. 5, Book 39, Hadith 4170
Sahih Muslim 85 e

It is reported on the authority of 'Abdullah that the Apostle of Allah observed:

The best of' the deeds or deed is the (observance of) prayer at its proper time and kindness to the parents.
حَدَّثَنَا عُثْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ أَبِي عَمْرٍو الشَّيْبَانِيِّ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ أَفْضَلُ الأَعْمَالِ - أَوِ الْعَمَلِ - الصَّلاَةُ لِوَقْتِهَا وَبِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Reference : Sahih Muslim 85e
In-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 162
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 1, Hadith 155
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
Sunan Ibn Majah 4012
It was narrated that Abu Umamah said:
“A man came to the Messenger of Allah (saw) at the first pillar and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, which Jihad is best?’ but he kept quiet. When he saw the second Pillar, he asked again, and he kept quiet. When he stoned ‘Aqabah Pillar, he placed his foot in the stirrup, to ride, and said: ‘Where is the one who was asking?’ (The man) said: ‘Here I am, O Messenger of Allah.’ He said: ‘A word of truth spoken to an unjust ruler.’”
حَدَّثَنَا رَاشِدُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ الرَّمْلِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ مُسْلِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي غَالِبٍ، عَنْ أَبِي أُمَامَةَ، قَالَ عَرَضَ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ رَجُلٌ عِنْدَ الْجَمْرَةِ الأُولَى فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَىُّ الْجِهَادِ أَفْضَلُ فَسَكَتَ عَنْهُ فَلَمَّا رَأَى الْجَمْرَةَ الثَّانِيَةَ سَأَلَهُ فَسَكَتَ عَنْهُ فَلَمَّا رَمَى جَمْرَةَ الْعَقَبَةِ وَضَعَ رِجْلَهُ فِي الْغَرْزِ لِيَرْكَبَ قَالَ ‏"‏ أَيْنَ السَّائِلُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ كَلِمَةُ حَقٍّ عِنْدَ ذِي سُلْطَانٍ جَائِرٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 4012
In-book reference : Book 36, Hadith 87
English translation : Vol. 5, Book 36, Hadith 4012
Sunan an-Nasa'i 2222
It was narrated from Abu Umamah that he asked the Messenger of Allah:
"Which deed is best?" he said: "Take to fasting, for there is nothing equal to it."
أَخْبَرَنِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ الضَّعِيفُ، - شَيْخٌ صَالِحٌ وَالضَّعِيفُ لَقَبٌ لِكَثْرَةِ عِبَادَتِهِ - قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا يَعْقُوبُ الْحَضْرَمِيُّ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي يَعْقُوبَ عَنْ أَبِي نَصْرٍ عَنْ رَجَاءِ بْنِ حَيْوَةَ عَنْ أَبِي أُمَامَةَ أَنَّهُ سَأَلَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ عَلَيْكَ بِالصَّوْمِ فَإِنَّهُ لاَ عِدْلَ لَهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 2222
In-book reference : Book 22, Hadith 133
English translation : Vol. 3, Book 22, Hadith 2224
Sunan an-Nasa'i 3123
Abu Hurairah said:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say: 'Allah has guaranteed: 'For the one who goes out in the cause of Allah, and nothing makes him do that except faith in Me, and Jihad in My cause - that He will admit him to Paradise whether he is killed or he dies, or He will return him to his home from which he departed with whatever he has earned of reward or spoils of war.'"
أَخْبَرَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ مِينَاءَ، مَوْلَى بْنِ أَبِي ذُبَابٍ سَمِعَ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ انْتَدَبَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لِمَنْ يَخْرُجُ فِي سَبِيلِهِ لاَ يُخْرِجُهُ إِلاَّ الإِيمَانُ بِي وَالْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِي أَنَّهُ ضَامِنٌ حَتَّى أُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ بِأَيِّهِمَا كَانَ إِمَّا بِقَتْلٍ أَوْ وَفَاةٍ أَوْ أَرُدَّهُ إِلَى مَسْكَنِهِ الَّذِي خَرَجَ مِنْهُ نَالَ مَا نَالَ مِنْ أَجْرٍ أَوْ غَنِيمَةٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3123
In-book reference : Book 25, Hadith 39
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 25, Hadith 3125
Sunan Abi Dawud 1325

Narrated Abdullah ibn Habashi al-Khath'ami:

The Prophet (saws) was asked: which is the best action? He replied: To stand in prayer for a long time.

حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ حَنْبَلٍ، - يَعْنِي أَحْمَدَ - حَدَّثَنَا حَجَّاجٌ، قَالَ قَالَ ابْنُ جُرَيْجٍ أَخْبَرَنِي عُثْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ عَلِيٍّ الأَزْدِيِّ، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ حُبْشِيٍّ الْخَثْعَمِيِّ، ‏:‏ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم سُئِلَ أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏:‏ ‏ "‏ طُولُ الْقِيَامِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
  صحيح بلفظ أي الصلاة   (الألباني) حكم   :
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 1325
In-book reference : Book 5, Hadith 76
English translation : Book 5, Hadith 1320
Sunan an-Nasa'i 5029
Abu Hurairah said:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah [SAW] say: 'Allah has promised the one who goes out in His cause 'and does not go out except with faith in Me and for Jihad in My cause,' that he is guaranteed to enter Paradise no matter how, either he is killed, or he dies, or he will be brought back to his home from which he departed having acquired whatever he acquired of reward or spoils of war.'"
أَخْبَرَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ عَنْ سَعِيدٍ عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ مِينَاءَ سَمِعَ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ انْتَدَبَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ يَخْرُجُ فِي سَبِيلِهِ لَا يُخْرِجُهُ إِلَّا الْإِيمَانُ بِي وَالْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِي أَنَّهُ ضَامِنٌ حَتَّى أُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ بِأَيِّهِمَا كَانَ إِمَّا بِقَتْلٍ وَإِمَّا وَفَاةٍ أَوْ أَنْ يَرُدَّهُ إِلَى مَسْكَنِهِ الَّذِي خَرَجَ مِنْهُ يَنَالُ مَا نَالَ مِنْ أَجْرٍ أَوْ غَنِيمَةٍ
Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 5029
In-book reference : Book 47, Hadith 45
English translation : Vol. 6, Book 47, Hadith 5032
Sunan an-Nasa'i 4985
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that:
The Messenger of Allah [SAW] was asked: "Which deed is best?" "He said: Faith in Allah [SWT] and His messenger [SAW]."
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، أَحْمَدُ بْنُ شُعَيْبٍ - مِنْ لَفْظِهِ - قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم سُئِلَ أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ الإِيمَانُ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4985
In-book reference : Book 47, Hadith 1
English translation : Vol. 6, Book 47, Hadith 4988