(234) Chapter: Obligation of Jihad

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

[At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Hadith brings out two important points:
First, Jihad is far superior than voluntary Salat. This is perfectly true because the benefit of Salat is restricted to the one who performs it while the benefits of Jihad reach a vast number of people because it is to safeguard the religion, raise the flag of Islam high and safeguard the Islamic territories. But it is only possible when there is a general proclamation for Jihad and there is such a severe fight that it is not permissible for anyone to stay behind; that is to say, it becomes obligatory. In the ordinary circumstances, when a general proclamation for Jihad is not made, the voluntary Salat, is the best of all acts of worship. Second, the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) did not do anything without the permission of the Prophet (PBUH).