Regarding the hadiths concerning the virtue of Jihad in the Cause of Allah, we would like to cite for you the fatwa issued by the late Sheikh `Abdul-`Aziz ibn Baz, former Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that reads:
The hadiths that have been narrated concerning the virtue of Jihad in the Cause of Allah and the Mujahid who engages in fighting in Allah’s Cause, are many. These hadiths indicate that abandoning Jihad incurs a great sin. Here I am going to mention some of these hadiths talking about the virtue of Jihad, so that one may know some of the virtues the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated concerning Jihad:
In the two Sahihs (of Al-Bukhari and Muslim), it has been narrated on the authority of Sahl ibn Sa`d (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “To guard Muslims from disbelievers in Allah’s Cause for one day is better than the world and whatever is on it, and a place in Paradise as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the world and whatever is on it; and a morning’s or an evening’s journey which a slave (of Allah) travels in Allah’s Cause is better than the world and whatever is on it.”
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The likeness of the Mujahid in the Cause of Allah – and Allah knows best who really strives in His Cause – is like a person who fasts and prays steadfastly. Allah guarantees that He will admit the Mujahid to Paradise if he dies in His Cause, otherwise He will return him to his home while being unscathed, rewarded, and with booty.” (Reported by Muslim in his Sahih) In another version, “Allah has guaranteed that one who goes out to fight in His cause while believing in Him and affirming the truth of His Messengers, will either be admitted to Paradise or returned to his home from where he set out with a reward or (his share of) booty.”
It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He who is wounded in the Cause of Allah will come on the Day of Judgment with his wound bleeding. The color (of its discharge) will be the color of blood, (but) its smell will be the smell of musk.” (Agreed upon hadith )
anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Struggle against polytheists with your wealth, selves, and your tongues.” (Reported by Ahmad and An-Nasa’i and graded as authentic hadith by Al-Hakim)
In the two Sahihs it has been reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked: “What is the best deed (in the Sight of Allah)?” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “To believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad).” The questioner then asked, “What next?” He replied, “To take part in Jihad in Allah’s Cause.” The questioner asked further, “What next?” He replied, “To perform Hajj Mabrur (accepted pilgrimage).”
Abu `Abs Ibn Jabr Al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “No slave (of Allah) whose feet become dusty in Allah’s Cause will be touched by the Hell-Fire.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih)
al-Bukhari has also reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “He who dies without having fought or having desired to do so will die guilty of a type of hypocrisy.”
It has also been narrated on the authority of Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If you deal in usury and hang unto the tails of cows, being satisfied with cultivation and ceasing to take part in Jihad, Allah will inflict a humiliation upon you which will not be removed until you return to your religion.” (Reported by Ahmad and Abu Dawud and graded as authentic by Al-Qattān, and Al-Hafiz states in Al-Bulugh that the chain of narrators are trustworthy and reliable.)
Hadiths concerning the virtue of Jihad and Mujahidin, and those talking about the great reward and high ranks Allah Almighty has prepared for sincere Mujahidin, and those warning against abandoning Jihad, are numerous The last two hadiths indicate that refraining from and/or not desiring to fight in Allah’s Cause is a type of hypocrisy. They also indicate that keeping oneself busy with trade and dealing in usury is a cause of the humiliation of Muslims and their being put under their enemies’ thumb. If they abandon Jihad, they will be exposed to humiliation, until they return to their religion and abide by its behests and take part in Jihad.
We implore Allah to help Muslims return to their religion, reform their leaders and their aides, and make them one hand on the path of truth and help them to understand their religion and strive in the Cause of Allah, the Lord of the worlds, so that they may achieve supremacy on earth and put their enemy to rout. It is Allah Almighty Who bestows success and grants victory.