Superiority of Good Deeds

Sahih al-Bukhari 969
Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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.”

Explanation:

This hadith emphasizes the importance of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that no good deeds are superior to those performed during these ten days. When the companions asked whether this superiority included Jihad, the Prophet (peace be upon him) clarified that even Jihad does not surpass these deeds except in the case where a person risks their life and wealth entirely for the sake of Allah and does not return with anything.

This hadith highlights the immense spiritual reward of good deeds in these ten days, including acts of prayer, fasting, charity, and (remembrance of Allah).

Jihad in Context

The term Jihad in Islamic teachings is broad and encompasses multiple aspects of struggle and striving in the way of Allah. It is not exclusively about armed struggle; rather, it includes various forms of striving, such as:

1. Jihad al-Nafs (Struggle Against the Self) – Overcoming one’s ego, desires, and negative inclinations.
2. Jihad al-Ilm (Struggle for Knowledge) – Spreading and seeking knowledge for the benefit of society.
3. Jihad bil-Mal (Financial Struggle) – Spending wealth for the sake of Allah (e.g., charity, supporting Islamic causes).
4. Jihad al-Lisan (Struggle with Speech) – Defending Islam through preaching, writing, and debating.
5. Jihad al-Sayf (Armed Struggle) – Defending oneself and others when necessary, under strict ethical and moral guidelines.

📖 Qur’anic References on Jihad:

1️⃣ Jihad as a General Struggle

“And those who strive in Our cause, We will surely guide them to Our paths. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.” (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69)

2️⃣ Struggle Against the Ego (Jihad al-Nafs)

“But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from [unlawful] inclination, then indeed, Paradise will be his refuge.” (Surah An-Nazi’at 79:40-41)

3️⃣ Jihad with Wealth and Self

“Go forth, whether light or heavy, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah. That is better for you, if you only knew.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:41)

4️⃣ Peace Over Conflict

“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Surah Al-Anfal 8:61)

These references provide a balanced understanding of Jihad and emphasize peace, righteousness, and self-discipline as core principles in Islam.