Riyad as-Salihin — Hadith #40570

On the authority of Abu Qatada, may God be pleased with him, that the Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, stood up among them and mentioned that jihad for the sake of God and faith in God is the best of deeds. Then a man stood up and said, “O Messenger of God, what do you think if I kill for the sake of God, will my sins be expiated for me?” So the Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, said: “Yes, if you are killed for the sake of God and you are patient and seeking reward, coming forward and not retreating.” Then the Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, said. He said: “How did you say?” He said: Have you considered that if I were killed in the name of God, would my sins be expiated from me? Then the Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, said: “Yes, and you are patient, seeking reward and coming forward, not turning back except for debt, for Gabriel, peace be upon him, said that to me” ((Narrated by Muslim)).