The Companionship of One’s Parents Is Better Than Jihad

It has been narrated from Imam Jaʿfar ibn Mohammad al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) that he said:

A man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) and said:

“O Messenger of Allah, I am eager and enthusiastic to engage in jihad.”

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said to him:

“Then strive in the way of Allah. For if you are killed, you will be alive with Allah, provided for; if you die, your reward will be with Allah; and if you return, you will return free of sins, just as you were when your mother gave birth to you.”

The man said:

“O Messenger of Allah, I have two elderly parents who find comfort and companionship in my presence, and they dislike my going away.”

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) replied:

“Then remain with your parents. By Him in Whose hand is my soul, your bringing them comfort and companionship for one day and one night is better for you than a year of jihad.”