Quran & Sunnah

Best of Shahada

Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) said, "The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) promised us the conquest of India. If I were to come across that I would spend my soul and wealth. If I am killed then I am among the best of martyrs. And if I return then I am Abu Hurairah the freed (from the Fire)." [Nasai, Ahmed, Hakim]

Because of the great reward promised to the participants of ghazwa Hind, the Sahabah desired that they might avail it. The merit of this particular Jihad against the polytheists of India is so great that Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) has promised to forgive the sins of this entire army. Those who return from it alive will be free from the threat of Jahannum. Those martyred in it will have the status of the best of shaheed, i.e. the shaheed of Badr (afzal shuhada -- the best of the martyred).