Al-Kāfi 5, narration 24

Translation

1. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from ‘Uthman from ibn ‘Isa from Sama‘ah who has said the following: "'Abu ‘ Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that ‘Abbad al-Basri met Ali ibn al-Husayn (a.s.), on the way to Mecca and said, ‘O Ali ibn al-Husayn, you have disregarded Jihad because it is difficult but you have inclined toward al-Hajj because of the ease in it. Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Glorious, says, “Allah has purchased the souls and property of the believers in exchange for Paradise. They fight for the cause of Allah to destroy His enemies and to sacrifice themselves. This is a true promise which He has revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, and the al-Quran. No one is more true to His promise than Allah. Allow this bargain to be glad news for them. This is indeed the supreme triumph.’” (9:111) Ali ibn al-Husayn, (a.s) said, ‘Complete the verse.’ He then recited: ‘(The believers) who repent for their sins, worship Allah, praise Him, travel through the land (for pious purposes), kneel down and prostrate themselves in obedience to Allah, make others do good and prevent them from sins and abide by the laws of Allah, will receive a great reward. Allow this to be glad news for the believer.’ (9:112) Ali ibn al-Husayn, (a.s) said, ‘If we see these kinds of people with these qualities then Jihad along side with them is more virtuous than al-Hajj.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — published with the edition, reproduced verbatim.