The difference, he explains, is one of motive: “a soldier who fights for getting money cannot [be] a serious combatant but when a soldier knows he sells his soul to get Heaven instead, then he has no fear.” Indeed, Islam created a nearly invincible war machine by guaranteeing booty to the victorious soldier (see Qur’an 8:41) and a Paradise of sensual delights to the defeated soldier (see Qur’an 9:111). So it was a win/win situation.
“Grand Shia Cleric: Islam is the Religion of Peace,” from the Ahlul Bayt News Agency, August 14:
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) – Grand Shia cleric says “Muslims are not war-mongers and Islam is the religion of peace.”
Speaking among Qom seminary students, Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani underscored the importance and the necessity of Jihad in Islamic World.
“Islam is not a pro war religion and the only thing which can keep our lands and countries safe is the sprite [sic] of Jihad and Martyrdom, ” said the grand Ayatollah stating that such a sprite let us defend out country when the enemies attack it.
The seminary instructor went on,” a soldier who fights for getting money cannot have a serious combatant but when a soldier knows he sells his soul to get Heaven instead, then he has no fear. ”
“Islam is the religion of balance and Muslims people should be a paradigm for other people by abiding the rules of this religion,” the grand Ayatollah mentioned.