591 It is not everyone—least of all, poltroons and fainthearted persons—who is fit to fight in the cause of Allah. To do so is a privilege, and those who understand the privilege are prepared to sacrifice all their interests in this life, and this life itself; for they know that it is the sacrifice of something fleeting and of little value, for the sake of something everlasting, and of immense value. Whether (in appearance) they win or lose, in reality they win the prize for which they are fighting —viz., honour and glory in the sight of Allah. Note that the only alternatives here are death or victory! The true fighter knows no defeat.