“Muhammad is considered the prototype of the true mujahid, or fighter in the Path of God, one who values the Path of God more than life, wealth, or family.  He is thought to have had no desire for worldly power, wealth, or prestige.  By fasting and prayer, he continually exerted himself toward the One, in the Greater Jihad.  In defending the Medina community of the faithful against the attacking Meccans, he was acting from the purest of motives.  It is believed that a true mujahid who dies in defense of the faith goes straight to paradise, for he has already fought the Greater Jihad, killing his ego.”

–Mary Pat Fisher from “Living Religions”