It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) stood up and delivered a sermon: He praised and glorified Allah, then mentioned jihad, and did not leave anything superior to jihad (i.e., he declared jihad to be the most virtuous) except for the obligatory duties. A companion stood up and said: O Messenger of Allah! Tell me, if a person is killed in the way of Allah, will his sins be forgiven? The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Yes, if he advances with patience and seeking reward, and is killed while advancing and not retreating (all his sins will be forgiven) except for debt. He will be held accountable for it even after being martyred, as Jibreel (peace be upon him) has just informed me."