Abu Ubayd al-Qaasim Ibn Salaam (may Allah have mercy upon) stated:

The one who is the follower of the Sunnah is similar to the one who holds on to the hot piece of coal. Today (in my opinion), it is more virtuous than the striking of the sword in the path of Allah.

Source: Taareekh al-Baghdaad 14/39, with a strong chain of narrators.

Translated by Abu Yusuf Khaleefah
25th of Rabee’ ath-Thaani, 1436 H (02-15-2015)
Masjid Nur Allah, Queens, NYC

Original Arabic

قال أبو عبيد القاسم بن سلام

المتبع للسنة كالقابض على الجمر ، وهو اليوم عندي أفضل من ضرب السيف في سبيل الله عزوجل

تاريخ بغداد١٤-٣٩٢بسند قوي