The Messenger of Allah was asked: “Which of the worshippers is superior in rank with Allah on the Day of Judgment?” He said: “Those men who remember Allah much .” He said: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! What about the fighter in the cause of Allah?’ He said: ‘If he were to strike with his sword among the disbelievers and the idolater, until it breaks, and he (or it) is dyed with blood, those who remember Allah much would still be superior in rank.”
Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book 48, Hadith 7