Purity of intentions, rather than controlling territory, is the true measure of success in jihad. Although many are averse to fighting due to their love of life, fighting is a privilege which Allah bestows only on the elite of the ummah. This is an honor that does not increase or diminish on the basis of territory. Allah says:

وَفَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُجَـٰهِدِینَ عَلَى ٱلۡقَـٰعِدِینَ أَجۡرًا عَظِیمࣰا

But Allah has preferred the mujahideen over those who remain [behind] with a great reward.

4:95

This reward depends not on the land under control, but by the effort exerted and the sacrifices made, whether the mujahid is with a group of three, hiding in the mountains and sleeping in caves, or part of an army of a hundred thousand, marching on al-Aqsa.

Syria is just one battle in the war between iman and kufr, and this war is worldwide and will continue until the sun rises in the West. The uprising against Bashar’s father 40 years ago was not a failure, because it taught us many lessons and strengthened the mujahideen not just for this new battle in Syria, but in the whole world. And bi idhnillah, we will learn from the lessons of this battle, and return again still stronger.

While victory seems sweet, the reality is that every victory of this ummah is followed by severe fitan. Victory, like wealth, is a test. The only real rest is in the akhira. So those upon whom Allah has bestowed this honor should seek their happiness not in land or children, but instead remember the words of Khalid ibn al Walid, radhi Allahu anhu:

‘Nothing is dearer to me than a frosty night in the company of an infantry of Muhajirun when we are to attack the disbelievers in the morning. Not even the night in which I was wedded to a new bride or received the glad tidings of the birth of a new child.’

Men need jihad fi sabilillah. Jihad fi sabilillah does not need men