[If the Brave and the Coward Both Stand Firm, Which of Them Is Better?]

The answer: the brave man and the coward in such a state are equal in merit outwardly, and each of them is distinguished by a virtue. The coward is distinguished by the virtue of extra patience in steadfastness, and reward is according to hardship. The brave man is distinguished by the virtue of courage, and it is a natural virtue that Allah bestows upon whom He wills of His servants.
If it is said: the virtue of courage is not counted; rather, what is counted is its effect.
We say: the matter is so; reward is only for deeds. However, among the effects of courage are intimidating the enemy and casting fear and awe into hearts, and this is a tremendous effect by which the brave man is distinguished. Along with this, the brave man has shared with the coward the virtue of patience in steadfastness in the face of the enemy; so, based on what we mentioned, the brave man is better, because of what we mentioned of the brave man being distinguished by the attainment of great effects that strengthen the hearts of his companions and increase their steadfastness by his presence among them, among other things that we mentioned previously.

Source: Min Thimār al-ʿIlm wa al-Ḥikmah vol.3