Generally speaking, whenever the word martyrdom is taken in Islam, people mostly understand the loss of life in battle. However, this is not always the case. In fact martyrdom in Islam has a much wider meaning and It also includes those who lose life prematurely by natural causes, accidents, or illnesses, and even mothers who lose their lives while giving birth. Some even attribute death of the people at the hands of unjust rulers as martyrdom too.
Let us first define the word used in Arabic for the martyrs:
In Arabic, the word used for a martyr is Shahīd (Arabic: شهيد). The word is used frequently in the Quran in the generic sense of "witness" but only once in the sense of "martyr" (i.e. one who dies for his faith); the latter sense acquires wider usage in the hadith. The term's usage is also borrowed by non-Muslim communities where Persianate Islamic empires held cultural influence, such as amongst Hindus and Sikhs in India.
The companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ often clarified the same and wanted a prophetic interpretation of the word martyr or shaheed as in Arabic. Today we share two hadiths attributed to the revered Prophet of Allah to clarify who really is a martyr beside the one who dies in battle in protection of one's faith or country.
The first clarification is mentioned in Ṣaḥīḥ al‑Bukhārī hadith 2829, an authentic hadith with profound implications when viewed alongside the Qurʾān and supporting hadiths:
- First Hadith (Bukhārī 2829)
- Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): “Five are regarded as martyrs: those who die from plague, abdominal disease, drowning, a falling building (death by collapse), and the martyr in Allah’s cause.”
- Context & Explanation: This hadith expands the concept of martyrdom (shahādah) beyond battlefield death, reflecting the Qurʾānic principle that true sacrifice and sincerity count in the sight of Allah.
The second clarification is mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud hadith 3111, graded Sahi (Albani) adds three more categories to the above stated hadith:
- Second Hadith (Sunan Abi Dawud 3111)
- Narrated Jabir ibn Atik: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to visit Abdullah ibn Thabit who was ill. He found that he was dominated (by the divine decree). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) called him loudly, but he did not respond. He uttered the Qur'anic verse "We belong to Allah and to Him do we return" and he said: We have been dominated against you, AburRabi'. Then the women cried and wept, and Ibn Atik began to silence them. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Leave them, when the divine decree is made, no woman should weep.
- They (the people) asked: What is necessary happening, Messenger of Allah? He replied: Death. His daughter said: I hope you will be a martyr, for you have completed your preparations for jihad.
- The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Allah Most High gave him a reward according to his intentions. What do you consider martyrdom? They said: Being killed in the cause of Allah.
- The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: There are seven types of martyrdom in addition to being killed in Allah's cause:
- one who dies of plague is a martyr;
- one who is drowned is a martyr;
- one who dies of pleurisy is a martyr;
- one who dies of an internal complaint is a martyr;
- one who is burnt to death is a martyr;
- who one is killed by a building falling on him is a martyr;
- and a woman who dies while pregnant is a martyr.
So the above two hadiths agree on four type of people who die and are considered as martyrs, beside the one lays down one's life in a battle. However, since the second hadith too is authentic, three more cases are added: (1) one who dies of plague is a martyr (2) one who is burnt to death is a martyr (3) a woman who dies while pregnant.
Some scholars sub divide the martyrdom into two main categories: ‘Shahadah Haqeeqiyyah’ i.e. real martyrdom (that is martyrdom in the battle), whereas other forms of martyrdoms are considered ‘Shahadah Hukmiyyah’ i.e. legal martyrdom, the remaining six categories mentioned above.
Qurʾānic Foundations of Martyrdom
The Qurʾān links martyrdom with ultimate sincerity and sacrifice, especially in verses promising paradise for those who give their wealth and lives for Allah’s way (e.g. Qurʾān 3:169‑170).
In Qur'an, a Shahīd (شهيد) is considered one whose place in Paradise is promised according to following verses in the Quran
(3:169) Think not of those slain in the way of Allah as dead. Indeed they are living, and with their Lord they have their sustenance, (3:170) rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them out of His bounty, jubilant that neither fear nor grief shall come upon the believers left behind in the world who have not yet joined them.
Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Torah, the Gospel, and the Qur’an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme. (Qur'an 9:111)
The Quranic passage that follows is the source of the concept of Muslim martyrs being promised Paradise:
Those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah, and are then slain or die,- On them will Allah bestow verily a goodly Provision: Truly Allah is He Who bestows the best provision. Verily He will admit them to a place with which they shall be well pleased: for Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing. — Quran 22:58–59
However, the above said verses does not explicitly enumerate the categories mentioned in the two hadiths quoted above; later clarified by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which clarify categories of sacrifice beyond combat.
Spiritual & Legal Implications in Islam
These hadith assure Muslims that suffering and death in the course of unavoidable calamities—plague, illness, drowning, disasters and death due to pregnancy—are not wasted but count as elevated status before Allah. These categories provides spiritual comfort and encourages perseverance even in misfortune.
Supporting Traditions & Interpretations
Sahih Muslim 2829 complements this meaning with a profound description: Allah will ask the dwellers of Paradise, “Are you pleased?” and, upon affirmative response, say: “Shall I not give you something better?” They respond “What is better than that?” He replies: “My pleasure—and I will never be displeased with you ever again.”
The above quoted Hadiths though label true martyrdom in the battle, the others teach that sincere suffering in God’s way is similarly honored.
Conclusion
Th above quoted hadiths clarify a broader understanding of martyrdom: not only the warrior, but the patient sufferer, provided the intention is right, enters Allah’s mercy as a martyr. It builds on Qur’anic values of sacrifice and sincerity, and evokes deeper hope for believers enduring trials.
Let us pray that when we die, we die in true faith with a hope of being honoured of inclusion in the categories of martyrs as mentioned in the Hadiths so quoted. Ameen
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
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Please refer to our reference page: Oft asked Queries from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more Hadiths on the subject
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith
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