In Islam, martyrdom has a very high and great status. A martyr is that fortunate person who sacrifices his life for the pleasure of Allah Almighty. In the Quran and Hadith, the glory, status, and virtue of martyrs have been described in a very clear manner.
Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:
﴿وَلَا تَقُولُوا لِمَن يُقْتَلُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتٌ ۚ بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَشْعُرُونَ﴾
(Al-Baqarah: 154)
Translation: And do not say of those who are killed in the way of Allah, "They are dead." Rather, they are alive, but you perceive [it] not.
Similarly, it is said in another place:
﴿بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ﴾
(Aal-Imran: 169)
Translation: Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.
These verses are clear evidence that martyrs are granted a real life even after worldly death, which is not granted to ordinary people.
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said while describing the virtue of martyrs:
«مَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ يُحِبُّ أَنْ يَرْجِعَ إِلَى الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا الشَّهِيدُ، فَإِنَّهُ يَتَمَنَّى أَنْ يَرْجِعَ فَيُقْتَلَ عَشْرَ مَرَّاتٍ لِمَا يَرَى مِنَ الْكَرَامَةِ»
(Bukhari, Muslim)
Translation: No one who enters Paradise will like to return to the world except the martyr; because of the honor and dignity he sees, he will wish to go back to the world and be martyred ten times.
In another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«لِلشَّهِيدِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ سِتُّ خِصَالٍ: يُغْفَرُ لَهُ فِي أَوَّلِ دَفْعَةٍ مِنْ دَمِهِ…»
(Tirmidhi)
Translation: The martyr has six characteristics with Allah: he is forgiven with the first flow of his blood…
The martyr is protected from the torment of the grave, he is given a high position in Paradise, and he is also given the right of intercession for his family members.
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
«الشُّهَدَاءُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ عَلَى مَنَابِرَ مِنْ نُورٍ»
(Muslim)
Translation: The martyrs will be on pulpits of light with Allah.
Martyrdom is not merely the name of being killed on the battlefield, but the purity of intention is a condition. The Prophet ﷺ said:
«مَنْ قُتِلَ دُونَ دِينِهِ فَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ»
(Tirmidhi)
Translation: Whoever is killed defending his religion is a martyr.
Martyrdom is the highest example of truthfulness of faith, sacrifice, patience, and sincerity. Martyrs are a beacon for the Ummah, and their mention refreshes the faith.
May Allah Almighty grant us the ability to understand the status of martyrs, follow in their footsteps, and remain steadfast on truth and righteousness.
Ameen, O Lord of the worlds.
Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Ameen Qasmi