DEATHS THAT ARE CONSIDERED AS MARTYRDOM IN ISLAM

Martyrdom is also called as “Shahadah” in Arabic. It is a highly honoured status, and it is not limited only to those who die in battlefield for the sake of Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ clarified that there are various types of deaths that are also considered as martyrdom i.e. shahada even outside the battlefield.

Here’s a list of deaths considered as martyrdom in Islam, based on authentic Hadiths

1. Death in the battlefield (fighting for the cause of Allah)

This is the most well-known and primary form of martyrdom.

The Holy Qur’an Reference

“And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah (SWT): “They are dead.” Nay they are living though ye perceive (it) not.”

— [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:154]

2. Death due to a plague (ṭāʿūn)

Dying of a plague or epidemic

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The one who dies in a plague is a martyr.”

— [Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim]

3. Death due to a stomach disease (such as diarrhea or gastric illness)

Dying from an abdominal or stomach disease.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“…the one who dies of a stomach illness is a martyr.”

— [Sahih Muslim]

4. Death by drowning

Due to the painful and fearful nature of death.

— [Sahih al-Bukhari]

5. Death by being crushed under something

Dying under a falling building or structure (this can include car accidents) and death due to fire accident.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The one who passes away due to being crushed under something.”

— [Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim]

6.  A woman who dies during childbirth

The Prophet ﷺ said

“A woman who dies during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 40 days after birth.”

— [Musnad Ahmad, classed as Hasan by scholars]

7.  The one who dies defending his religion, wealth, family, or life

The Prophet ﷺ said

“Whoever is killed defending his wealth is a martyr; whoever is killed defending his family is a martyr; whoever is killed defending his religion is a martyr; and whoever is killed defending his life is a martyr.”

— [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sahih]

8.  The one who dies while seeking knowledge or in the path of seeking knowledge (according to some scholars)

Not explicitly in the core hadiths above, but many scholars extend the concept of dying in the path of Allah (SWT) to include seeking sacred knowledge.

FINAL MESSAGE

These individuals are martyrs in reward. But not all of them get the same rulings as a battlefield martyr in terms of burial. For instance not being given ghusl before burial applies only to battlefield martyrs.

All these deaths are honorable. And are considered forgiven, as the person is viewed to have died in a state of patience and faith.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever honestly asks Allah for martyrdom, Allah will grant him martyrdom even if he dies in his own bed.”

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الشهادۃ

Allahumma inni as’aluk ash-shahadah

(O Allah I ask you for Martyrdom)

[Sahih Muslim 1908 & 1909]

Ultimately, the sincerity of one’s intention is paramount.

 “Allahumma-maghfir lahu warhamhu, wa ‘aafihi, wa ‘fu ‘anhu”

“O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him well-being, and pardon him”