Can We Call Someone a Martyr? Insights from Hadith on Different Types of Martyrdom
Question:The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that there are five types of martyrs: those who die in a plague, those who die of stomach disease, those who drown, those who are crushed to death, and those who are martyred in the path of Allah (Hadith). In this Hadith, other types of martyrs besides those who die in Jihad are mentioned. Can we refer to someone who dies in such a manner as a martyr? For example, if someone dies of a stomach disease, can we say that they are a martyr?
Answer: According to the Hadith, if someone dies in a manner mentioned as a type of martyr, we can refer to them as a martyr. However, it is better to say “Insha’Allah” (God willing) when calling them a martyr, because ultimate knowledge belongs to Allah, and we only know what is apparent to us. For example, if someone dies of a stomach disease, it is better to say, “He is a martyr, Insha’Allah.”
✍ Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (May Allah preserve him)
❪Jeddah Dawah Center – Al-Salamah – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia❫