Those Killed on Path of Fulfilling Divine Duties Are Martyrs Too
In Islam, martyrdom has two meanings: The specific meaning of martyrdom is to be killed on the battlefield on the path of God. In this case, there are special rulings about martyrs in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). For example, the body of a martyr does not require Ghusl and Kafan (washing and shrouding) and can be buried with the same clothes in which he was martyred.
The more general meaning is being killed or dying on the path of fulfilling divine duties. Those who are killed or die this way are considered martyrs and will be given the reward of martyrdom.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said there are several groups of people who die martyrs: First, one who dies on the path of pursuing knowledge. Second, one who dies in bed but has faith and great understanding about God and His messenger. Third, one who is killed for standing against aggressors.
So when those who have true faith in God and walk the path of truth die, they are among the martyrs, based on the verses of the Quran and Hadiths.
God says about such people, “Those who believe in Allah and His Messengers are the sincere and the martyrs before their Lord, they shall have their reward and their light.” (Verse 19 of Surah Al-Hadid)
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Such people will be the companions of divine messengers and the pious in Paradise: “One who obeys God and the Messenger is the friend of the Prophets, saints, martyrs, and the righteous ones to whom God has granted His favors. They are the best friends that one can have.” (Verse 69 of Surah An-Nisa)
Translated by Seyed Hossein Beheshti Shakib
