The different types of martyrs

The different types of martyrs

Jabir ibn `Utayk reported that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:



"There are seven kinds of martyrs besides those killed in wars, defending the cause of Allah:

• A person who is killed in an epidemic
  
• A person who is drowned
  
• A person who has bedsores, causing fever and cough resulting in his death
  
• A person who dies of a stomach disease
  
• A person who dies in fire
  
• A person who dies under falling debris [in a disaster]
  
• A woman who dies during childbirth."
  

(Ahmad, Abu-Dawud and Nasa’i report this hadith, based on sound authority.)



Abu-Hurayrah also reported that God’s messenger (pbuh) asked:



"Who do you consider to be a martyr?"



They said:



"O Allah's prophet, he who is killed fighting for the cause of Allah."



The prophet (peace be upon him) said:



"[If this is so] then very few in my community will be martyrs!"



They asked:



"Who else are they, O Allah's messenger?"



He said:



"He who is killed fighting for Allah's cause is a martyr, he who dies in the cause of Allah is a martyr, he who dies in an epidemic is a martyr, he who dies from a stomach disease is a martyr, and he who dies of drowning is [also] a martyr." (Reported by Muslim.)



Also, Sa`id ibn Zayd reported that the prophet (pbuh) said:



"He who is killed while guarding his property is a martyr, he who is killed while defending himself is a martyr, he who is killed defending his religion is a martyr, and he who is killed protecting his family is [also] a martyr." (Reported by Ahmad and Tirmidhi. The latter considers it a sound hadith.)

Has not the time yet come for those who believe

that their hearts should be humble for the remembrance of Allah and what has
come down of the truth?

[57:16]