Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: He who is killed while protecting his property is a martyr, and he who is killed while defending his family, or his blood, or his religion is a martyr.

Source Reference

Sunan Abi Dawud 4772 - Model Behavior of the Prophet (Kitab Al-Sunnah)

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the elevated status of those who sacrifice their lives in defense of fundamental Islamic rights. The Prophet (ﷺ) enumerates four categories where one attains martyrdom: protection of property, defense of family, preservation of one's life, and safeguarding religion.

The scholars explain that "protection of property" refers to defending what is lawfully owned against unjust aggression, provided the defense is proportionate. "Defending family" encompasses protection of honor, lives, and dignity of one's household. "His blood" means self-defense against unlawful killing, while "his religion" constitutes the highest form of martyrdom - defending Islamic beliefs and community.

Imam Nawawi comments that this hadith demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic martyrdom, which includes both spiritual and worldly defenses. The martyr in these cases receives the full reward of shahadah without needing formal washing or shrouding, as established in other authentic narrations.

Legal Rulings

The Hanafi school stipulates that the property defended must be of substantial value, while the Shafi'i school emphasizes the intention must be purely for God's pleasure.

Maliki scholars note that the defense must be against clear aggression, not in situations where reconciliation is possible. Hanbali jurists highlight that the martyr's sins are forgiven except debts, which must be settled from their estate.

Contemporary Application

This teaching encourages Muslims to uphold justice and protect fundamental rights while maintaining proper Islamic etiquette in conflict. It balances the preservation of life with the duty to defend what is sacred in Islam.