Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "While a man was going on a way, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that." Then the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Five are martyrs: One who dies of plague, one who dies of an Abdominal disease, one who dies of drowning, one who is buried alive (and) dies and one who is killed in Allah's cause." (The Prophet (ﷺ) further said, "If the people knew the reward for pronouncing the Adhan and for standing in the first row (in the congregational prayer) and found no other way to get it except by drawing lots they would do so, and if they knew the reward of offering the Zuhr prayer early (in its stated time), they would race for it and if they knew the reward for `Isha' and Fajr prayers in congregation, they would attend them even if they were to crawl.
Commentary on Removing Harm from the Path
This narration demonstrates the immense virtue of removing harm from the path of Muslims. The act of clearing a thorny branch, though seemingly minor, earned divine pleasure and forgiveness. Scholars explain that this encompasses any act that prevents potential injury to believers, whether physical or spiritual. The forgiveness granted indicates such deeds can expiate minor sins and draw one closer to Allah.
Exposition of the Five Martyrs
The Prophet ﷺ specified five categories who receive the reward of martyrdom without engaging in physical jihad. Plague victims demonstrate patience with divine decree. Those with abdominal diseases endure severe internal suffering. The drowned person experiences a terrifying death. One buried alive suffers extreme confinement. Classical commentators note these forms of death involve exceptional hardship that purifies the soul, thus meriting martyrdom's spiritual reward while the legal rulings of martyrdom may differ.
Virtues of Adhan and Congregational Prayer
The tremendous reward for calling the Adhan indicates the mu'adhdhin's high station in Islam. Scholars explain the Adhan proclaims Tawhid and invites people to success. The emphasis on first rows shows proximity to the Imam increases spiritual benefits. The specific mention of Zuhr prayer's early performance highlights the virtue of praying at the beginning of its time. The extraordinary encouragement for Isha and Fajr congregations - even crawling - demonstrates these are among the most challenging prayers to attend regularly, thus yielding greater reward for those who persevere.