Sa'id b. Zaid reported God’s Messenger as saying, “He who is killed in defence of his religion is a martyr, he who is killed in self-defence is a martyr, he who is killed in defence of his property is a martyr, and he who is killed in defence of his family is a martyr.” Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.
Retaliation - Mishkat al-Masabih 3529
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith, transmitted by the trustworthy companion Sa'id ibn Zaid (may Allah be pleased with him) and recorded by Imam Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, and Nasa'i, establishes four distinct categories of martyrdom beyond the conventional understanding of death in battlefield jihad.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) employs the definitive term "shahid" (martyr) for each scenario, indicating the elevated spiritual status granted to those who perish while upholding fundamental Islamic rights and responsibilities.
Scholarly Commentary
The first category - "defence of his religion" - encompasses not only military combat but also includes those killed while protecting mosques, Islamic institutions, or defending Muslims' right to practice their faith freely. Scholars like Imam Nawawi clarify this includes protection from religious persecution.
The second - "self-defence" - refers to one killed while protecting their life from unlawful aggression. The Hanafi school emphasizes this applies even if the defender lacked perfect piety, demonstrating Allah's vast mercy.
The third - "defence of his property" - scholars specify refers to lawful property obtained through permissible means. Imam Shafi'i notes this includes protection from theft or confiscation, provided the response is proportionate to the threat.
The fourth - "defence of his family" - extends to protection of honor, womenfolk, and children. Classical commentators like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain this includes protection from physical harm, kidnapping, or violation of family honor.
Legal Implications
The consensus among the four schools of jurisprudence holds that those who die in these circumstances receive the full spiritual rewards of martyrs - forgiveness of sins, direct entry to Paradise without reckoning, and the honor of intercession for seventy family members.
However, scholars distinguish between the "martyr of the hereafter" (mentioned herein) and the "martyr of this world" (requiring specific burial rituals). The former receives spiritual rewards while the latter receives both spiritual rewards and particular funeral rites.
Contemporary Relevance
This hadith remains profoundly relevant today, providing comfort to families of those killed while protecting their faith, lives, property, or loved ones from oppression. It reminds Muslims of the sanctity Islam grants to fundamental human rights and the spiritual merit in their lawful defense.
May Allah make us among those who uphold justice and protection of rights in accordance with His divine law, and grant us a noble ending to our worldly journey. Amin.