"Whoever fights in the cause of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, for the length of time between two milkings of a she-camel, Paradise is guaranteed for him. Whoever asks Allah to be killed (in Jihad) sincerely, from his heart, then he dies or is killed, he will have the reward of a martyr. Whoever is wounded or injured in the cause of Allah, it will come on the Day of Resurrection bleeding the most it ever bled, but its color will be like saffron, and its fragrance will be like musk. Whoever is wounded in the cause of Allah, upon him is the seal of the martyrs."
The Book of Jihad - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3141
A comprehensive commentary on the virtues and rewards of striving in the path of Allah, as narrated in Sunan an-Nasa'i.
The Merit of Brief Participation in Jihad
"The length of time between two milkings of a she-camel" signifies an extremely short duration, perhaps half an hour. This demonstrates Allah's immense generosity - that even minimal participation in legitimate jihad, with proper intention, merits Paradise. This applies to defensive warfare where Muslims repel aggression against their lands, honor, or religion.
The Status of Sincere Intention for Martyrdom
When a believer sincerely prays for martyrdom with a pure heart - not for show or worldly gain - and subsequently dies by any means, they attain the reward of a martyr. Scholars clarify this includes those who die from plague, abdominal diseases, drowning, or building collapse while maintaining this sincere intention.
The Transformation of Wounds in the Hereafter
Wounds sustained in Allah's cause will reappear on Judgment Day bleeding profusely as testimony to one's sacrifice. However, their appearance will be glorious - colored like precious saffron and fragrant like musk. This demonstrates how Allah transforms worldly suffering into celestial beauty for those who endure patiently for His sake.
The Seal of the Martyrs
The final phrase indicates that anyone wounded in legitimate jihad bears the distinctive mark of martyrs. Classical commentators explain this refers to those injured while sincerely fighting to elevate Allah's word. Their wounds serve as eternal badges of honor, distinguishing them among the honored ranks of shuhada' (martyrs) in the hereafter.