"There is no Muslim soul among the people that is taken by its Lord and wishes it could come back to you, even if it had this world and everything in it, except the martyr." Ibn Abi 'Amirah said: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'If I were to be killed in the cause of Allah, that would be dearer to me that if all the people of the deserts and the cities were to be mine.'"[1][1] Meaning: If they were all my slaves and I set them free.
Commentary on the Excellence of Martyrdom
This noble tradition from Sunan an-Nasa'i 3153 illuminates the supreme status of martyrdom in Islam. The first narration establishes that no deceased Muslim soul, upon witnessing the divine rewards, desires to return to worldly life - except the martyr who yearns to return solely for more opportunities to sacrifice in Allah's path.
The second narration through Ibn Abi 'Amirah reveals the Prophet's personal longing for martyrdom. His statement demonstrates that martyrdom surpasses even possessing all worldly dominion and authority. This emphasizes that spiritual attainment through sacrifice outweighs all temporal power and possession.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that the martyr's unique desire to return stems not from attachment to worldly life, but from yearning for repeated opportunities to testify to truth through ultimate sacrifice. This distinguishes the martyr's motivation from ordinary worldly attachments.
The Prophet's personal preference for martyrdom over worldly dominion serves as a practical lesson for Muslims in prioritizing eternal rewards over temporary worldly gains. This aligns with the Quranic principle that the hereafter is better and more enduring.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith from The Book of Jihad in Sunan an-Nasa'i establishes the legal principle that seeking martyrdom with proper intention is among the highest acts of worship. However, scholars caution that this must be accompanied by correct Islamic methodology and not reckless behavior.
The spiritual dimension teaches that true wealth lies not in material possession but in proximity to Allah through sincere sacrifice. The martyr's special status reflects the divine appreciation for those who prioritize divine pleasure over all worldly considerations.