"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'A man from among the people of Paradise will be brought and Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, will say: "O son of Adam, how do you find your place (in Paradise)?" He would say: "O Lord, it is the best place." He will say: "Ask and wish (for whatever you want)." He would say: "I ask You to send me back to the world so that I may be killed in Your cause ten time" - because of what be sees of the virtue of martyrdom.'"
Hadith Text & Reference
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'A man from among the people of Paradise will be brought and Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, will say: "O son of Adam, how do you find your place (in Paradise)?" He would say: "O Lord, it is the best place." He will say: "Ask and wish (for whatever you want)." He would say: "I ask You to send me back to the world so that I may be killed in Your cause ten times" - because of what he sees of the virtue of martyrdom.'"
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 3160 | Book: The Book of Jihad
Exposition of Meaning
This noble hadith illuminates the supreme status of martyrdom in Allah's cause. The inhabitant of Paradise, having experienced its ultimate bliss, desires to return to worldly struggle not for any deficiency in Paradise, but due to his profound recognition of martyrdom's exceptional reward. His request to be killed ten times demonstrates that the pleasure of sacrificing one's life for Allah transcends even the highest worldly attachments.
The dialogue between Allah and this blessed soul reveals the magnanimity of divine generosity - where a soul in perfect contentment still seeks greater means to please its Lord. This illustrates that the highest stations in Paradise belong to those who valued Allah's pleasure above all worldly considerations.
Virtues of Martyrdom
Martyrdom (shahadah) in Islam is not merely death in battle, but a conscious sacrifice undertaken with pure intention for Allah's cause. The martyr receives unique honors: forgiveness of all sins, protection from the torment of the grave, security on Judgment Day, marriage to seventy-two houris, and the privilege of interceding for seventy relatives.
This hadith particularly emphasizes that the martyr's reward is so magnificent that even those already in Paradise recognize its superiority and yearn for its attainment repeatedly. This establishes jihad and martyrdom as among the most beloved deeds to Allah when performed with proper intention and methodology.
Scholarly Insights
Imam an-Nawawi comments that this hadith demonstrates the completeness of faith and love for Allah, where the believer desires nothing but opportunities to increase in obedience and sacrifice.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the number "ten" signifies multiplicity rather than a specific count, indicating the martyr's boundless desire to sacrifice for Allah. The repetition emphasizes the unparalleled virtue of dying in Allah's cause.
Classical scholars note that this narration inspires Muslims to value spiritual rewards over worldly pleasures and to recognize that true honor lies in sacrificing for divine truth, not in accumulating temporal gains.