"There are five things, whoever dies of any of them is a martyr. The one who is killed in the cause of Allah is a martyr; the one who dies of an abdominal complaint in the cause of Allah is a martyr; the one who dies of the plague in the cause of Allah is a martyr; and the woman who dies in childbirth in the cause of Allah is a martyr."
The Book of Jihad - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3163
"There are five things, whoever dies of any of them is a martyr. The one who is killed in the cause of Allah is a martyr; the one who dies of an abdominal complaint in the cause of Allah is a martyr; the one who dies of the plague in the cause of Allah is a martyr; and the woman who dies in childbirth in the cause of Allah is a martyr."
Commentary on the Types of Martyrs
This noble hadith expands the definition of martyrdom beyond battlefield death, demonstrating Allah's immense mercy. The five categories mentioned represent different forms of struggle and sacrifice that Allah elevates to the status of martyrdom.
The first is the combatant martyr - one who dies fighting in Allah's cause with pure intention. The second is the victim of abdominal diseases - referring to cholera, dysentery and similar ailments causing severe internal suffering. The third is the plague victim - encompassing all epidemic diseases where one remains patient and hopeful of reward.
The fourth category, though not explicitly stated in this narration's text, is understood by scholars to be death by drowning or building collapse, based on complete versions of this hadith. The fifth is the woman who dies during childbirth - her struggle in this natural process becomes an act of worship when endured with patience and seeking Allah's pleasure.
Scholarly Insights
Imam an-Nawawi explains that these martyrs receive the reward of martyrs in the Hereafter, though they are washed and prayed over unlike battlefield martyrs. Their martyrdom status is spiritual rather than legal.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani emphasizes that the phrase "in the cause of Allah" applies to all categories, meaning one must have sincere intention and be upon righteousness. The key is dying while engaged in permissible activities with proper intention.
This teaching comforts believers that various forms of suffering and death can become means of great reward, reflecting Islam's comprehensive view of worship encompassing all aspects of life when accompanied by correct intention and submission to Allah.