This relates to a discussion I overheard.
For the muslims, a question:
If for example there is a war on Iraq, and civilians die, those not fighting(with weapons), would they be considered martyrs upon death?
Your thoughts. Thanks.
As requested, moved to the Religion Forum.
yes, definitely a martyr....
cuz the only reason he is being killed is that he calls himself a muslim....
i am not certain, but i think that they would not necessarily be considered martyrs, not automatically IMHO. What if, for example, an individual had committed something for which s/he had not repented in this world and the sin was not forgiven by Allah? Would s/he still be granted jannat - most importantly, who decides? What if this particular individual had committed something which is considered a 'major' sin according to Islam, for which s/he had not repented; would the person still be granted jannat? Most importantly, who decides this? In my own humble opinion, i think only Allah knows who is, and will not, receive the honor of dying as a shaheed.
i would appreciate reading other Guppies' thoughts regarding the above, particularly if you disagree.
Q: Who is a Martyr?
A: Indeed Muslims do believe that reaching paradise can be through good deeds and filling the universe with peace! In fact, even martyrdom has many forms…
Jabir ibn `Utayk reported that Prophet Muhammad said:
"There are seven kinds of martyrs besides those killed in wars, defending the cause of Allah:
(1) A person who is killed in an epidemic
(2) A person who is drowned
(3) A person who has bedsores, causing fever and cough resulting in his death
(4) A person who dies of a stomach disease
(5) A person who dies in fire
(6) A person who dies under falling debris [in a disaster]
(7) A woman who dies during childbirth."
(Ahmad, Abu-Dawud and Nasa’i report this hadith, based on sound authority.)
Abu-Hurayrah also reported that God’s messenger (pbuh) asked:
“Who do you consider to be a martyr?”
They said:
“O Allah’s prophet, he who is killed fighting for the cause of Allah.”
The prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“[If this is so] then very few in my community will be martyrs!”
They asked:
“Who else are they, O Allah’s messenger?”
He said:
“He who is killed fighting for Allah’s cause is a martyr, he who dies in the cause of Allah is a martyr, he who dies in an epidemic is a martyr, he who dies from a stomach disease is a martyr, and he who dies of drowning is (also) a martyr.” (Reported by Muslim.)
Also, Sa`id ibn Zayd reported that the prophet (pbuh) said:
“He who is killed while guarding his property is a martyr, he who is killed while defending himself is a martyr, he who is killed defending his religion is a martyr, and he who is killed protecting his family is [also] a martyr.” (Reported by Ahmad and Tirmidhi. The latter considers it a sound hadith.)
To conclude dear Taylor, Islam is a religion of Justice. If the injustice in any region or situation is addressed, any problem will be resolved. War will not solve any problem by itself; it only sets the terms for any subsequent negotiations for a fair resolution of conflict.
And, Allah knows best.