The Importance of Jihad and the Status of a Martyr

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon the Seal of the Prophets and Messengers, his family, and all his companions. To proceed: I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

O esteemed audience, offer your humble greetings and salutations in the court of the radiant intercessor of the Day of Resurrection, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)! O Allah, send Your blessings, peace, and abundance upon our master, our beloved Muhammad, and upon his family and all his companions.

The Importance of Jihad

Brothers in Islam! Every aspect of the noble life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is profoundly significant and full of guidance. However, his struggle to uphold the truth known as Jihad or Ghazwat (battles) holds unparalleled importance for the political stability and progress of the Muslim Ummah. This is why the great scholars of the early generations (Khayr al-Quroon) paid immense attention to Jihad. They would narrate the awe-inspiring tales of sacrifice and bravery to their children, instilling in them the spirit of selflessness so that if they ever had to confront tyrannical forces to elevate the name of Allah, they would not hesitate for even a moment. And if the need arose to offer their lives as a sacrifice, they would eagerly seek this honor, just as their predecessors did for in this lies the success of their worldly life and the triumph of their Hereafter.

“He who erased the oppression of Caesar and Kisra
What was it? The strength of Haider (Ali), the piety of Abu Dharr, the truthfulness of Salman!”

The Warriors of Islam The True Believers

Dear respected ones! Islam has ordained Jihad to establish peace, enforce justice, restore human rights, and eliminate oppression and tyranny. The warriors of Islam are counted among the truthful. Allah the Almighty says:

“The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is they who are the truthful.” (Quran 49:15)

A Bedouin once asked the Prophet (ﷺ), “O Messenger of Allah! A man fights for war booty, fame, or to show his status so which fighting is in the cause of Allah?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied:

“Whoever fights so that the word of Allah is supreme, then he is in the cause of Allah.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

The immense importance of Jihad in Islam can be understood from the narration of Abu Hurairah (رضی اللہ عنہ), where the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever dies without having fought in Jihad or even intending to do so, dies on a branch of hypocrisy.” (Muslim)

Distinctive Features of Islamic Jihad

Noble audience! The Prophet (ﷺ) permitted warfare only to prevent oppression and coercion never to force anyone to change their religion. If someone willingly enters Islam, no one should prevent them. The Prophet (ﷺ) strictly prohibited indiscriminate killing, unnecessary warfare, and any violation of human dignity even in battle. He forbade mutilating the dead, harming children, the elderly, women, the disabled, or peaceful religious leaders. He also prohibited destroying crops, trees, or religious centers of the enemy.

Allah commands in the Quran:

“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” (Quran 2:190)

Even today, so-called champions of human rights and “civilized” nations do not treat their enemies with such mercy and nobility. This reflects the unparalleled character of the Prophet (ﷺ), who transformed even the horrors of war into a reflection of divine compassion.

The Martyr or the Ghazi

Respected audience! A Ghazi is one who returns alive from the battlefield after fighting in the cause of Allah, while a Shaheed (martyr) is one who sacrifices his life in Jihad or is wrongfully killed as a sane, adult Muslim.

The Status of a Martyr in Islam

The rank of a martyr in Islam is immensely exalted. Allah places them alongside the Prophets, the truthful, and the righteous:

“And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger they will be with those whom Allah has blessed: the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. What excellent companions they are!” (Quran 4:69)

Martyrdom is an act of righteousness that grants eternal life, sustenance in the grave, and divine forgiveness. Allah says:

“And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, but you perceive it not.” (Quran 2:154)

“And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision, rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty.” (Quran 3:169-170)

Scholars like Allama Sayyid Naeemuddin Muradabadi (رحمة الله عليه) explain that the bodies of martyrs remain fresh in their graves, untouched by decay. Hakim al-Ummah Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Naeemi (رحمة الله عليه) states that martyrs enjoy numerous blessings:

• Their sins are forgiven as if they were just born.
• They are spared from the questioning of the grave.
• Their flesh and blood are not consumed by the earth.
• They see their place in Paradise before death.
• They can intercede for 70 relatives.
• Their deeds and sustenance continue until Judgment Day.
• They will be secure from the horrors of the Day of Resurrection.

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“The souls of martyrs are inside green birds, flying freely in Paradise, returning to lanterns hanging near the Throne.” (Muslim)

The Desire for Martyrdom

The Prophet (ﷺ) himself expressed his longing for martyrdom:

“By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! I wish I could fight in the cause of Allah, be killed, then fight again, be killed, then fight again, and be killed.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Anas ibn Malik (رضی اللہ عنہ) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“No one who enters Paradise would wish to return to this world except the martyr, who would desire to return and be killed ten times due to the honor he sees.” (Bukhari)

Exemption from the Trial of the Grave

Rashid bin Sa’d (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“The flashing of swords above his head is sufficient as his trial (so he is spared the questioning of the grave).”

Freedom from the Pangs of Death

Abu Hurairah (رضی اللہ عنہ) reported:

“The martyr feels nothing of the stroke of death except like a pinch.” (Tirmidhi)

Forgiveness of All Sins Except Debt

Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-’As (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated:

“All sins of the martyr are forgiven except debt.” (Muslim)

Allama Abdul Ra’uf Munawi (رحمة الله عليه) explains that this applies to land martyrs, while sea martyrs are forgiven even their debts.

Great Reward for Little Deed

Baraa ibn Azib (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that a man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) whether he should fight first or embrace Islam. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Embrace Islam first, then fight.” The man did so and was martyred. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “He did little but was rewarded much.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Intercession for Seventy Relatives

Abu Darda (رضی اللہ عنہ) reported:

“The martyr will be permitted to intercede for seventy members of his household.” (Abu Dawud)

Seven Gifts for the Martyr

Ubadah ibn Samit (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

**”The martyr receives seven blessings from Allah:

1. He is forgiven with the first drop of his blood.
2. He sees his place in Paradise.
3. He is adorned with the garments of faith.
4. He is saved from the torment of the grave.
5. He is secured from the Great Horror (Day of Judgment).
6. A crown of dignity is placed on his head, its jewels better than the world.
7. He is married to seventy-two Houris.
8. He can intercede for seventy relatives.”** (Tirmidhi)

Unaccountable Forgiveness

Nu’aym ibn Hammar (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Those who, when placed in battle ranks, do not turn their faces until they are killed they will be in the highest chambers of Paradise. Their Lord will smile at them, and when Allah smiles at a servant in this world, he will not be held accountable.” (Ibn Hibban)

Paradise is Guaranteed

Mu’adh ibn Jabal (رضی اللہ عنہ) reported:

“Whoever fights in the cause of Allah for even the time between two milkings of a she-camel, Paradise is guaranteed for him.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

The Home of the Martyrs in Paradise

Samurah ibn Jundub (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) saw in a dream two men who took him to a magnificent house and said:

“This is the home of the martyrs.” (Bukhari)

The Fragrance of the Martyr on Judgment Day

Abu Hurairah (رضی اللہ عنہ) reported:

“By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! No one wounded in the cause of Allah will come on the Day of Resurrection except that his wound will be like fresh blood, emitting the fragrance of musk.” (Bukhari)

The Virtue of Sincerely Praying for Martyrdom

Mu’adh ibn Jabal (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated:

“Whoever sincerely asks Allah for martyrdom and then dies (even naturally), he will receive the reward of a martyr.” (Muslim)

Sahl ibn Hunayf (رضی اللہ عنہ) reported:

“Whoever sincerely asks Allah for martyrdom, Allah will elevate him to the ranks of martyrs, even if he dies on his bed.” (Muslim)

Others Who Attain Martyrdom

Sa’id ibn Zayd (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever is killed defending his wealth is a martyr. Whoever is killed defending his religion is a martyr. Whoever is killed defending his life is a martyr. Whoever is killed defending his family is a martyr.” (Abu Dawud)

Sa’d ibn Ubadah (رضی اللہ عنہ) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“The martyrs of my Ummah are few. Those killed in Allah’s cause are martyrs. Those who die of stomach illness are martyrs. Those who die of plague are martyrs. Those who drown are martyrs. And a woman who dies in childbirth is a martyr.” (Abu Dawud)

Sincerity is Essential in All Deeds, Including Martyrdom

Abu Hurairah (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“The first to be judged on the Day of Resurrection will be a martyr. He will be reminded of Allah’s favors, and he will acknowledge them. Allah will ask, ‘What did you do in return?’ He will say, ‘I fought for You until I was martyred.’ Allah will say, ‘You lie! You fought so people would call you brave, and they did.’ Then he will be dragged into Hell.
Similarly, a scholar and a generous person will be exposed for seeking fame rather than Allah’s pleasure.” (Muslim)

Therefore, O brothers! Ensure sincerity in all deeds, cultivate the spirit of Jihad and martyrdom, and support oppressed Muslims worldwide, such as in Kashmir and Palestine. Educate the youth about the honor of martyrdom so they grow up with this noble aspiration.

“The sweetness of familiarity makes the heart forget both worlds
What a strange thing is the pleasure of divine love!
Martyrdom is the believer’s ultimate desire
Not war spoils, nor worldly dominion!”

Warning Against Love of This World

Thawban (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Soon nations will invite one another to attack you, just as diners invite one another to a feast.” When asked if this would be due to Muslims’ small numbers, he replied: “No, you will be many, but like useless foam. Allah will remove the fear of you from your enemies’ hearts and cast weakness into your hearts.” When asked what this weakness was, he said: “Love of this world and hatred of death.” (Abu Dawud)

“Where is the sword and gun in the Muslim’s hand?
Even if they exist, hearts are unaware of death’s sweetness!”

Supplication

O Allah! Grant us the honor of Jihad both the greater Jihad (against the self) and the lesser Jihad (in battle). Bestow upon us the rank of martyrdom and instill in us the zeal to sacrifice our lives, wealth, and honor for Islam.

O Allah! Accept our prayers for the sake of Your beloved Prophet (ﷺ). Purify our inner and outer selves, and grant us the ability to follow the Quran and Sunnah with sincerity.

O Allah! Make us loyal to Islam, true lovers of the Prophet (ﷺ), and unite our ranks. Make us punctual in prayer, protect us from laziness, and grant us sincerity in all good deeds.

O Allah! Bless us with the opportunity to serve and protect our nation. Strengthen our unity, help us follow Shariah correctly, and grant us Your mercy. Forgive our sins, relieve our sorrows, settle our debts, heal our sick, and fulfill our needs.

O Lord! Bless our lawful sustenance, protect us from dependency on others, and grant us Your love and obedience. Soften our hearts for humanity, improve our character, accept our good deeds, and protect us from sins.

O Allah! Free our oppressed brothers and sisters in Palestine and Kashmir. Protect all Muslims worldwide, safeguard their lives, wealth, and honor, and resolve their difficulties with ease. Ameen, O Lord of the worlds!

May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon the best of creation, the light of His Throne, our master, our Prophet, our beloved, the delight of our eyes Muhammad and upon his family and all his companions. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.