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

His words, exalted is He: “O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient”—that is, with His aid and support.

“And do not say of those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’” This was revealed concerning the Muslims slain at Badr. They were fourteen men: six of the Emigrants and eight of the Helpers. People would say of one killed in the way of Allah, “So-and-so has died; the comfort and pleasures of this world have passed from him.” Thereupon Allah, exalted is He, revealed: “Do not say of those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, but you do not perceive it.”

This is as He said concerning the martyrs of Uhud: “Do not think of those who have been killed in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.” (3:169)

Al-Hasan said: “The martyrs are alive with Allah, exalted is He. Their provisions are presented to their souls, and comfort and joy reach them, just as the Fire is presented to the souls of Pharaoh’s people morning and evening, and pain reaches them.”