[Commentary]

The following reports complete the discussion of those who are granted the reward of martyrdom in the Hereafter. Among them is the ḥadith of ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ (may Allah be pleased with him) and of his father, in which the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever is killed while defending his property is a martyr.” In other words, if someone comes to seize your wealth and you resist until you are slain, you are a martyr.

In the last narration a man asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, “Messenger of Allah, what if someone comes to take my wealth?” He replied, “Do not hand over your wealth.” The man asked, “What if he fights me?” He answered, “Then fight him.” The man asked, “What if he kills me?” He said, “Then you are a martyr.” The man asked, “What if I kill him?” He said, “He will be in the Fire.”

These texts show that a person is entitled to defend his wealth when someone tries to take it. You are to repel the aggressor; if he cannot be driven away except by killing him, then kill him. If he can be restrained by a lesser measure, then do not kill him. For instance, if you are stronger and can overpower him, tie his hands and feet, and detain him, there is no need to kill. But if that is impossible and he attacks you, then fight him, and if you end up killing him you are not at fault. Should you fear that he will strike first and kill you, pre-empt him and kill him, for example if he is charging at you with a drawn weapon. If you kill him, he will be in the Fire; if he kills you, you are a martyr.

Likewise, the ḥadith of Saʿīd ibn Zayd states: “Whoever is killed while defending his wealth is a martyr; whoever is killed while defending his life is a martyr; and whoever is killed while defending his religion is a martyr.”

Thus, even if someone seeks to test you in your religion, to violate your honour, or the like, and you fight him and he kills you—