In another hadith...

In another hadith, the Prophet was asked: “Why the shahid is not questioned in the grave?” The Prophet said: “The lightening of the sword over his (Shahid’s) head is sufficient for his trial (or questioning).’’ The martyr has manifested his true faith through his sacrifice, and so, there remains no motive for questioning him in the grave. Zeal of the Martyr One of the peculiarities which can be seen in the early history of Islam is the special spirit which existed in many Muslims of those days.

I do not know what to name this spirit. I think the most descriptive expression would be to call it “the zeal for martyrdom.” The first in the list of these people is Imam ‘Ali (upon whom be peace). The Imam said: When the verse “Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, we believe, and not be tried?” was revealed, I came to know that as long as the Prophet is among us the Muslims will not have to face any ordeal.

I asked the Prophet: What is the ordeal which has been mentioned in the verse? He said: O ‘Ali, it is an ordeal which my ummah will face after me. I said: On the day of (the battle of) of Uhud when many Muslims had attained the honour of martyrdom and I was not able to attain that honour and was sad because of it, didn’t you give me good tidings about my martyrdom in future? The Prophet said: Yes, it is as I said, you will be martyred in future. So now, tell me how will you bear it?

I said: O the Messenger of Allah, (at the time of martyrdom) it is not the time for patience, it is the time of thanking and praising (Allah for giving me such an opportunity)! Then the Prophet explained the details of the ordeal which will take place after him. Apart from Ali, we also find other persons, in Islamic history, who also had the “zeal for martyrdom”. They had a wish in their hearts that would Allah bestow them the glory of martyrdom.

In Safinat ul-Bihar, there is a story of a man named Khaythamah or Khuthaymah. It describes how a father and his son were arguing with each other about going to jihad and attaining martyrdom. The writer says that when the time of the battle of Badr came, this father and son were arguing with each other.

The son was saying to the father, “I will go to jihad and you remain home with the family.” The father was saying, “ No, you stay with the family, I will go to jihad.” The father and son, both were saying that they wanted to go and attain martyrdom. At last, they agreed on casting a lot.