Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I have a question concerning martyrdom. A brother was recently shot in my city. The circumstances of the shooting are not entirely known, but he may have died in defense of his property and business. Is this considered a martyrdom in the Islamic sense?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
I pray that this finds you well, and in the best of health and spirits. May Allah grant you all good and success in this life and the next.
1. If he was unjustly killed–such as in defense of property or business-then he would be considered a martyr in terms of the rulings of the Hereafter. [ Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat al-Maraqi]
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever dies protecting their property is a martyr.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
2. Given that the circumstances of his death are unknown, you should be hopeful that Allah will grant him the rank of a martyr, and ask Allah for this–and Allah answers those who call upon Him with sincerity.
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani