Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Question
I read there is different types of martyrs but not all types of martyrs share the same reward and the one with greatest reward is getting killed on the battlefield. For example, a woman who dies while giving birth even though is martyr she gets less than those killed in battle. Since fighting on the battlefield is for men only, is there something that will give women the exact same reward as being killed on the battlefield or is the highest level of rewards of martyr exclusive to men?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
Even though in majority of situations, it was exclusively men that fought in battles. Due to this it was most common for men to achieve martyrdom. However, any person, male or female, who is wrongfully killed by a non-muslim for his or her religion achieves the same reward.
The First Martyr of Islam
The first martyr of Islam was Sumayya (Allah be pleased with her). She was killed for her religion and her refusal to renounce her faith.
Martyrdom
Martyrdom in a battle is not exclusive to men. Many woman have achieved this great rank in Islam, defending their religion with bravery and courage. There are, however, other ranks of martyrdom that women can achieve that are exclusive to women.
Dying in Childbirth
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Who do you count as a martyr amongst you?” They said, “The one who fights and is killed in the path of Allah.” The Messenger (may Allah bless him and give him peace)replied, “Indeed, the martyrs of my community (in that case) would be few. The one who dies due to a plague is a martyr; the one who dies due to a stomach illness is a martyr; and the woman who dies due to childbirth is a martyr.” [Ahmad]
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani