That he heard 'Umar bin Al-Khattab saying: "I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying: 'The martyrs are four: A believing man whose faith is good, he meets the enemy and proves faithful to Allah until he is killed. That is the one to whom the people will raise up their eyes like this on the Day of Judgement' and he raised his head until his Qalansuwah fell - I do not know if it was 'Umar's Qalansuwah or the Qalansuwah of the Prophet (ﷺ) that fell - he said, 'And a believing man whose faith is good (but not as brave as first), he meets the enemy, but due to cowardice, it only appears that he was struck with a thorn of an acacia tree when an unexpected arrow comes to him, yet it kills him. He is among the second level. And a believing man who has mixed righteous deed with another evil one, he meets his enemy and proves faithful to Allah until he is killed. This one is in the third level. And a believing man who wasted himself (in wrongdoing), he meets the enemy and proves faithful to Allah until he is killed. This one is in the fourth level.'"
This Hadith is Hasan Gharib, it is not known except as a narration of 'Ata bin Dinar.
He said: I heard Muhammad saying: "Sa'eed bin Abi Ayyub reported this Hadith from 'Ata bin Dinar - from some Shaikhs of Khawlan - and he did not mention 'from Abu Yazid' in it." And he said: "'Ata bin Dinar; there is no harm in him."
Narrated by Narrated Fadalah bin 'Ubaid:
Context
This hadith outlines the different levels of martyrs in the sight of Allah, as explained by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It emphasizes the varying degrees of faith and bravery among believers who face challenges, particularly in the context of jihad, and highlights the honor associated with martyrdom.
Modern Application
In today's context, this teaching can inspire individuals to strive for excellence in their faith and actions, encouraging them to face challenges with courage and integrity. It serves as a motivation to contribute positively to society and uphold one's beliefs.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Day of Judgment and Jihad because it discusses the status of martyrs and their rewards in the afterlife.
And those who have believed in Allah and His messengers - those are [in the ranks of] the supporters of truth and the martyrs, with their Lord. For them is their reward and their light. But those who have disbelieved and denied Our verses - those are the companions of Hellfire.
Rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them - that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.
And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions.
So let those fight in the cause of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. And he who fights in the cause of Allah and is killed or achieves victory - We will bestow upon him a great reward.
Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah. Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death], and among them is he who awaits [his chance]. And they did not alter [the terms of their commitment] by any alteration -
This hadith is #1693 from Jami` at-Tirmidhi, in the Book of The Book on Virtues of Jihad. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Fadalah bin 'Ubaid:.