The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ مُقَاتِلٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا لَيْثُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ، حَدَّثَنِي ابْنُ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ كَعْبِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَ الرَّجُلَيْنِ مِنْ قَتْلَى أُحُدٍ فِي ثَوْبٍ وَاحِدٍ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ " أَيُّهُمْ أَكْثَرُ أَخْذًا لِلْقُرْآنِ ". فَإِذَا أُشِيرَ لَهُ إِلَى أَحَدِهِمَا قَدَّمَهُ فِي اللَّحْدِ وَقَالَ " أَنَا شَهِيدٌ عَلَى هَؤُلاَءِ ". وَأَمَرَ بِدَفْنِهِمْ بِدِمَائِهِمْ، وَلَمْ يُصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَمْ يُغَسِّلْهُمْ. وَأَخْبَرَنَا الأَوْزَاعِيُّ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ لِقَتْلَى أُحُدٍ " أَىُّ هَؤُلاَءِ أَكْثَرُ أَخْذًا لِلْقُرْآنِ ". فَإِذَا أُشِيرَ لَهُ إِلَى رَجُلٍ قَدَّمَهُ فِي اللَّحْدِ قَبْلَ صَاحِبِهِ. وَقَالَ جَابِرٌ فَكُفِّنَ أَبِي وَعَمِّي فِي نَمِرَةٍ وَاحِدَةٍ. وَقَالَ سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ كَثِيرٍ حَدَّثَنِي الزُّهْرِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا مَنْ، سَمِعَ جَابِرًا ـ رضى الله عنه.
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) shrouded every two martyrs of Uhud in one piece of cloth and then he would ask,
"Which of them knew more Qur'an?" When one of them was pointed out he would put him first in the
grave. He said, "I am a witness on these." Then he ordered them to be buried with blood on their
bodies. Neither did he offer their funeral prayer nor did he get them washed. (Jabir bin `Abdullah
added): Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to ask about the martyrs of Uhud as to which of them knew more of the
Qur'an." And when one of them was pointed out as having more of it he would put him first in the
grave and then his companions. (Jabir added): My father and my uncle were shrouded in one sheet.
Narrated by Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:
Context
This hadith describes how the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) honored the martyrs of Uhud by burying them in a specific manner, emphasizing the importance of their knowledge of the Qur'an. He would ask which of the two martyrs knew more Qur'an and would place that individual first in the grave, highlighting the value placed on knowledge and its connection to honor in death.
Modern Application
In contemporary society, this principle can inspire individuals to prioritize learning and memorizing the Qur'an, recognizing its significance not only in life but also in how one is honored after death. It encourages a culture of valuing knowledge within the community.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Funeral Rites and Treatment of the Dead because it illustrates the respectful treatment of martyrs and the significance of their Qur'anic knowledge in the context of burial.
And do not pray [the funeral prayer, O Muhammad], over any of them who has died - ever - or stand at his grave. Indeed, they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and died while they were defiantly disobedient.
O you who have believed, testimony [should be taken] among you when death approaches one of you at the time of bequest - [that of] two just men from among you or two others from outside if you are traveling through the land and the disaster of death should strike you. Detain them after the prayer and let them both swear by Allah if you doubt [their testimony, saying], "We will not exchange our oath for a price, even if he should be a near relative, and we will not withhold the testimony of Allah. Indeed, we would then be of the sinful."
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers. And those of [blood] relationship are more entitled [to inheritance] in the decree of Allah than the [other] believers and the emigrants, except that you may do to your close associates a kindness [through bequest]. That was in the Book inscribed.
So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allah - never will He waste their deeds.
O two companions of prison, as for one of you, he will give drink to his master of wine; but as for the other, he will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. The matter has been decreed about which you both inquire."