QUESTION:

Those martyred in Palestine due to collapsed buildings; are they washed, shrouded, and prayed over? The reason for asking is because many of those killed are not warriors, even though the land is considered a battlefield. So is شهيد معركة (the battlefield martyr) dependent on one being a warrior or the place of their death (i.e. on a battlefield)? ANSWER (Sheikh Muḥammad Al-’Ānasi ḥafidhahullāh): As for those who die in Palestine (we ask Allāh the Almighty to grant them relief and kill their enemy) due to collapsed buildings, then yes, they are to be washed. Everyone who is said to be a martyr due to demolition, burning, drowning, stomach ailment, plagues, and other than them who receive the reward of a martyr, they are to be washed, their clothes removed and funeral prayers are offered over them. They have the same rulings as all other Muslims - except for the battlefield martyr; the one martyred while fighting with the Muslims against the disbelievers on the actual battlefield; this martyr is unique, that is if he dies while fighting to elevate the word of Allāh (لا إله إلا الله) - specifically with this condition. Such a martyr is shrouded in his normal clothes and they are not removed. He is not washed nor prayed over. Yes, general supplication is fine, but funeral prayers are not to be offered over them. This is specific to the martyrs who die on the battlefield. As for other types of martyrs, then they are like the rest of the dead Muslims. So this is what is given consideration, May Allāh bless you all. The battlefield martyr is the one who dies on the actual battlefield. But if he is wounded, injured, or falls off his riding beast or car, and he remained wounded for some time and was treated, then died after that, then he is like other Muslims in terms of shrouding and being prayed over. One has to die in the actual battle to be considered a battlefield martyr, unless the wound is severe and he is removed from the battlefield and dies immediately afterwards; this also comes under the same ruling as someone who died in battle. Yes. As for those who are killed unjustly due to acts of aggression, their ruling is the same as other Muslims; they are washed, shrouded, their clothes are removed, and the funeral prayer is performed over them. May Allāh bless you all.