Martyrdom Status for COVID-19 Deaths and 7 Non-Combat Causes of Shahadah

❖ Question:
​

Is a person who dies from the Coronavirus considered a martyr? Also, what are the seven causes of martyrdom?

Source: Fatawa Ameenpuri by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Ameenpuri

✦ Answer:​

Since the Coronavirus (COVID-19) closely resembles pneumonia, one who dies from this virus is considered a ḥukmī shahīd (legal martyr), In shā’ Allāh.

Sayyidunā Jābir ibn ʿAtīk رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

"Indeed, Allah grants reward according to the intention. What do you consider martyrdom to be?"

The Companions رضي الله عنهم replied:
"To be killed in the battlefield while fighting in the path of Allah."

The Prophet ﷺ said that there are also seven other causes of martyrdom besides being killed in battle, namely:

❼ Seven Causes of Martyrdom Apart from the Battlefield:​

① One who dies due to plague (ṭāʿūn)
② One who dies by drowning
③ One who dies from pneumonia
④ One who dies from abdominal illness
⑤ One who dies due to burn injuries
⑥ One who is crushed to death
⑦ A pregnant woman who dies during pregnancy

(Al-Muwaṭṭaʾ of Imām Mālik 1/233-234; Sunan al-Nasā’ī: 1846; Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 3111 – Chain: Ḥasan)

This narration was authenticated by Imām Ibn Ḥibbān (3189) and Imām Ḥākim (1/503), and Ḥāfiẓ Dhahabī agreed with their verdict.

❖ Note:​

This noble reward is reserved for the one who is of sound belief (ʿaqīdah), righteous in actions, and upright in conduct, for acceptance is based upon belief and deeds.