Prayer to Attain the Station of Martyrdom (Hazrat Musleh Mau’d’s (ra) Narration)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) has mentioned the prayer offered by Hazrat Umar (ra) to attain the station of martyrdom. He states:

“How strong was Hazrat Umar’s (ra) bond with Allah the Almighty! The Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘If there were a prophet after me, it would have been Umar.’ ‘After me’ here means if there were to be a prophet immediately after him. Thus, if in that era owing to the needs of the time, Allah the Almighty wanted to elevate someone from the rank of shaheed to the lofty station of prophethood, then the Holy Prophet (sa) deemed Hazrat Umar (ra) to be worthy of this.

“Upon witnessing his immense sacrifices, even the staunchest opponents of Europe acknowledge the fact that seldom does one find a person who has rendered such sacrifices and who possesses such a selfless spirit. And regarding his services [for Islam] they go to such extreme lengths in their estimation that they attribute the success of Islam entirely to him. This is the same Umar (ra) who would supplicate, ‘O Allah! Cause me to die in Madinah as a martyr.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further states:

“This supplication was born out of his intense love, otherwise it was a very dangerous prayer to seek. In other words, this prayer meant that there be such a ferocious assailant, who defeats the entire Muslim army and ultimately reaches Medina and then martyrs Hazrat Umar (ra) there. Allah the Almighty, Who is well aware of everyone’s true intentions, fulfilled this desire of Hazrat Umar (ra) and also safeguarded Medina from the afflictions which were discreet in this prayer and it was ultimately carried out by a Kafir [non-Muslim], who martyred him in Medina. In any case, it is evident from Hazrat Umar’s (ra) prayer that according to him, to sacrifice one’s life in the way of God Almighty was a hallmark of those who enjoy His nearness.”

Whilst advising the Ahmadi members, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) continues:

“However, today it is considered that to have one’s life saved by Allah the Almighty is a sign of His closeness.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 17, pp. 474-475)

On another occasion, whilst mentioning the incident of Hazrat Umar’s (ra) martyrdom and his prayer, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

“With regard to Hazrat Umar (ra), it is written that he would always pray that his demise took place in Medina and in the form of martyrdom. How terrifying is the concept of death? At the time of death, even one’s closest relations abandon them.”