What is the definitive criterion for establishing stable life that necessitates washing and prayer for a martyr?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The correct criterion is the prolongation of separation (*tawwul al-fasl*) or the act of eating, as eating can only occur with stable life, and the prolongation signifies this, which has established precedent in many contexts. The act of speaking, drinking, or the state of active warfare is not a valid boundary.
Supporting text
The definitive criteria mentioned are not sound because it is narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) inquired about Sa'd ibn al-Rabi' on the day of Uhud, who, though grievously wounded and barely alive (*bihi ramaq*), declared himself among the dead before dying. Furthermore, Asiram of Banu 'Abd al-Ashhal spoke after converting on the day of Uhud before dying, yet they were buried unwashed and without prayer, falling under the general ruling. The incident of Abu 'Aqil al-Anifi, who was given water after receiving fourteen fatal wounds, after which the water flowed out of all his wounds, resulted in him not being washed. Similarly, those who died after the fighting ended in the battle of Yarmouk were not washed or prayed over, despite attempts to give them water.