Is a martyr washed and prayed over if they possessed stable life (*hayah mustaqarrah*) after being wounded?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
If a person possessed stable life, they must be washed and prayed over, even if they are a martyr. This is demonstrated by the Prophet (peace be upon him) washing and praying over Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, who was a martyr wounded by an arrow in the trench battle; he lived for days afterward while judgments were passed concerning Banu Qurayzah before his wound reopened and he died.
Supporting text
The apparent understanding from Al-Khiraqi is that if life prolonged after being carried away, washing and prayer are performed. If death occurs in the battle or immediately upon being carried away, neither washing nor prayer is performed. Malik's view is similar, stating that washing occurs if the person ate or drank, or survived two or three days. Ahmad stated in one account that if the injured person spoke, ate, or drank, prayer is performed over them. A saying from the companions of Abu Hanifah aligns with this. Ahmad also opined that if the injured person remained in the battlefield for a day until nightfall and then died, prayer should be performed over him. The companions of Al-Shafi'i state that if death occurs during the fighting, there is no washing or prayer; otherwise, they are performed.