One who works for the army

Q 3: From time to time, clashes and battles break up between the Thai army – which includes a number of Muslims – and the Communist guerrillas in different parts of Thailand. This results in deaths on both sides. What is the ruling on Muslims who are fighting in the ranks of the Thai army and are killed while fighting these Communist guerrillas? May we consider them martyrs?

A: The judgment rests with Allah (Exalted be He) who knows their intentions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about one who fights out of bravery, one who fights for the sake of tribalism or nationalism, and one who fights to show off; which one is fighting for the sake of Allah? He said: "The one who fights so that the Word of Allah (Islam) will be supreme is the one who is fighting for the sake of Allah." (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). In the light of this Hadith, (Part No. 12; Page No. 23) only a person who fights for the sake of Allah (Exalted be He) to make His word supreme is a martyr.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.