English Translation

Mu'awiyah ibn Amr told us, saying: Abu Ishaq — namely al-Fazari — told us, from Safwan — namely ibn Amr — from Abu al-Muthanna, from Utbah ibn Abd al-Sulami, who was one of the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: The Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, said: 'Killing is of three kinds: a believing man who fights with himself and his wealth in the path of God, until, when he meets the enemy, he fights them until he is killed — that one is the martyr, honored, in the tent of God beneath His Throne; the prophets are not superior to him except by the rank of prophethood. And a believing man who has burdened himself with sins and wrongdoings, who strives with himself and his wealth in the path of God, until, when he meets the enemy, he fights until he is killed — his sins and wrongdoings are wiped away, for the sword is a wiper-away of sins, and he is admitted through whichever of the gates of Paradise he wishes, for it has eight gates, and Hell has seven gates, some of which are more severe than others. And a hypocrite who strives with himself and his wealth, until, when he meets the enemy, he fights in the path of God until he is killed — that one is in the Fire, for the sword does not wipe away hypocrisy.' Ya'mar ibn Bishr told us: Abdullah told us: Safwan ibn Amr informed us that Abu al-Muthanna al-Amluki told him that he heard Utbah ibn Abd al-Sulami — who was one of the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him — narrating from the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: 'Killing is of three kinds,' and he mentioned its like in meaning.