[60]. Allāh declares that although the martyrs are killed in this world, their souls remain alive, receiving provisions in the everlasting abode. The Companions asked the Prophet ﷺ about the verse:
“Do not think of those who are killed in the way of Allāh as dead. Rather, they are alive and provided sustenance by their Lord.”
He ﷺ explained: “Their souls reside inside green birds that roam freely in Paradise. These birds dwell in lanterns hanging beneath the Throne of Allāh. They wander wherever they wish in Paradise, then return to these lanterns. Allāh looks upon them and asks, ‘Do you desire anything?’ They reply, ‘O Lord, what more could we desire when we are free to roam wherever we wish in Paradise?’ He asks them this three times. When they realize that He will continue to ask until they respond, they say, ‘O Lord, we wish that our souls be returned to our bodies so that we may be slain again in Your cause.’ Allāh knows that they have no other wish, so they remain as they are.”
The Prophet ﷺ also said: “No one who enters Paradise would wish to return to the world, even if he were to possess all that is in it—except for the martyr. He will long to return and be killed again ten times over, because of the immense honor and reward he sees.”
[61]. At Uhud.
[62]. In Allāh alone is found hope, safety, and peace. We do not have to be afraid of our enemies. When life gets hard, we can pray to Allāh to find real help and strength.