Imam Abu Hayyan (d. 745 AH), in his Tafsir Al-Bahr Al-Muheet, discusses the differences of opinion regarding the nature of life after death. Some scholars have said that the souls of the martyrs (shuhada) remain alive, not their bodies, as we observe the bodies decay and perish. However, others believe that both the body and soul of a martyr remain alive, even though we do not sense it. We may see them as deceased, but in reality, they are alive, just as Allah ﷻ says in the Qur'an:
❝But they are alive, yet you do not perceive it.❞ (Surah Al-Baqarah, 154)
Allah ﷻ has informed believers that they cannot observe this life with their physical senses. This is what distinguishes martyrs from others. If this verse referred only to the life of the soul, there would be no difference between martyrs and other deceased individuals, as all souls remain alive. All believers know that every soul lives on after death. Therefore, the statement ❝yet you do not perceive it❞ holds deep meaning.
Sometimes, Allah ﷻ reveals this state to His special servants (awliya), allowing them to witness it with their own eyes. Evidence of the physical life of martyrs has been witnessed many times. For example, Imam Ibn Qutaybah (d. 274 AH) narrates an incident regarding the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud. He records:
Jabir narrates:
❝When Mu’awiya intended to extend a canal that he had dug (known as Ain Abi Ziyad in Madinah), a public announcement was made in Madinah for people to visit the graves of their martyrs. We went there, and when we unearthed them, we found their bodies fresh and flexible. One of the workers accidentally struck the leg of a martyr, and blood began to flow from it. Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri remarked, 'From now on, no one should ever doubt this matter again.'❞
● FJ 8.10.24
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