Abu Ubaydah bin Abdullah narrates from his father, Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him), that he said: "Beware of these testimonies (claims), that you say: 'So-and-so was killed a martyr,' for one man fights out of (tribal) zeal, another fights in pursuit of worldly gain, and another fights merely to show off his bravery. But I will tell you what you can bear witness to: the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) dispatched a military detachment one day. Only a little time had passed when he (peace and blessings be upon him) stood up, praised and glorified Allah, and said: 'Your brothers have met the polytheists; they (the polytheists) martyred them and not one of them remained. (After their martyrdom) they said: "Our Lord, convey to our people that we are pleased (with our end) and our Lord is pleased with us." So I have come to you as their messenger: they are pleased, and (Allah) has been pleased with them.'" This hadith has a sahih (authentic) chain of narration if it is free from irsal (a break in the chain), for our Shaykhs differ over whether Abu Ubaydah heard from his father or not.

It is narrated from Hudhayl bin Shurahbil that some people went out (for jihad) and were killed, and the people said: "So-and-so has been martyred." Then Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Indeed, one man fights for the world, and another fights so that he may be known (become famous), whereas a man may die on his bed and be a martyr (in the sight of Allah)." Then he recited this verse: "And those who believe in Allah and His messengers, it is they who are the truthful and the martyrs in the sight of their Lord." [Surah al-Hadid: 19] .