The two female teachers who died in the fire accident in Bara'em Al-Watan school here last week are Insha Allah martyrs, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Aal Al-Sheikh has said. He called on families to be patient and know that it was predestined by Almighty Allah. Dr. Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, member of the Board of Senior Ulema and adviser at the Royal court, said: “The two women who died in the Jeddah girls' school fire and the female university students who died in traffic accidents are martyrs, Insha Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said those who die in a fire or under falling debris are martyrs.” Dr. Al-Mutlaq added that a sudden traffic accident that occurs in spite of the car traveling at a reasonable speed, as opposed to high speed that is tantamount to suicide, also comes under the concept of dying under falling debris, which was mentioned by the Prophet (pbuh). Both cases are of sudden deaths, he said. Women who die in fire and traffic accidents are included in the concept of martyrdom (shahadah), he said. As for the bereaved families, they should be patient and expect the reward from Allah Almighty. Allah's reward for those who are patient is limitless, Dr. Al-Mutlaq said. He prayed for forgiveness for the victims of the Jeddah fire and the Hail traffic accident, particularly because they died while imparting or pursuing knowledge. Dr. Al-Mutlaq quoted the Prophet (pbuh) as saying that whoever follows the path of seeking knowledge, Allah will facilitate for him/her a path to paradise. He reminded the mourning families that everything that Allah gives or takes belongs to Him. And that what Allah has for us is better and long
