Is there a prohibition against saying that so-and-so is a martyr?

The questioner : I read a treatise containing hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in which he prohibited saying specifically about a man that he is a martyr. There are many hadiths in the treatise; perhaps one supports what I said.

The Shaykh : Al-Bukhari, and also in Fath al-Bari, mentioned a report from 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) where they said, "You say so-and-so is a martyr, so-and-so is a martyr, and he did such and such," meaning do not say this. You should say, "I think" or "I suppose," or a word with that meaning. Yes.

The questioner : If he saw this killed man, meaning he saw the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) walking with you in the street.

The Shaykh : If this happens, come to me and I will issue a ruling for you, if Allah wills.