What must a person do for God to answer his desire to die a martyr in God’s cause while saving others?

Allah Almighty, in His grace, has broadened the scope of martyrdom, not limiting it to those slain in jihad for the sake of Allah, but also encompassing other types, as mentioned in the hadiths: "The martyrs are five: the one who dies of plague, the one who dies of a stomach disease, the drowned, the one killed by a falling building, and the martyr in the cause of Allah," and "There are seven martyrs besides being killed in the cause of Allah: the one who dies of plague is a martyr, the drowned is a martyr, the one who dies of pleurisy is a martyr, the one who dies of a stomach disease is a martyr, the one who dies by fire is a martyr, the one who dies under a falling building is a martyr, and the woman who dies during childbirth is a martyr."

However, it is not permissible for a person to intentionally seek self-destruction through these calamities; rather, it is obligatory to preserve life. The love of martyrdom should not lead one to recklessness and casting oneself into perils, for Allah Almighty says: "And do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction" and "And do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful."

If Allah destines a servant to die due to one of these reasons, then he has attained what he wished for. And if that is not destined, but the servant is sincere in his quest for martyrdom, then Allah Almighty will grant him the status of martyrs, regardless of how he dies, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever sincerely seeks martyrdom, it will be granted to him, even if he does not attain it," and "Whoever asks Allah for martyrdom with sincerity, Allah will make him reach the status of the martyrs, even if he dies on his bed." Among the most important means of attaining martyrdom is supplication (dua), as Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) used to do.