التفسير التبليغي
(And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.) (3:169)
Meaning: (And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah) i.e., for the sake of His religion (as dead. Rather,) they are (alive with their Lord). Their souls are in the crops of green birds, roaming in Paradise wherever they wish.
The souls of those killed in the cause of Allah are in the bodies of green birds, visiting the rivers of Paradise, eating from its fruits, and finding shelter in golden lamps beneath the Throne.
The martyrs, even if they are killed in this worldly abode, their souls are alive and provided for in the Abode of Permanence.
The intent of (those who have been killed in the cause of Allah) are those who fought so that the Word of Allah would be supreme, not for bravery, tribalism, or show-off.
(And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead.) This statement is presented to clarify that the killing they fear and warn people against is not something to be feared; rather, it is among the most noble aspirations for which competitors strive.
One who is killed in the cause of Allah is called a martyr (shaheed) because he bore witness before Allah and people to the sincerity of his faith, and he proved by his martyrdom that this religion is truth.
In At-Tirmidhi, it is narrated from him: "There is nothing more beloved to Allah than two drops or two marks: a drop of tears out of fear of Allah, and a drop of blood shed in the cause of Allah. As for the two marks, they are a mark in the cause of Allah, and a mark from one of the obligations of Allah."
The death of the pious is a life that has no end... Indeed, some people have died, yet they are alive among people.
It was said: Do not consider them dead in religion and faith; rather, they are alive, as Allah Almighty said: (Is he who was dead and We gave him life...) (Al-An'am: 122).
The meaning of (with their Lord) is that they are alive in His abode of honor.
Sibawayh said: (with their Lord) this refers to the nearness of honor, not the nearness of proximity.
(receiving provision) i.e., provision befitting their life.
The martyrs are provided for even though they are dead.
Source: التفسير التبليغي