Reflection on Reaching the Rank of Siddeeqs and Martyrs

Question

There is a Hadith whose main message is that if we complete the 5 pillars of Islam and do the bare minimum (e.g 2.5% for zakat and nothing more, Hajj only if we have the means), we will be among the Siddeeqs and martyrs. From this I had a reflection: could it be that we would be among the truthful and martyrs because fulfilling the pillars would inspire us to do more good deeds, so a Muslim might do more voluntary deeds, therefore reaching the rank of Siddeeqs and martyrs? Is this an appropriate reflection?

Answer

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

Perhaps you are referring to the following hadith,

وعن عمرو بن مرة الجهني قال : جاء رجل من قضاعة إلى رسول الله ﷺ فقال : إني شهدت أن لا إله إلا الله وأنك رسول الله ، وصليت الصلوات الخمس ، وصمت رمضان وقته ، وآتيت الزكاة ، فقال رسول الله ﷺ: " من مات على هذا كان من الصديقين والشهداء

A man from (the tribe of) Qudha'ah came to Rasulullaah ﷺ and said, "I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allaah and that you are the messenger of Allaah. I will perform the five salaahs, fast Ramadhan at its (prescribed) time and pay zakaah." Rasulullaah ﷺ replied, "Anyone who passes away (steadfast) upon this will be with the truthful ones and the martyrs (on the Day of Qiyaamah)." [Bazzaar]

The above hadith and its likes encourage one to observe the fardh acts diligently. It is in no way a suggestion to suffice on them. A person who diligently strives to diligently perform perfectly well realize that his attempt are not perfect and have deficiencies. This would then push him to perform sunnahs or nafls as they would serve as an expiation and atonement for the deficiencies. Likewise, as you have appropriately suggested, a person performing them diligently would taste the sweetness of faith and worship, and this would then push him to do even more. These would then assist him to reach higher levels and stages.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best.
Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury