The True Meaning Of Shaheed
20-03-2008
Many often wonder what drives one to become a martyr. There are actually many
reasons. However, in light of a special type of "martyr," we need to make a
distinction between "martyr" and "Shaheed" (an Islamic term). When translators
relay to us the word "Shaheed", they usually translate it as "Martyr." This is
not quite accurate. In the English language, as well as other languages, there
exists no special word to describe the exact meaning of "Shaheed."
A martyr is one who decides to give up his life for whatever cause he serves or
to uphold his principles and honour. Maybe he wishes to go down in history as a
hero. Maybe he feels very passionate about his country or his philosophy that he
would risk his life for it. Some martyrs do die for their religion. Some risk
their lives to uphold truth and justice. A martyr has many reasons for which he
may risk his life.
However, the term "Shaheed" is only applied to those who sacrifice their lives
for Allah's (God's) cause. They have no fear; they only fear Allah and want to
obey Him and to serve Him. They realize that their lives belong to Allah, the
One who created them, so it is a gift and we should not be so selfish about it.
To obey Allah and to implement what He has commanded (truth, justice and
liberty) might mean the loss of their loves. Their lover for Allah motivates
them to sacrifice the precious gift of life. They are assured of a great reward
in the end for their unselfish act. Their focus is on the next life and on
pleasing Allah.
In some cases, people have translated, or named, "Shaheed"
as "suicide" bomber". This is such an ugly term (the correct term is "Amaliyah
al-Istisyhad" {actions of seeking shaheed}. It is allowed in the land of war {dar
al-harb} or in time of war to create fear {irhab} and major losses to the
enemies, including actions that would kill oneself. It’s totally different than
suicide action). A Muslim knows that suicide is prohibited and that Allah will
punish them for it; it is like murder, even though one would be killing one's
self. A Shaheed has no desire to die for the sake of escaping life. He loves
life. A Muslim should want to continue living and never even wish he were dead
because maybe his life could serve the purpose of Allah and he could continue
doing good deeds. A Shaheed decides when he goes off to fight for Allah's
cause that he is not going to fear death. His attitude is to submit to whatever
Allah has chosen for him, and he will accept the outcome. He would prefer not to
die and leave his family, but at the same time he almost looks forward to the
sacrifice because of the great reward he'll receive form Allah. He knows he'll
be in Paradise forever. He doesn't even fear the pain of death because Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) has told the Believers that at the time a Shaheed dies, he will
not feel the pain; this is the mercy of Allah. The pain will be similar to a
bee's sting.
However, in order to earn the title of Shaheed one must have the correct Niat
(intention). In Islam intention is important behind every action in the
religion. The only One who really knows the true intention of a person is Allah,
for He sees their heart and knows their mind. Thus, the reward will rest upon
the intention of the person. The Shaheed must have in his intention to risk his
life only for Allah and not for anyone else. It can't be for his own ego. It
can't be for the title of "hero". It can't be for revenge, for Allah will truly
take care of the evildoers. It must be to serve the purpose of Allah and to
uphold truth, justice, and liberty as well as to fight against all types of
oppression. Allah states in the Qur'an that "Those who believe, and suffer exile
and strive with might and main,, in Allah's cause, with their goods and their
persons, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah: They are the people who
will achieve (salvation)" (Quran 9:20)
To die as a Shaheed is an honour. Some people desire this title if they must die
because of the great reward. Other people can achieve equal reward as a Shaheed:
those who die from terminal illnesses like cancer, the woman who dies as a
result of childbirth or those who are murdered.
An incentive to be a Shaheed is found in the Hadeeth that states: "No one who
enters Paradise will want to come back to the world and have anything on the
earth except the 'Shaheed'. He will wish to return to the world and be killed
ten times because of the honour he sees" (Bukhari and Muslim).
We can understand why a Muslim is happy to sacrifice his life. He gains great
reward in Paradise as well as honour. We see so many who've died under the hands
of occupiers, tyrants and barbarians. They fought in defence, but they also
fought to uphold truth, liberty, justice and their religion. Many are honoured
as a Shaheed, but only Allah knows their true intentions. Allah willing, they
are in Paradise.
Submitted by a Mujahid