The concept of Martyrdom in Islam

The glorious religion of Islam enjoys the privilege of being the ultimate guidance for mankind. Those
who realize the true meaning and potentials of this great code of life successfully pass all the hurdles
that are present not only in this world, but also in the life that starts after death. For a Muslim no one is
more important than Allah Almighty and his last messenger and Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Every true
Muslim is willing to sacrifice all that he or she has in the way of Allah almighty. Our Lord is also very kind
he loves and values the spirit of his people and whenever anyone sacrifices something dear to him for
the sake of Allah his deed is highly appreciated by the creator of this universe. This is the reason that the
concept of Martyrdom is of great value in Islam.

In true Arabic the word that is popular in relation to Martyrdom is Shahadat. A person receives Shahadat
when he sacrifices his life for the sake of Allah almighty and protection of Islam. Such a person is called
Shaheed and is highly valued and respected not only by the Muslims, but also by Allah almighty his self.
The status that is enjoyed by a person who sacrifices his life for Allah can be analyzed by the fact that
in Quran Allah almighty has forbidden to call a Shaheed dead. Allah says that those who are martyred
are alive and take their food from Allah almighty. According to this statement you can judge that people
who receive the blessing of Shahadat never die in fact they get to live a life that will never end.

For a Muslim there can be no better reward than getting Shaheed. Now let us have a look that how
can you define a Shaheed. While looking at different Hadith and Ayaat that are present in Quran one
can conclude that A person who doesn’t care for his life and loves Allah more than anything to such an
extent that when it is needed he never hesitates and sacrifices his self for the sake of religion is regarded
as a Shaheed. This is the main concept of Martyrdom in Islam that has been allotted with a lot of
respect and value. This is a designation a status that is highly appreciated by Allah almighty as he values
the courage and sacrifice of his man or woman and awards them with many precious rewards.

For getting more detail about the status of a Shaheed lets have a look at a hadith

“One who gets killed in the way of Allah, Allah will not account anything from his sins (i.e. Allah will
forgive all his sins.) (Wasaaelush Shiah, vol. 6, pg. 9, tradition 19).

At another place it has been mentioned that

“The most beloved drop of blood in front of Allah is the drop of blood in the way of Allah.” (Wasaaelush
Shiah, vol. 6, pg. 10, tradition 20).

This was a brief over view about the concept of Martyrdom in Islam.

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