Meaning of Martyrdom
Martyrdom means to be killed on the path of God, and anyone who is killed on the path of God is called a martyr.
Martyrdom is one of the most exalted human virtues and the noblest kind of death.
In the verses of the Holy Quran and the Hadiths of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the status of martyrs is so exalted that every Muslim desires to attain it.
Such a status brings with it the right to intercede, an exalted life, and forgiveness of sins, among other things.
In Arabic, the word Shaheed (martyr) means one who is present and witnesses. A martyr is called Shaheed in Arabic because, although we think he is dead, he is present, witnessing us, and will testify to our deeds on the Day of Resurrection.
According to the Faqihs (jurists), the body of a martyr does not require Ghusl and Kafan (washing and shrouding), and if one touches the body, he or she does not need to perform Ghusl of Mayyit. This applies only to martyrs who are killed on the battlefield with the unbelievers.
The Quran refers to martyrdom as “being killed on the path of God”. For example, God says in Verse 154 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “Do not say that those killed in the Way of Allah are dead, they are alive, although you are unaware.”
Quran interpreters say that based on this verse, martyrs are alive in this world, witnessing our deeds and are present with us even though we do not see their presence.
This is emphasized in another verses as well: “You must not think that those who were killed in the way of Allah are dead. But rather, they are alive with their Lord and have been provided for.” (Verse 169 of Surah Al Imran)
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What it means for martyrs to be alive is not just about the afterlife in Barzakh (purgatory). Based on the verses of the Quran, all people have life after death and everyone will continue to live after leaving this world. However, the fact that martyrs are alive means that they are alive in this world and have influence. They can help weak people, touch our hearts, and guide us to the right path. They are alive in the true sense of the word, and their influence on our world is quite clear.
