Ash-Shahīd (الشهيد)
Definition
Ash-Shahīd (الشهيد), meaning “The Witness,” is one of the ninety-nine names or attributes of God (Asma’ Allah al-Husna) in Islam. It signifies God’s omnipresence and His ability to witness all that occurs in the universe. The term underscores the belief in God’s comprehensive awareness and attentive observation of all actions, both seen and unseen.
Etymology
The term Ash-Shahīd is derived from the Arabic root ش ه د (sha-ha-da), which means “to witness” or “to testify”. The Arabic word شهيد (shahīd) implies someone who is a witness. In the Islamic theological context, this epithet emphasizes God’s inclusive surveillance and bearing of witness to every event.
Occurrences in the Qur’an
The name Ash-Shahīd is mentioned several times in the Qur’an. For example, in Sūrah Al-Imran (3:98-99):
<p>“Say, ‘O People of the Scripture, why do you disbelieve in the verses of Allah while Allah is Witness over what you do?’”</p>
Such verses highlight the attribute of Allah as someone who “witnesses” all actions, reminding believers of His omnipresent surveillance and judgment.
Significance in Islamic Theology
Ash-Shahīd plays a vital role in Islamic theology by instilling a sense of moral responsibility and accountability among believers. Knowing that God is ever-watchful prompts an individual to act justly and ethically, aligning their actions with divine will. This name also brings solace and reassurance to believers, affirming that injustices and acute actions are observed and will be judged by the Almighty.
Translations
- Arabic: الشهيد (Ash-Shahīd)
- Turkish: Şahit (Though it is a more general term, “Şahit” is commonly used to represent the seeing and witnessing attribute of God in Islamic contexts)
Recommendations for Further Studies
- “The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God” by Ghazzali – This book provides insights into the meanings and implications of each of the 99 names of Allah.
- “Divine Names: The 99 Healing Names of the One Love” by Rosina-Fawzia al-Rawi – An intuitive understanding of each divine name and its psychological and spiritual impacts.
- “The Names and Attributes of Allah” by Shaykh Abdur-Razzaq bin Abdulmuhsin Al-Badr – A systematic exploration of God’s attributes.
- “God: An Islamic Perspective” by William Chittick – Discusses the concept of God in the Islamic tradition.
Key Takeaways
- Ash-Shahīd emphasizes God’s omnipresence and omniscience.
- It is a reminder of moral accountability under divine supervision.
- It provides comfort and assurance of divine justice and watchfulness.
- It is integral to fostering an ethical life aligned with Islamic teachings.
Conclusion
Understanding the name Ash-Shahīd not only enhances one’s knowledge of Islamic theology but also serves as a spiritual guide for living a life of integrity, transparency, and trust in divine justice. The attribute of God’s omnipresence should nurture both fear and hope in the hearts of the believers, encouraging consistent righteous behavior.
