In Islam, the concept of martyrdom (shahada in Arabic) refers to the act of sacrificing one’s life to testify and bear witness to one’s faith and a noble cause. On a deeper spiritual level, it represents the ultimate demonstration of one’s commitment and devotion to God and religious principles.

We see this on display in Palestine and Lebanon as the indigenous people there defend their land, at the highest cost possible. In Palestine more than 42,000 Palestinians have been martyred in an Israeli genocide and thousands more are suspected to be buried under rubble.

Gaza

• Killed: at least 42,227 people, including nearly 16,765 children
• Injured: more than 98,464 people
• Missing: more than 10,000

The latest figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the occupied West Bank are as follows:

Israeli Occupied West Bank

• Killed: at least 752 people, including more than 164 children
• Injured: more than 6,250 people

Quran 2:154 states: “Do not say regarding those who are slain in the path of God that they are dead; rather they are alive but you are not aware.” Quran 3:169 states: “Do not consider as dead those who are slain in the path of God; rather they are alive and well-provided for in the presence of their Lord.”