Ash-Shaheed: The Witness, the Testifier, the Certifier

• The One Who is honest and trustworthy in His testimony.
• He is aware of everything.
• He hears every voice – loud and quiet.
• He sees everything in existence (significant and insignificant). Nothing and no one can escape His sight.
• He has full knowledge of all matters, witnessing the apparent and the hidden anywhere and at any time.
• He will be the Ultimate Witness on the Day of Judgement.
• He is the One Who will testify for or against His servants for their deeds.
• On the Day of Judgement, He will be the Witness for the oppressed, who have no other witness or supporter, thus restoring the rights of the weak and avenging on their behalf.

How can you live by this name?

1. Say the Shahada, live by the Shahada. Your testimony of faith in Allah (swt) is something you not only utter but must live by. When you say “I bear witness there is no god but Allah (swt)”, it means that in your talk, actions, at home, or in public you show that you love Allah (swt) more than anyone else. You accept Him as your Creator, Master and Ruler of the universe. Worship Him alone in all matters and not your desires or pop culture.
2. Trust in Ash-Shaheed.Ash-Shaheed says in this beautifully soothing ayah: “So wait patiently (O Muhammad (sa)) for the Decision of your Lord, for verily, you are under Our Eyes, and glorify the Praises of your Lord when you get up from sleep.” (At-Tur 52:48)Rest assured, if you have been treated unjustly by others through slander, gossip or abuse, Ash-Shaheed is your Witness and you will get justice.
3. Remember that you are a servant. It is sometimes easy to shout at your family or children inside the house or even oppress someone, when you are in a position of authority over them. Remind yourself in every situation – wherever you are, whoever you talk to, whatever position you have – that you are a servant of Allah (swt). Ash-Shaheed is witnessing every step you take and will take you to account. When you are about to do something wrong, look up at the sky and imagine Ash-Shaheed watching you!

3. Don’t make your limbs testify against you.Use your tongue for speech beloved by Ash-Shaheed, your eyes to read the Quran, your limbs to pray to Him, because they all will testify as to what you used them for!
4. Always stand up for the truth. Always stand up for the truth in your testimonies, even if it is against yourself! Sometimes it is hard to admit a mistake and testifying for the truth might even endanger you, but know that this characteristic truly honours the believer, which earns you not just a place in Paradise, but an honourable place! “And those who stand firm in their testimonies, and those who guard their Salat (prayers) well, such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured.” (Al-Ma’arij 70:33-35)