Episode 24 - (And He takes from among you martyrs)

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah, Brothers and sisters, we see in the Muslim world today hundreds of Muslims being killed daily, as in Syria and elsewhere. We see young people striving in the cause of Allah to raise His word, but they are fewer in number and less equipped than their enemies, so many of them are killed...We see this and we grieve and suffer, and it is right that we should. But we may forget an important meaning, which is that the selection of martyrs is intended in itself. Allah Almighty wants to take from His servants martyrs. He said: ((And those days We distribute among the people, and Allah knows those who believe and takes from among you martyrs)). Note: Allah Almighty changes the balance of power so that the disbelievers prevail, and the believers strive against them, and blood is shed in His cause, for this is the noblest form of servitude. That the Muslim offers his blood in the cause of Allah Almighty. Therefore, the selection of martyrs is a requirement in itself, not an incidental or collateral damage to the greater purpose. Rather, just as Allah loves to raise His word and defeat His enemies, He also loves to take martyrs.

This is a meaning we forget while we mourn the thousands of youth in the afflicted Muslim lands, and some say: their blood was wasted, no by Allah – if Allah wills – their blood was not wasted as long as they were killed for the sake of their religion and died steadfast upon it. They did not perish in vain, but Allah took them for Himself.

Notice the expression: ((And He takes from among you)) meaning: for Himself, the Exalted ((martyrs)). Imagine a box presented to you, and you disdain everything in it except a precious jewel that you take for yourself and say: this is my share and portion. And Allah has the highest example: what does Allah want with the world and what is in it?! All of it, with its beauty and splendor and wealth, does not weigh with Allah the wing of a mosquito...He only takes for Himself and brings to His bosom: the martyrs.

But...of course, without a doubt, and without a doubt...this speech is not for those who sit idle to discourage them from aiding their oppressed Muslim brothers. It is not for those who have not exerted themselves to aid their brothers and sisters to say: (Why should we grieve for them? Let them be killed as martyrs! No! But we say this to those who try to fulfill their duty towards the oppressed Muslims with whatever strength they have, but obstacles prevent them. We say it so that people know that Allah has wisdom in everything and has mercy upon His believing servants. As for those who fall short towards their oppressed brothers, let them grieve, and let them grieve for themselves first because they will be held accountable for their shortcoming.

We ask Allah to let us live happily and take us as martyrs. And peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.