ISLAMIC TEACHING ON MARTYRDOM

Abstract:
This research work examines the Islamic teaching on martyrdom. It explores the role Islam plays on the practice of the concept of martyrdom in the religion. For this to be embracing, it examines the meaning of Islam, the role of prophet Muhammad in Islam, sources of Islamic law, martyrdom, types of martyrdom, causes of martyrdom, and so on, in order to expose readers to this concept. The significance of this work is the fact that it proffers scholarly answers to the problems posed by martyrdom among Muslims and non-Muslims.
These answers will bring about inter-religious dialogue and understanding, which in turn, will enhance religious harmony and peaceful co-existence among Muslims and their neighbors. To achieve this objective, the researcher adopts as her methodology the library research/historical method as well as oral interviews to obtain information for this work. Findings from this research work show that martyrdom from time past had always had a strong physical and psychological impact on both martyrs and those around them. It was also discovered that martyrdom is used as a weapon of the weak and poor against stronger opponents. It discovered, too, that martyrdom is self-sacrifice operations performed by one or more people against enemies who are far out-stripping them in numbers. This work further disclosed that Muslims and non- Muslims have lost their lives or have been severally sanctioned as a result of martyrdom and suicide bombing attack.
In conclusion, this research noted that the effects of martyrdom in Islam are known and felt beyond national boundaries, and that the war against this menace requires unprecedented efforts and approaches from government and religious leaders the world over. This work further concludes that strengthening the code of conduct among the Muslims will ensure sanctions and enable Muslims and non-Muslims to co-exist peacefully. It is the discovery of this work that martyrdom in Islam promises the highest rank with Allah and the best position in the hereafter.
Recommendations from this study include: government and religious leaders in the country should establish or strengthened code of conduct and efforts in the fight against martyrdom in Islam; there is need for value re-orientation in Islam for the adherent of this religion for them to follow the will of Good and the teaching of Prophet Muhammad; all Muslim brothers and sisters should uphold the virtue of mutual love and kindness to one another and also resort to intensive prayers during the month of Ramadan, in order to avoid Jihad (holy war) among Muslims and non-Muslims; furthermore legitimate religious reasons for discouraging martyrdom should be published continually in order to make people think carefully and critically about the negative consequences of martyrdom in Islam.