The origins of Shaheed are “Shahood” and “Shahadat.” According to Maqayis-ol-Lughata it means the presence of knowledge and one who is aware of everything and this is necessary when one gives witness. The word includes the presence and the witness whether it is done in the heart or through the normal eyes.

“Moshahidol Hajj” is those holy places that are visited by the believers and the angels. Those who die in the way of God are called “Shaheed” because either the angels are present then as witnesses or they witness the rewards for themselves.

It is also used for those who are presented before God, or who die for the cause of truth or those who stand for it or fall to the ground fatally wounded because the earth is also called “Moshahida”. Friday is called “Shahid” because Muslims congregate on that day. The Day of Arfa is called “Mashhood” because the pilgrims to Ka’ba gather there.

Anyway, it is used for God because he is present everywhere or because He witnesses all that His subjects do. (1)

What we learn from this attribute is that God is present everywhere and watches all that we do.

On the Day of Judgment the angels, the recorders of our deeds, our limbs, our bodies, time and place where we lived will not be the only witnesses but God Himself will be a witness. It is certain that if we pay attention to this fact then our deeds will be greatly affected for the better. Yes! The belief in God and the knowledge of His attributes are the best means of educating us.

1. According to Ibn Manzoor in Lisan-ol-Arab and Zubedi in Sharah Qamoos the meaning of Shaheed is that God is the safe-keeper and some say that it means that no knowledge is hidden from Him. Shaheed also means “present’ in the symbolic and metaphorical sense.