Ash-Shahid

Ash-Shahid (The Witness): Details

Ash-Shahid Definition & Meaning

Ash-Shahid is another one of Allah's significant 99 times. The name emphasizes one of Allah's countless marvelous attributes – His attribute of observing every living and non-living thing that exists in this world and beyond it. It is a fact that Allah is an All-Observant and witnesses whatever goes on in the universe. He is always present with us and notices every action, feeling, and movement.

Moreover, Allah's knowledge encompasses everything, and on the final day of judgment, He will be the ultimate witness of our actions and hold us accountable accordingly.

The attribute of being a witness is greatly connected to the power of Allah's unlimited knowledge. To be a witness to everything, you must possess knowledge of the seen and unseen (the ghayab) which only Allah alone possesses. Not a leaf falls for a tree except for Allah's knowledge.

The attribute of being Ash-Shahid is mentioned several times in the Quran. Allah says in the Quran:

"They will make excuses to you when you have returned to them. Say, 'Make no excuse – never will we believe you. Allah has already informed us of your news. And Allah will observe your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger; then you will be taken back to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do.'" (9:94).

This verse talks about how Allah will observe all our deeds and actions in our lifetime and testify for them on the day of judgment. Another verse from Surah Mujadila also confirms this:

"On the Day when Allah will resurrect them all and inform them of what they did. Allah had enumerated it, while they forgot it; and Allah is, over all things, Witness." (58:6).

Allah also says in the Quran:

"Return to your father and say, "O our father, indeed your son has stolen, and we did not testify except to what we knew. And we were not witnessing of the unseen," (12:81).

The believers can benefit from this name as it should serve as a reminder that any deed they commit, whether in private, hidden from others, or in public amid a crowd, Allah will observe and know whatever they do. Nothing is hidden from Him. Therefore, they must do good with their limbs and tongue, as Allah will witness their deeds on the day of judgment.

Benefits of Ash-Shaheed

• Ash-Shaheed is a name that testifies to Allah's glorious attribute of always being present for His servant. Reflecting on this attribute can be beneficial for every Muslim and prevent them from straying down the wrong path.

• Moreover, reciting Ash-Shaheed 21 times by placing your hand on the head of a disobedient person, such as a child, can help guide the person to the right path and help them become obedient and respectful.

• There are several ways you can recite Ash-Shahid. It can be highly beneficial to include it in your daily dhikr routine. However, it is recommended that you do dhikr at the same time every day to avoid procrastinating or forgetting to do it. Preferably, it should be done after offering your five daily prayers. So, try to establish a consistent and set routine for your dhikr every day and ensure you never miss out on it to maximize gaining blessings from Allah.

• However, if that’s impossible, you can also recite it in the morning and evening or even during moments of solitude and reflection. The recitation of the blessed names of Allah, no matter when will bring blessings upon the believer.

• You can incorporate the name into your daily life to achieve more blessings, such as in your daily conversations. For example, try to pass on your knowledge about the names of Allah, their meaning, and their benefits to those around you – especially children to enable them to learn more about their deen/faith and become closer to Allah.

Names of Allah with the Same Meaning as Ash-Shahid

A name of Allah with a similar meaning to Ash-Shahid is Al-Khabeer. Al-Khabeer comes from the root “ خ ب ر," which has the following connotations: to be aware or to know and understand the true knowledge or inner meaning of a thing. The name translates to the One who is Aware or knows the truth of things.

The name is mentioned 45 times in the Quran. Allah says in the Quran:

"O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow – and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do." (59:18).

Allah indeed possesses all the knowledge of what we do or what may be in our hearts. Even if we say or do something different than what we want, Allah is aware of it as he is all-knowing and all-observant.

Allah also says in Surah Al-Anam:

"Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the Subtle, the Acquainted." (6:103).

Therefore, this attribute of Allah should serve as a reminder about the countless and glorious attributes and powers of our creators. He knows what is in our hearts, and He is present with us every moment. Therefore, we should never feel alone and be patient and steadfast in faith.

Other Verses from the Quran About Allah being Ash-Shaheed 

Allah says in the Quran:

"What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil, [O man], is from yourself. And We have sent you, [O Muhammad], to the people as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as Witness." (4:79)

"We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness? (41:53)