Wa `alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

Martyrs are those who fight and die in jihad; jihad should not be confused with the mayhem and blood shed that are unleashed against the civilians and innocent people under the false pretext of establishing a caliphate. This is nothing short of terrorism as declared by the eminent scholars and jurists all over the world.

As for those who die as martyrs fighting in a just war, they will be honored by Allah. All of their sins except involving violations of the rights of humans or Allah’s creation. Allah will not forgive such sins unless the victims themselves forgive them.

It is also important to point out that our mission in this life is to uphold truth and justice and act as vicegerents of Allah on this earth.

This is a stupendous task. Getting killed should not be an end in itself.

Real jihad is to struggle to make truth and justice prevail.

Allah Almighty knows best.