The Afghan Martyrs — Page 143
prayer like other Muslims sufficient defence? Did they not remember that during the heat of the moment a companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) killed an opponent in a battle after he had recited Kalima Shahada. When the news reached the Holy Prophet (PBUH) he summoned the companion and asked why he had killed someone after he had recited the Kalima. In answer the companion said, "Because he recited the Kalima out of fear. " The Holy Prophet (PBUH) asked him if he had cut open his breast to see if his heart had or had not accepted Islam. The indignation and disapproval expressed by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was so intense that later on the companion said again and again, "I wish I had not been born so that I would not have been recipient of the anger and displeasure of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). " In the instance quoted above a person merely recited the Kalima from his lips and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) confirmed that he was a Muslim. Here, not only was Kalima being recited repeatedly but the two victims had, facing Qibla, in full view of the spectators, offered prayers in the Islamic fashion in congregation. It never occurred to the oppressors that by killing a Muslim they were guilty of disobedience to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). After finishing their prayers the victims addressed the gathering and assured them that they had no wish to escape. They said, II Since we continue to receive glad tidings that our sacrifice is for the sake of the true faith happily and with satisfaction we are accepting our destiny. There is no need to half bury us in pits, we will both sit down and you can pelt us with stones and view the spectacle. You will see that we will not make a single move. " Finally, sitting on their haunches, in a loud and clear voice the two martyrs began to recite the Kalima Shadaha, "I bear witness that 143