‘Shahid’ (Witness) and ‘Mashhud’ (Witnessed) from Surah Al-Buruj

Surah Al-Burooj (The Towering Constellations) strengthened the heart of the Prophet (pbuh) and his followers by referring to the fate of those who tortured earlier believers. This video looks at Ayah 3 - 9 where Allah Azza wa Jall (Arabic: عزّ وجلّ - meaning Mighty and the Majestic; or: Glorified and Sublime be He.) talks about the Shahid (Witness) and Mashhud (Witnessed). This concept is explained with the example of trench-makers.

Various suggestions are made as to who these trench-makers were, among others, that they were those commanded to make a trench by a Jewish ruler of sixth-century Yemen in order to torture Christians, also that the passage could refer to Nimrod’s treatment of Abraham (Razi).

Do you really know them? Mufti Menk

Kharashah ibn al-Hurr reported: A man gave his testimony to Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him. Umar said to him, “I do not know you and it will not harm you that I do not know. Bring someone who knows you.” A man from his people said, “I know him.” Umar said, “What do you know about him?” The man said, “His justice and virtue.” Umar said, “Is he your closest neighbor, such that you know him by his coming and going by day and night?” The man said no. Umar said, “Then, have you had business dealings with him, by which you are shown his piety?” The man said no. Umar said, “Then, have you traveled with him on a journey, by which you are shown his good character?” The man said no. Umar said, “You do not know him.” Umar turned to the witness and said, “Bring me someone who knows you.”

Source: al-Sunan al-Kubrá 19769

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani