Thekabarnews.com—Many Muslims, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia, are arguing about whether or not Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, can be called a martyr (shahid) according to the teachings of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah.

Important Islamic leaders’ deaths deeply impact many Muslims, particularly those who fought against powerful countries. However, experts say that in Sunni Islam, martyrdom is more about faith than politics.

In the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah doctrine, martyrdom has a lot of religious meaning. People usually consider a martyr to be a Muslim who dies while serving God and following the right beliefs (aqidah). The person must have a sincere intention. Also, they must do things that are in line with what Islam teaches.

Some scholars argue that dying in conflict or opposing perceived enemies of Islam does not by itself qualify a person as a martyr.

Things get even harder when Shiite leaders are there. Khamenei and other religious leaders in Iran are part of the Twelver Shiite (Imamiyyah Ithna ‘Ashariyyah) tradition. This school of thought is not at all like Sunni theology when it comes to the idea of imamah. Additionally, there are different views regarding religious authority. There are also different views regarding the historical role of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions.

Many Sunni scholars think that these religious arguments are crucial. Some say Shiite Muslims aren’t Muslims, while others say they’re Muslims who erred. Sunni scholars usually do not consider Shiite religious leaders to be martyrs from a religious perspective.

In Malaysia, religious leaders often say that being a martyr is not a political term or a way to show respect. Instead, it means that someone is religious and is happy with what they believe and how they live their faith. Sunnis should not only say “shahid” for political or diplomatic reasons.

Islamic teachings also say that when someone dies, you should do the right thing. For example, Muslims are told not to laugh at or celebrate someone’s death. Therefore, scholars say that people who believe in God should be kind and let God decide what to do.

People who have seen it happen say that some people or groups may use the word “shahid” in political or diplomatic situations. Yet, scholars, on the other hand, say that this use is different from formal theological acknowledgment in Sunni doctrine.

For many Sunni Muslims in Malaysia or Indonesia, the best thing to do is to follow their religion and do what is right. This way, people who have different ideas about Allah can argue about them. However, they should not use death to spread hate or political propaganda.

According to scholars, Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah in Malaysia and Indonesia mostly view Shiite people as non-shahid. At the same time, Muslims are still told to be humble, polite, and in control of themselves because only Allah can make the final choice.