Martyrdom - The Journey of Self Sacrifice
Self-sacrifice in all men mortal living, Of all things is most fine: I sacrificed a mortal eye; and giving, Received an eye divine. See, people! See, give ere ye eat, let others have a share. This done with your best will and care, Blameless to heaven you shall repair. 499. Sivi Jātaka
Throughout the ages history is replete with magnificent examples of altruism and self-sacrifice, the old adage ‘it is more blessed to give than receive’ is at the heart of this message. The word ‘Martyr’ is derived from the Greek for witness or testimony. Whatever our heartfelt feelings are they will manifest in the material plane. So how else can we prove our testimony without passing through trials and tribulations? Let us remember God does not need us to make these sacrifices but they are for the sake of ourselves and brothers in faith who are inspired by our gift of sacrifice to perhaps follow in our footsteps. Like brave explorers we take the first steps to forge a new fertile territory for righteous endeavour, a gift for the next generation.
And whoever strives ˹in God’s cause˺, only does so for their own good. Surely God is not in need of ˹any of˺ His creation. 1:69 Quran
Who has not heard of the heroic courage of Joan of Arc who rallied her people to overcome the might of the aggressors, Abraham pbuh and his willingness to sacrifice his own son, the bravery of Hussain pbuh to stand up to the most evil Yazid .l.a. in the deserts of Iraq, Socrates pbuh who drank the Hemlock cup in Athens, they all ‘witnessed’ to the truth in extreme degrees. And also the likes of Daniel who willingly stepped in the lion’s den was not mauled but his ‘witnessing to truth’ prevailed over love of the self.
If we look at the apostles, ‘they witnessed’ Jesus pbuh who represented the divine in creation speak the word of God, act out the word of God and willing sacrifice everything in this worldly life for God. Jesus was the aesthetic, that first called to the people with the kind word, who warned the tyrants to change their ways, but when they failed to listen the ‘checkmate’ or ultimate confrontation this led to the ultimate act of defiance as they had to either accept him as their ‘King of the Jews’ and hand over the keys to power or deny him and kill him. In many instances this is the only way to reveal the clear truth to the common people and pave the way for others to follow the path of God and reinforce their strength to self sacrifice as well.
This act of ‘witnessing’ surely gives us the strength to try to become a mirror for the truth. As Jesus said if you believe in me you will do greater than me. Logically it seems there must be an unfolding of the self, a gradual process ascending through levels of greater sacrifice. Let us see if we can observe this unravelling through Jesus and his story.
At the first level this requires martyrdom of our personal identity, the willingness to give up everything we hold dear to us, or have gained through our own blood sweat and tears. Quite simply anything that can help support the call of God. This would be our life savings or property and our livelihood, no mean feat if we still have any doubts in our heart. To let go of honour in our community leading to detachment, humility, courage and temperance.
It is clear from the teachings of Jesus that he helped the apostles understand the impermanence of this world and reach this level of sacrifice, willingly. Evidently through his own transfiguration and how Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Thus apostles like Peter and Andrew gave up their livelihoods and comfortable lives to support the call freely. Joseph of Arimthea was a rich merchant trader who became a disciple of Jesus threatening his reputation and his wealth to help support the fledgling faith. Nicodemus was a religious scholar who saw these signs of Jesus and was prepared to denounce his affinity with the powerful synagogue despite losing his reputation and status.
Matthew 19:21 “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
At the time of Prophet Mohammed pbuh, there was the example of Lady Khadijah pbuh, she was a rich merchant. She employed the messenger of God and was so convinced by his morals and honest and wise dealings that she became a firm believer. Afterwards she willingly sacrificed her wealth in order that the faith would spread far and wide; eventually she died destitute and malnourished for the sake of truth. "Islam did not rise except through Ali's sword and Khadija's wealth,"
Ye should believe in God and His messenger, and should strive for the cause of God with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you, if ye did but know. 61:11 Quran
So it seems giving up your material attachments is a prerequisite to being an ansar or follower of God’s righteous servant. If we are able to take this first step, Jesus teaches us we must also be prepared to relinquish our personal attachments, our relationships with our wives, mother or father, son or daughter, but of course only if they are toxic.
We have commanded people to honour their parents. But if they urge you to associate with Me what you have no knowledge of,1 then do not obey them. Quran 29:8
Jesus had similar teachings. 35For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’…Matt 10:35
Just as with Lot pbuh and Noah pbuh whose wives were antagonistic to the call. Krishna helped Arjuna realise in his time that his cousins were fighting against God and for the sake of ensuring the throne would be held in God’s charge he was prepared to kill blood relatives. This was a tough sacrifice for Arjuna but when he admitted himself that his cousins were not sincere and their continued existence would lead to oppression and suffering for people he was able to overcome this doubt. So this act of sacrifice is full of merit and sensibility.
Their thoughts are overpowered by greed and they see no wrong in annihilating their relatives or wreaking treachery upon friends….Through the evil deeds of those who destroy the family tradition and thus give rise to unwanted progeny, a variety of social and family welfare activities are ruined. B Gita.
So in this state it seems the adherents are reaching closer to full faith and trust entering the hearts of the followers of Jesus. In tandem with this or soon after the adherents should be willing to migrate in the way of God. They must be prepared to sacrifice the sweet comforts of their homeland in order to help propagate the faith. Prophet Mohammed pbuh called his followers to travel to Yathrib when the oppression had become magnified and the faith was being stifled. They had to travel not knowing if they would face further persecution or confrontations in the new lands.
As for those who emigrated for the sake of God after having been persecuted, We will provide them with a fine abode in this life; yet better still is the reward of the life to come, if they but knew it (16:41).
Was it not a sacrifice for the Israelites at the time of Moses pbuh when they faced a clear choice to remain in Egypt and face the tyranny and oppression of Pharaoh or join Moses on a journey to the wilderness. In Egypt despite the oppression, the delta region was an oasis of fresh fruits and meats but the exodus was to a desert land with extreme suffocating heat and parched lands with no promise of sustenance. Ultimately this was a test to see if they were attached to the worldly comforts or willing to sacrifice and face the uncertain future in the wilderness with the prophet of God.
Once again if we reflect there should not have been any real fear or doubt in the hearts of the faithful or any procrastination. If we trust God is our redeemer than walking with God’s righteous servant can only lead to righteousness. 23I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. 2 Jeremiah 10:23
Whilst Jesus pbuh reminded his people that their message would not be accepted in their homeland so they also would have to travel far and wide to spread the good seed just as the disciples in the book of Acts. They would go to Asia and Africa and parts of Europe.
At this stage through the power of the holy spirit they too could attest to the word of God. This sacrifice was by spreading the good seed, in doing so they sacrificed their reputation and status amongst the people. Through this willingness to sacrifice God gave them the power to endure in the most difficult of circumstances. It is clear that the apostles of Jesus were tasked to announce to all comers the promise of the coming of the kingdom of God. By now they had discovered happiness was rooted in moral virtue and the spirit of selfless love generating tranquillity.
14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Acts
There is no doubt that when you illuminate the world with the word of God you will face a backlash. This is verifiable proof that you are threatening the establishment built on the foundation of falsehood. Those who adhere to the darkness and seek to oppress the light have their own mission to fulfil.
Let us test him with insult and torture, so that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance. Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected” (Ws 2:12)
The reality was disclosed by the Roman Empire who used subterfuge to embrace the faith even if superficially to check its progress and subdue its adherents, highlighted by their efforts in the ‘Council of Nicea’. For all those who were oppressed and tormented or gladiators butchered in the colosseum their example gave hope and fostered a spirit of resolve that transcended this mortal coil. In such a 'way' the adherents could also bear any persecution and calamity in peace knowing that God's ultimate victory would be secured. They in turn felt reassured that they would become unified with the spirit of truth.
Jesus never glossed over the truth; he warned his adherents that by speaking out against sin, greed and lust they would be accused and tormented. Though this vehement attack would be a proof in itself that they were on the righteous path.
“Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles” Mt 10:17
That the heretics have been hunted and proscribed from every place, land, roof of the surrounding area and are vanquished, beaten and subjected.’ Jesuit Confessor.
This planted the seed of encouragement in the likes of apostle Simon Peter. When threatened by the council of the Jews with death for speaking the word of Jesus, Peter persisted “We must obey God rather than human beings! …..31 God exalted Jesus to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Stephen, another disciple of Jesus was ready now to face the final curtain, the stage was set and he stood upright to defend the word of God in full knowledge it would most likely cost him his life. The religious elders rebuked him “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
Stephen reminded the council how the previous elders had denied Moses ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ and how Moses pbuh had promised another messenger would come, a man these scholars had denied already, Jesus pbuh ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people.’
Stephen’s indomitable spirit and willingness to ascend to the high table of self-sacrifice and witness to the truth was about to be revealed. The words of Jesus would have been resonating in his ears but he with full peace and serenity was willing to sacrifice his own flesh. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” Luke 14:26
Jesus makes it very clear that this is not a choice but a requirement of a righteous servant as a ‘witness’ unto himself of his love of truth and God he must be willing to give his life, this is the pledge of a true disciple. This is simply because this is the most powerful tool in the dissimulation of the divine message. How many people became muslims because of the sacrifice of Hussain pbuh, or Christains because of the martyrdom of the saints and the crucifixion. St John “If the grain of wheat does not fall to the ground and die, it alone remains; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” 12:24
How many people hold remembrance festivals today, over 1000 years later, gathering in their millions in honour of these willing martyrs. Some even go to the extent of trying to act out the events to show solidarity with the martyr, such as in Karbala, Iraq and in the mock crucifixions of Pampanga in the Philippines. They wish to consecrate and honour this ultimate act of sacrifice. The martyrs lead others to reflect and ponder what are their true values and open up many hearts to a new understanding and willingness to stand up to all forms of tyranny and injustice. The spirit of redemption becomes manifest with such an act of defiance and love for truth.
Thus, the disciple of Jesus pbuh, Stephen willingly exposed himself and left the elders with their only desire to silence him forever at any cost. He exclaimed to them “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”
Once the good seed has been planted the weeds or evil scholars of the age who want to defile the crop from flourishing will always rise up and try to choke the life out of you.
At first we can expect to face mockery, arrogant refusal, a backlash, personal ridicule and slander. Through such torment due to humility and faith this grants us the courage to remain defiant. In a world where conviction of character has diminished such an act restores hope of devotion to a just cause and brings a sense of unity to many disinchanted with the status quo. This is really a catalyst to unite the flame of truth in those sincere hearts. This is an act of beatitude to Jesus but in a world of sin and denial usually it has only one ultimate response, the martyrdom of the flesh. But for the honourable apostle and lover of truth and God this becomes an essential and willing act. Jesus confirmed that the spreading of the good seed will most likely end in the wolves in sheep’s clothing sacrificing you.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. . . . Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Mt 5:10, 12).
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him Acts 7
Here we see Stephen at the final moment full of Shekinah, or the divine presence of God, he had already begun to ascend and release his mortal coil.
In Ancient Greece, a similar narrative played out through one man, Socrates pbuh, who sought to bring justice and harmony to the Atheninan state that lent itself to fornication, debauchery and oppression of the masses whilst presenting a veil of fake sanctity.
He was the first person who really talked about human life; and he was also the first philosopher who was condemned to death and executed.
His only crime it seemed was to make people reflect on their behaviour and want to change their own system that gave leadership to those with the most influence and status. Those wealthy aristocrats who even if their ability was inadequate to enforce justice and harmony remained on the throne and were consumed with the lust for power . ‘He made his companions despise the established law, saying that it was foolish to establish the rulers of the city by lot’, He was convicted to death for suggesting seeing God in a different way and enabling the youth to reflect on this, ‘I went there, undertaking to persuade each of you not to care about your possessions before you care about how you will be the best and wisest you can be, nor to care about what the city has, before you care about the city itself, and to care about other things in just the same way. Being this sort of person, what do I deserve to suffer? Something good, Athenians!’ 10
In the end he was judged the way a doctor is prosecuted by a manufacturer of sweets before a jury of young children. Sometimes it is the bitter medicine the people need to reform their lives and he endeavoured to highlight these issues to exorcise the demons from men. So by return as is usual ‘the demons themselves, by means of men who rejoiced in iniquity, compassed his death, as an atheist and a profane person, on the charge that "he was introducing new divinities;" In complete peace and serenity he drank the hemlock cup knowing what he did was the work of God and so did not waiver form his path to the ultimate sacrifice.
Once again we can remind ourselves of the immortal words of Krishna pbuh which reveal the inability of the evil doers to harm the soul force and thus we should be in a state of Shehkinah at this critical moment. Just as a man casts off his worn-out clothes and puts on new ones, so also the embodied Self casts off Its worn out bodies and enters that are new. B Gita 2.22
The Roman scribes after Jesus recognised the power of the holy christian martyr. “Behold! Know what little value is placed on the body by those who seek great glory” (2.12.13). - Livy Mucius
Did not Imam Ali pbuh remind us this worldly life is only transitory and has no real substance. By God, this world of yours is more lowly in my view than the (left over) bone of a pig in the hand of a leper and should we cling or lust for anything in this fleeting life when we recognise this truth, except the word of God. O Abu Tharr, be in this life as if you are a stranger or a passerby, and consider yourself as one of the people of graves.
Bouddha himself mirrored this truth in his teachings. Life is an illusion, a dream, a bubble, a shadow. Nothing is permanent. Nothing is worthy of anger. Nothing is worthy of dispute. Nothing. Dhammapada
So now the ‘witness’ account or testimony is complete and the badge of discipleship has been woven into the heart and soul of the faithful servant of God. He deserves his reward to sit at the right hand of his father and with his selfless act becomes a beacon of light and support for forthcoming generations who are persecuted and oppressed in the name of God.
So through the story of Jesus pbuh and the acts of the apostles we see the unfolding of the rose bud of sacrificial faith and the essential levels of martyrdom. We take the journey of ascension from the ‘witnessing’ of the material attachments. The willingness to give up our reputation and livelihood, the severing of toxic emotional bonds. Next the giving up of our creature comforts and migration to be with the proof of God in creation. We then must be prepared to persist in speaking the good word to the people whether the reaction is positive or not. Ultimately when they verbally attack us we must not relent and offer up ourselves as the ultimate sacrifice to weave the badge of honour in our heart and soul.
11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. Matthew 5
The true beauty in this ultimate act is the choice to let go of everything we hold precious, the breadth of life, the touch of a loved one, the singing of a nightingale, but only for the sake of God. We do this to embrace something unknown in complete trust that this life is really an illusion and in doing so free ourselves of chains so that no act of hatred or cruelty can shake us anymore. In this state we gladly drink the nectar or cup of martyrdom. Through this act we attest to our faith in the true light King.
As St.Peter reassured the test is a way to verify your sincerity and trust in Jesus “In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire’ 1 Pt 1:6–7
The blood of the martyrs becomes the seed of the faith in others. No matter how powerful or oppressive the Empire is this seed could not be eradicated from the consciousness of the faithful. Whether this defamation came from the religious elders or ruling elite it made no difference the victory for the truth was assured and the martyr had fulfilled his covenant.
The verifiable proof is that the Christians that followed the apostles despite the ongoing persecution imposed by the Roman empire were resolute to sacrifice their lives for the truth. The power of the ‘way’ of Christ had reached such levels that Nero tried to burn Rome down to enact a holocaust and justify the eradication of the followers of the apostles.
After the apostles there was Ignatius of Antioch, the epistle Polycarp, a noble sage who at 86 years who would not relent from preaching the word of Christ. He was taken to the crowded arena accepting his fate and declared as he had seen in a vision "It must need be that I shall be burned alive." and when threatened he disclaimed "Eighty-six years have I been His servant, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" "You threaten that fire which burns for a season and after a little while is quenched: for you are ignorant of the fire of future judgement and eternal punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly. But why do you delay? Come, do what you will." I bless You because You have granted me this day and hour, that I might receive a portion amongst the number of martyrs in the cup of Your Christ unto resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and of body, in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit. He was torn by lashes until his veins were exposed and his inward flesh was made visible and as the bystanders wept but he did not groan and he endured patiently. A martyr is a wrestler, an athlete, and his martyrdom is a fight, in an arena, at grips with the diabolical powers which want to make him sacrifice to idols in order to recover their strength in his defeat.
Only the speech of a martyr can truly shake the throne of the tyrants and send reverberations throughout the empire. As a latter day Christian saint, Origen testified to the truth of one God and slandered the indignity of the law and church in 3AD ‘You do not examine the charges made against us; but, yielding to unreasoning passion, and to the instigation of evil demons, you punish us without consideration or judgement. Hence we are called atheists. And we confess that we are atheists, so far as gods of this sort are concerned, but not with respect to the most true God, the Father of righteousness and temperance and the other virtues, who is free from all impurity. But both Him, and the Son (who came forth from Him and taught us these things, and the host of the other good angels who follow and are made like to Him), and the prophetic Spirit, we worship and adore, knowing them in reason and truth, and declaring without grudging to every one who wishes to learn, as we have been taught.
Clement Alexandria remark, from Flavian “We conquer death and are not conquered by it,” The soul never dies “O, death, where is thy sting? O, grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Cor 15:56).
Tertullian from Carthage pronounced, ‘The more often we are mown down by you, the more in number we grow; the blood of Christians is a seed. . On this account it is that we return thanks on the spot for your sentences. As the divine and human are ever opposed to each other, when we are condemned by you, we are acquitted by the Highest.”
As Jesus promised his followers in every age, if they sincerely deny themselves on his path and willingly sacrifice to God this is the highest goal. "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his soul would lose it, and whoever loses his soul for My sake will save it" (Matt. 16:24-25)
The last word goes to Confucius pbuh who aptly said about the journey we must be prepared to undertake 'The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.'
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