A Tribute to Martyrs
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You are alive, everlasting
The Qur’an has said so*

He, your Lord, has with his own hands placed this crown upon you
You are the honor, grandeur of your nation
You are the dignity of loyalty itself
You have with the ink of blood, brightened the face of your homeland

You are alive, everlasting
The Qur’an has said so

You are the heir of Hamza and Haider**
Striking down your enemies like lightning,
Making the character of Husayn† your own
You have made history repeat itself

You are alive, everlasting
The Qur’an has said so

By Jawad Iqbal
Recited by Malala Yousafzai

Footnotes:
*Qur’an [3:169] – “And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of God as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision”
**Hamza was Prophet Muhammad’s beloved uncle killed at the Battle of Uhud, known as “Chief of the Martyrs”; Haider refers to Hazrat Ali Ibn Talib (AS), the greatest intellectual and warrior in Arabia after the Prophet (swawm) and also his son-in-law, who was martyred while prostrating in prayer
†Imam Husayn (AS) is the Prophet’s beloved grandson and supreme example of martyrdom, killed at Karbala, along with his family and friends, fighting ultimate injustice and tyranny