1. Historical Centre of Sacred Knowledge

Shaam has been a foundational region for Islamic scholarship since the early Islamic conquests. With key institutions like the Umayyad Mosque, Madrasah al-Zāhiriyyah, and centres in Jerusalem, Aleppo, and Tripoli, it produced major scholars such as Imam al-Nawawi, Ibn Taymiyyah, and al-Awza‘i, nurturing a legacy of Hadith, Fiqh, Sufism, and intellectual thought.

2. Enduring Influence and Revived Legacy

Despite periods of decline due to colonialism and conflict, Shaam’s educational and spiritual heritage continues to influence the Muslim world. Its scholars, texts, and teaching methods remain central in Islamic seminaries globally, and new efforts—like digital platforms and global migration of scholars—are reviving its sacred tradition today.

Martyrs of Shaam: Then and Now

1. Martyrs of the Past: Defenders of Faith and Land

Shaam — the land of the Prophets AS and scholars — has always been soaked in the blood of martyrs who stood in defence of Islam, justice, and truth. From the earliest Islamic conquests, brave souls laid down their lives to protect the region and uphold the Deen:

Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, including Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, Mu‘adh ibn Jabal, and Shurahbil ibn Hasanah, رضي اللله عنهم were martyred during the plague of Amwas (639 CE) while serving in the path of Allah in Shaam.

During the Crusades, scholars and soldiers alike, including the likes of Imad al-Din Zangi and Nur al-Din Zangi رحمه الله, led the resistance, many sacrificing their lives to protect Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and surrounding lands.

In the face of Mongol invasions, the people of Shaam once again rose, many becoming martyrs while resisting destruction and preserving Islamic civilization.

2. Martyrs of Today: Witnesses of Oppression and Resistance

In modern times, Shaam has once again become a land of immense suffering — but also of unshakable resilience and sacrifice. Since the outbreak of conflicts in Syria and Palestine:

Hundreds of thousands have been martyred — scholars, children, women, and ordinary civilians — many while praying, fasting, or defending their families.

Contemporary martyrs in Palestine have laid down their lives in defence of Al-Aqsa and their homeland, becoming symbols of courage across the Muslim world.

In Syria, many scholars, imams, and students of knowledge were specifically targeted — yet many chose death over abandoning truth or fleeing their people.

Legacy of the Martyrs

The martyrs of Shaam — whether in battle, under siege, or through silent resistance — remind the Ummah that sacrifice for Allah’s cause never ends. Their blood is a witness, their stories a source of strength, and their legacy a call to uphold truth, justice, and sacred knowledge no matter the cost.

وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَمْوَٰتًۢا ۚ بَلْ أَحْيَآءٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ

“And do not think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.” [Surah Aal-Imran 3: 169]