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Witness
#13
الشاهد (ash-shahid) is a masculine noun meaning 'witness' — a person who has seen or observed something and can testify about it. In Islamic and Arabic legal contexts, it carries significant weight as testimony is a fundamental pillar of justice. The word can also mean 'evidence' or 'proof' in certain contexts.
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كان الشاهد موجوداً في مكان الحادث.
Kana ash-shahid mawjudan fi makaan al-hadith.
The witness was present at the scene of the incident.
أدلى الشاهد بشهادته أمام القاضي.
Adla ash-shahid bi-shahadatihi amam al-qadi.
The witness gave his testimony before the judge.
اللغة العربية شاهد على حضارة عريقة.
Al-lugha al-arabiyya shahid ala hadara ureqa.
The Arabic language is a testament to an ancient civilization.
نحتاج إلى شاهد آخر لتأكيد هذه الحقيقة.
Nahtaj ila shahid akhar li-takid hazihi al-haqiqa.
We need another witness to confirm this fact.
الشاهد ملزم بقول الحقيقة كاملة.
Ash-shahid malzam bi-qawl al-haqiqa kamila.
The witness is obligated to tell the complete truth.
In Islamic law (Sharia), witnesses hold a crucial role in legal proceedings, and their integrity and credibility are paramount. The Quran frequently emphasizes the importance of bearing witness to truth. In Arabic culture, being called upon as a witness is considered a serious civic duty, and the testimony of credible witnesses can determine the outcome of disputes and legal cases.
Remember that الشاهد is masculine singular; use الشاهدة for a female witness and الشهود for multiple witnesses of either gender. In legal or formal contexts, always pair it with the verb 'شهد' (to witness) or 'أدلى بالشهادة' (to give testimony). Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like الشهر (month) or الشهيد (martyr).
الشاهد (ash-shahid) is an Arabic noun meaning 'witness' — a person who has personally seen, heard, or observed something and can provide testimony about it. The word comes from the root ش-ه-د (sh-h-d), which relates to witnessing, seeing, or being present. In Arabic, this word carries significant legal, religious, and social weight, particularly in Islamic and traditional Arab contexts.
الشاهد is a masculine singular noun. Its grammatical structure follows:
The word can be declined according to case (nominative, accusative, genitive) depending on its position in a sentence. When used as an adjective or descriptor, it can also modify nouns to mean 'witnessing' or 'evident.'
In Islamic jurisprudence, witnesses play a foundational role. The Quran frequently emphasizes the importance of bearing witness to truth and justice. The legal principle requires two witnesses of sound mind and character to validate certain contracts, testimonies, and agreements. A "just witness" (الشاهد العادل) must be known for integrity, piety, and honesty.
False witnessing is considered a grave sin in Islam and is condemned in both the Quran and Hadith. The phrase "شاهد زور" (shahid zawr — false witness) represents one of the most serious moral violations in Islamic law.
Today, الشاهد is used in contemporary contexts including:
شاهد العيان (shahid al-ayaan) — This phrase means 'eyewitness' or 'direct witness' and is commonly used when referring to someone who was physically present and can provide firsthand testimony.
الشاهد العادل (ash-shahid al-adil) — Meaning 'the just witness,' this phrase emphasizes the critical quality of fairness and integrity required of witnesses in legal contexts.
أدلى الشاهد بشهادته (adla ash-shahid bi-shahadatihi) — This means 'the witness gave testimony' and is the standard formal phrase used when describing a witness providing statements.
In Arab and Muslim societies, being called upon to serve as a witness is not merely a legal obligation but a moral and religious duty. A person of good character and sound judgment is expected to provide honest testimony regardless of personal relationships or consequences. This cultural value stems from Islamic teachings about justice and truth.
The concept of witness extends beyond legal matters in Arabic poetry and literature, often symbolizing evidence of events, emotions, or truth. For example, "nature witnesses the beauty of creation" uses الشاهد metaphorically.
Understanding الشاهد requires familiarity with related words:
When learning to use الشاهد, remember these practical points:
الشاهد is a fundamental word in Arabic with deep cultural and legal significance. Mastering its use requires understanding not just its literal translation as 'witness,' but also its broader implications in Islamic law, Arabic culture, and contemporary communication. Whether used in legal, literary, or everyday contexts, this word represents the important concept of truthful observation and honest testimony.