Mawlawi Muhammad Ayaz Shahamat (may Allah accept him) was a noble figure known for his unwavering faith, towering sacrifice, and exemplary character. He was a fearless lion of the Kunar mountains. He was born in 1375 Hijri-Shamsi (1996 CE) in the devout and religious village of Nishegam, located in the Ghaziabad District of Kunar Province. Raised in a deeply pious family, his early years were marked by a strong inclination toward Islamic teachings and values.
From childhood, he took his first steps toward the mosque and began his religious education under the tutelage of the village imam. He later pursued formal religious studies at the Zia-ul-Quran Madrasa in Shaigal District, where he completed his education and was honored with the Dastar-e-Fazilat (turban of religious excellence).
Growing up in a spiritual environment and nurtured by firm principles of faith, Mawlawi Shahamat was blessed with a sharp and sensitive conscience. He reached adolescence during a time when Afghanistan was under full occupation by Western invaders. The suffering of the oppressed, the cries of widows, the violation of women’s honor, and the desecration of religious sanctities stirred his soul and left him no option but to forsake a life of ease. Instead, he chose the path of sacrifice and resistance, entering the battlefield of jihad at the remarkably young age of twelve. From that point onward, he remained a steadfast defender of his faith and homeland until the moment of his martyrdom.
For nine years, he lived away from his home, having migrated to Mujahideen-controlled territories in Chawkay. There, he earned a reputation as a bold, intelligent, and highly capable Mujahid. In a single night, he skillfully used a laser-guided weapon to eliminate six members of the Arbaki militia (ALP) and Afghan National Army and wounded three others. He was consistently present on the frontlines and played a central role in most of the ambushes, raids, and military operations throughout his district. His resolute opposition to the Daeshi Khawarij was particularly noteworthy. This led to his deployment across numerous districts in Kunar Province, where he successfully cleared many areas of their disruptive presence.
Deployment and Battles Against ISIS
His first deployment against the Daeshi Khawarij was in Shaigal District, an area heavily infiltrated by ISIS militants. There, he directly engaged them in combat and liberated significant territory from their control. Shortly after returning home for a brief rest, he was once again called to duty. This time he was sent to the Sarigal area of Manogai District, where he displayed exceptional courage against the ISIS militants.
On his third deployment, he was stationed in Watapur District. Firmly rooted in the path of Islam, he raised the banner of truth against the seditious Daeshi Khawarij. He did not submit to their superficial displays of piety nor retreat in fear of their extremism. Instead, he exposed their false ideology through clear argumentation grounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah. He believed in the unity of the Ummah and stood as a bulwark against the divisive tendencies of the Khawarij. He rightly recognized that these extremists were alien to the spirit, creed, and intellectual tradition of Islam. Therefore, when needed, he answered their corruption with wisdom and knowledge and, when necessary, with the sword.
His fourth deployment took him to the Krangal area of Manogai District. Near the Lundigal front, he engaged a Khariji cleric in a communication radio debate and, with powerful reasoning, defeated his opponent. At that time, the respected commander of the front, Qari Sahib Zia-ur-Rahman, awarded him 2,000 Afghanis in recognition of his successful defense of the truth.
Da’wah, Family Struggles, and Final Moments
Throughout his jihadist journey, Mawlawi Shahamat not only fought on the battlefield but also engaged in active da’wah and ideological resistance against ISIS. He captured many of their members and preached against their deviation wherever he went. His dedication was shared by his family, which also produced many Mujahideen. On several occasions, five members of his family would go to the front together. These included his brother, a cousin, and two nephews. His household sacrificed six martyrs for the cause of Islam, and his brother, Muhammad Bashir Haroon, served as a unit commander.
Ultimately, this kind-hearted and cheerful Mujahid left his home early one morning for his assigned duty as commander of the first unit of the Seventh Battalion. As he made his way toward the Babur base in Chawkay District, he was martyred in a roadside explosion planted by the Daeshi Khawarij. Three of his companions were wounded in the attack. One of them remains permanently disabled.
“Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return.”
Date of Martyrdom:
Sunday, 28 August 2022 at 9:00 AM.
