Image Commemorating Naji ‘Id

While participating in jihad gives a jihadist important religious credibility, death in battle provides immortality, as the deceased is ranked a martyr. It is believed that Muslim martyrs will be highly rewarded in the afterlife for their sacrifice and hold a special position in heavenly paradise. It is therefore not surprising that martyrdom is a central theme in jihadi visual propaganda.

In this image, the main caption reads: “sa-nuwasilu raghma al-jirah wal-shuhada’” (“we shall continue despite injuries and martyrs”). The image was posted on a forum (www.saraya.ps) which appears on the top right of the image. It celebrates the martyrdom of a Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative by the name of Naji ‘Id.

The logo on the right of the image contains a number of elements that are part of the jihadi visual propaganda repertoire, including the shahada (Islamic testimony of faith holding that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger) and the al-Aqsa mosque.

More Information

Group Name Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) - Saraya al-Quds [al-Quds squadrons] aka Shqaqi faction

Group Type Jihadist Group

Dominant Colors Yellow, Orange

Secondary Colors Red, White, Black

Language Arabic

Isolated Phrases / Mottoes / Slogans 1) Sa-nuwasilu raghma al-jirah wal-shuhada' 2) Shahada

Image Number 0272

Groups Region of Operation Middle East

Groups Country of Operation Israel/Palestine

Weapons Cold Weapons and Defensive Armor, Body Armor (including Gas Mask, Helmet), Firearms, Automatic / Assault Rifle, Ammo Belt / Vest, Non-Military Technology, Telescope / Night Vision / Other Optical Devices

Air Analysis Sun. Orange sky

Air Celestial Bodies, Sky

Fire Light Rays / Light

Geopolitical Symbols Symbol of party, movement or company, Slogan

Geopolitical Analysis PIJ logo - Qur'anic verse 2:191 arched over a takbir and the Dome of the Rock sitting on two yellow fists with two crossed rifles jutting out in the back; a red map of Israel/Palestine down the middle; the phrase saraya al-quds is arched under the logo, completing the circle with the top arch.

People Operative / Warrior (=mujahid), Man / Men

People Analysis PIJ uniformed fighter.

Religious Textual References Shahada

Religious Textual References Analysis La ila illa Allah, Muhammad rasul Allah

Religious Symbols Holy Site

Religious Symbols Analysis al-Aqsa mosque

Fauna Dove / Default Bird

Topography Horizon, Man-made Structure / Landmark

Topography Analysis Domed mosque.

Visual Themes Finally, the image contains a representation of birds flying towards the sun (see upper right side). Birds in general are very important in the symbolic language of Islam. Pre-Islamic Arabs imagined soul birds fluttering around the grave of the deceased, and the bird continues to symbolize the flight of the soul beyond the confines of this world. Doves in particular are considered sacred, since they are believed to have protected Muhammad during his nocturnal journey. It is in this manner that the dove can be linked to the notion of martyrdom and the rise of a martyr’s soul to heaven. The dove is also a symbol of loving fidelity, which is manifested by the collar of dark feathers around its neck, called “the dove’s necklace.”

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