Questions - Shaheed Browse Categories

The term Shaheed is much in use these days in politics in Pakistan. While one understands that these are references to political Shahadat but those using this term ever so often attribute rewards for those who lay down their lives in the way of Allah rather for attainment of power. What would you say about these so called Shaheeds? Moreover, it is generally believed that a soldier dying in uniform e.g. Gen Zia and others are Shaheed in the religious sense. Is this a right concept?

God Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: Every soul shall taste death. (Q 3:185) But He says at another place in Qur’an in: Do not say about those who are slain in the cause of Allah, that they are dead. Nay, they are alive, but you do not perceive it. (Q 2:154) Don’t both the verses contradict each other?

If a Muslim state attacks another Muslim state then defending the country obviously is Jihad for the Muslims of invaded country. In such a situation, what should be the stance of the Muslim soldiers of the invading army? What are they supposed to do if they find before them their Muslim brethren?