If a path becomes a path of justice, then a human being must not be afraid of martyrdom in that path. When we have risen to our feet for the cause of Islam and for the implementation of the traditions of the Prophet and the establishment of justice, then we must not be afraid of giving martyrs, martyrdom; or of our offspring being martyred or we ourselves being martyred. This has been a feature of Islam from the beginning. The Prophet of Islam and our Imams were self-sacrificing from the beginning…. They were blessed with martyrdom; their children were martyred.
Sahifeh-ye-Imam, V. 7, P 257