Applying the term "shahid" to those who were killed

The questioner:
A virtuous and correct person asks: Is it permissible to say that so-and-so was a martyr, knowing that the books of biographies and history have reported this about the righteous Salaf, stating that so-and-so was martyred in such-and-such a place and in such-and-such a matter?

The Shaykh:
One is not called a shahid (martyr) except for the one whom the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) testified to be a martyr. However, it is hoped for the righteous, and it is hoped for the one who was killed while striving in the cause of Allah that he is a martyr. One does not assert with certainty that he is a martyr except with evidence, but it is hoped for the people of faith and the people of jihad in His cause, because they are martyrs. So their saying "he was martyred in such-and-such" is a matter of hope or a matter of certainty.

The questioner:
As passed to him, the virtue lies in spreading among many people the application of this phrase to the children and the martyrs who engage in confronting the Jews. The question is: Is this phrase correct?

The Shaykh:
In any case, this returns to faith and sincerity with Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). We do not assert martyrdom for anyone except with evidence from the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), who does not speak from desire. But we hope for the people of faith and the people of sincerity; we hope for them good.