Martyrdom is Endemic to the Quran
fromVEDA MOHABIR vedamohabir@rogers.com reply-tobreakingindia@yahoogroups.com
tobreakingindia@yahoogroups.com
dateTue, Jun 28, 2011 at 10:55
.. .
Martyrdom is endemic to the Quran. Here is Muhammad’s exhortation to followers to martyr themselves:
“He also encourages his men to believe that they will be safe, even to the point of being reckless in battle:
[Auf bin Harith asked] “O Allah’s apostle, what makes Allah laugh with joy at his servant?” He answered, “When he plunges into the midst of the enemy without mail.” (Ibn Ishaq/Hisham 445)
As it turns out, Auf took his advice and did exactly that:
Auf drew off the mail-coat that was on him and threw it away: then he seized his sword and fought the enemy till he was slain. (Ibn Ishaq/Hisham 445)
http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/Muhammad/myths-mu-uhud.htm
Similarly, at the battle of BADR, Muhammad enticed his small band of followers to attack the Quereshi claiming Allah will send thousands of angels to fight on their side.
Badr in the Qur’an
The Battle of Badr is one of the few battles explicitly discussed in the Qur’an. It is even mentioned by name as part of a comparison with the Battle of Uhud.
Qur’an: Al-i-Imran 3:123–125 (Yusuf Ali). “Allah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah; thus May ye show your gratitude.§ Remember thou saidst to the Faithful: “Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels (Specially) sent down?§ “Yea, – if ye remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels Making a terrific onslaught.§”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Badr
VM.
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http://newsgram.com/2011/06/the-dangerous-idea-of-martyrdom/
Please read my latest column that addresses the religious foundations on which modern suicide bombing is based. I am implicating the much celebrated notion of “martyrdom” in the Abrahamic religions There are too many martyrs being honored, and these have traditionally served as role models for the younger generation to emulate. This “hall of fame” of martyrs needs to be dismantled as part of peace movements. We should stop encouraging people to die for their religion in fights with others. The whole business of victim hood has also emerged out of this principle of martyrdom.
This is a very provocative piece, because it says things that are not polite, but such a public debate is necessary if we are to make progress.
Regards,
Rajiv Malhotra
ॐ Hinduu Nation ॐ 