to thine own true self, be
to thine own true self, be
A real martyr
Some people call suicide bombers “martyrs.”
The word is Greek, and means “witness.” Christians use the term for people who are killed or severely wounded because of their faith. There have been millions of martyrs. more so now than ever before...
But as major Muslim leaders point out, suicide bombing is forbidden in Islam. While there are many reasons for individuals to choose to become suicide bombers — or to be enticed into becoming one — religion is not one of them. They may be many things: murderers, themselves victims, mentally retarded, hopeless people in search of recognition or monetary compensation for their familes, etc. But martyrs, no, even with promises of Paradise.
Here is a real Muslim martyr, whose story has made headlines around the world. She is pictured above (click image for copyright). Her name is Malala Yousafzai. She is 14 years old, and was shot in the head by Taliban assasins because she writes a blog about wanting to get an education and grow up to contribute to her country, Pakistan. Read about her here.
Martyrs do not seek to be made into a public example by execution or murderous attack. They are so because their very life contradicts the powers that be. These retaliate, thinking that murder will solve everything. But it doesn’t work that way, as the Taliban are learning. When you make someone a martyr, you set yourself against God.
Let us pray that Malala can make a full recovery, and that her martyrdom will result in changes in her country and around the world. And let us pray for the protection of her family.
15 octobre 2012/ Teresa of Avila