Citation

Slavicek DJ. Stud. Conflict Terrorism 2008; 31(6): 553-571.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10576100802064833

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Deconstructing the shariatic justification of suicide bombings reveals a standard reasoning based on four arguments. Two of them relativize the shariatic prohibition against suicide whereas the other two analogize suicide bombings with the medieval combat tactic of plunging alone into the enemy. Prerequisites of a "martyrdom operation" are the suicide bomber's intention to seek martyrdom and his ability to damage the enemy. The reasoning declares the killing of oneself for the sake of Islam permissible and thereby distinguishes "martyrdom operations" from suicide. Deconstructing this and other Islamist doctrines of violence can be of operational use to intelligence and criminal investigations.

Language: en