Abstract:
This study will provide a framework for understanding the concept of martyrdom in Islam and the development of the 'suicide bomber' as a form of martyrdom. I will argue that 'suicide bombing' as a form of martyrdom is not a simple development of traditional jurisprudential concepts of martyrdom or jihad, for either the Shi'a or the Sunni tradition. Its introduction as a form of martyrdom is due to the reinterpretation of Shi'a revivalist martyrdom ideologies into Sunni revivalist jihad ideologies. It is 'suicide bombings" martyrological origin within a Shi'a concept of'political martyrdom' that is responsible for the transformative nature of'suicide bombing' use as a tactic.
