Piety Quotes
One Islamic belief that has stood since the inception of the religion is that if a true believer who is defending the faith in a jihad is killed, he will immediate be transported to Paradise where he will receive the best of the other world. If a Muslim dies under normal circumstances, he is judged and may or may not attain Paradise depending on his past life. However, if he dies in jihad, all past sins are immediately erased and he is guaranteed Paradise. This quotation is exactly what is told to Muslim fighters and suicide bombers today (see {635766}, {588728} and {590762}) and it is just as effective as ever in persuading men to fight and sacrifice themselves. The Roman Catholic Pope issued a similar edict in the Crusades and fights of both religions were willing and almost anxious to die in battle. In modern times Christian leaders do not make such appeals and if they did, few would believe them.
This happened to be the famous Colored Regiment depicted so well in the movie, Glory. However, these sentiments were also given to other soldiers in the state. Fighting against slavery was not only the patriotic thing to do, not only the humane thing, not inly the civilized thing to do, but it was a Christian Religious duty. Similar sendiment can be seen much in speeches and literature of the time. The words of the Battle Hymn of the Republic is another example. Ending slavery was a Holy requirement of God.
This is the type of person who suicide bomber recruiters seek out.
