Once again a suicide terrorist bomber has made the news. Hanadi Jeradat, a young professional Muslim girl with great earthly potential as a lawyer, blew herself up and murdered 19 other people by her act of self-murder. The Associated Press account in the Star-Telegram (Oct. 5, 2003) stated that her family was happy for her. Her brother said, “We are receiving congratulations from people.” He went on to say, “Why should we cry? It is like her wedding today, the happiest day for her.”

The tragedy of this case is that total deception has enveloped the whole matter of suicide and murder. This sad case underlines the deluded fundamentalist Muslim belief that one who kills herself and kills innocent people will go to Paradise.

In contrast to this delusion, the Bible says that both murder of others as well as self-murder will not bring Paradise or Heaven—but will result in the torment of Hell! “No murderer has eternal life dwelling in him” (1 John 3:15). All “murderers” will “have their part in the lake of fire” (Revelation 21:8). God strongly condemns murder as a capital offense (Genesis 9:5-6).

The Koran also condemns suicide and murder of innocent people. Maher Hathout, iman of the Islamic Center of Los Angeles, states, “Suicide is a major sin in Islam.” However, the British Daily Telegraph says, “The term ‘suicide bomber’ has been replaced with ‘martyrdom operation.’ Such is the prestige of the suicide bomber that no one in the Palestinian territories would dare to raise a voice against the practice.” By redefining both suicide and murder, labeling it “martyrdom,” some of these deluded fundamentalist Muslims justify their heinous, atrocious, sinful acts.

It would go a long way toward eliminating all Muslim terrorist activity if we could proclaim openly and clearly that both self-killing (suicide) and the killing of others, especially innocent civilians, will not give the bombers eternity in a blissful Paradise, but will take them to the torments of an eternal Hell! Although some may say this is strong language, it is the truth that needs to be shared with all deluded religionists in Palestine and every other country where the philosophy and practice of terrorist murder has deceived the people.

Richard Hollerman

Star-Telegram