And you should too.

Feeling philosophical around a campfire one night, a friend asked me, “What do you think is the best way to impact the most lives?”

I thought for a moment, shrugged and replied, “Suicide bomber.”

Martyrs come in all shapes and sizes. On September 11th, 19 men hijacked planes (and many argue, Islam) and killed over 3,000 persons. That’s about 158 per hijacker. History is full of terrorism. It’s all about perspective, and few weapons deliver a more demoralizing and efficient blow than the martyr hell-bent on success.

But why would any sane Muslim want to take an airplane full of people and crash it into a building full of more people? Doesn’t Islam teach justice and kindness? Well, yes, but it also teaches us to:

“And fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress, God does not like the aggressors. Kill them wherever you find them, and expel them from where they expelled you, and know that persecution is worse than being killed…” Qur’an 2: 190-191

And for their efforts…

” Let those who seek to purchase the Hereafter rather than this world fight in the cause of God. Whoever fights in the cause of God and is killed or attains victory, then We will grant him a great reward.” Qur’an 4: 74

Although these verses were written during the Medinan period when Allah called on Muslims to defend themselves and take back what was taken from them by the Meccans, how does it apply to Islam today? Surely these are verses the hijackers meditated on and many so-called terrorists read today.

It all has something to do with U.S. foreign policy. Modern relations with the Islamic world have soured since the 1950’s when the CIA sponsored the overthrow of the democratically elected leader of Iran and replaced him with the “pro-Western” Shah. How could the U.S. do this? Trade an elected leader for a dictator? Wasn’t the American Revolution a fight against such a system? More and more, Muslims watched as the Western world abused and used heir land and governments for their own ends. Given the nature and context of the quoted verses above, it’s no wonder that a few Islamic leaders saw a parallel between the struggles of the Medinan community (Islamic world) and the Meccan aggressors (the West).

Enter all the attacks on the Western world by a so-called “Muslim terrorist” since the 1950’s.

Many view such actions and violence with disgust, fear, and condemnation. Surely these sadistic automatons deserve only a straight jacket. But the Western world has its own brand of martyrs. Remember the Spartans? Hollywood loves a good sacrifice yarn, and what would be more dramatic, more climactic than 300 scantily clad Greeks handing it to wave after wave of “barbaric” Persians? Their deed (as well as the lesser acknowledged sea battle in the Artemisium Straights) is credited to have persevered a burgeoning Western civilization and by extension, democracy itself.

An epithet bearing the following words marks the pass called Thermopylae where the battle took place:

“Go tell the Spartans, passerby: That here, by Spartan law, we lie.” (Frank Miller, 300).

Sound familiar? One man’s terrorists is another man’s warrior-saint.

Despite all this, I think there is a sliver of light we can use. That sliver of light is the example of a martyr–regardless of their cause or motivation.

When was the last time you stood up for or surrendered your ego to something larger than yourself, demoting yourself to a column instead of that which rests on top?

When’s the last time you were a martyr?

Consider the single mom working three jobs for little more than the hope that her kids will have a better life? How about the monk who sets himself on fire to protest an injustice? Take the pastor, rabbi, imam, or priest on call virtually 24-7 to serve and council their communities—often negating their own families. Then there’s the soldier who for no better reason than brotherly love, lobs himself onto a grenade to save his comrade. Notice that there are no guarantees for success here. Then again, that isn’t the point.

None of them probably think too much about the cost of their sacrifice. They live in the moment. A requirement for action is involved and becomes instinctual. Their reward is in the security, pleasure, and well-being of others and yes, this disposition exists even in those who use martyrdom for destruction. The energy of a martyr is the same as fire, electricity, or even words, and therefore to be of any benefit must be channeled in a peaceful and altruistic way.

Can you think of something or someone to give yourself to without thought of reward that would contribute to a better world? The following passages will you get started.

“O people, We created you from a male and female, and We made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Surely, the most honorable among you in the sight of God is the most righteous. God is Knowledgeable, Ever-aware.” Qur’an 49: 13

“As for the patient and forgiving, that is an indication of strength.” Qur’an 42: 43

Islam teaches us to fight the good fight, no matter the cost. A show of strength then is not in a rifle or explosive, but forgiveness and a handshake.

Imagine a humanity full of martyrs whose passion and concern lay in the benefit and blessing of his neighbor. This is Paradise, the Kingdom of Heaven, the Utopia of lore that is on the cusp of reality if we would only have faith in ourselves. Embrace the flame of change and compassion and ignite in a phosphorous glow of selfless glory. Indeed, when you help just one person, when you pour your heart and being into a noble task, the whole world at that very moment rests in your hands.