While a search through the Qur’aan does not provide a basis for suicide attacks, such a basis is found in the Bible. It spiritualises and sanctifies suicide attacks.
The Bible states:
"Samson said to the servant who held his hand: "Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them." Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. Then Samson prayed to the Lord: "O Sovereign Lord! Remember me! O God! Please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes." Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said: "Let me die with the Philistines!" Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived." [Judges 16:26-30]
An examination of these verses establishes that:
- Samson prayed to his Lord to let him kill thousands of civilians with a single blow.
- He set out with the intent of suicide and taking as many as possible with him.
- His motive was personal revenge.
- His suicide attack was directed, not only at rulers, but at thousands of civilians as well.
Samson led, or judged Israel for 20 years (Judges 16:4-31). His mother received a visit from an angel, who told her she would give birth to an unusual son. He was thus a leader and chosen person who did this deed.
