Nota Bene – Not

It's over. Though not really a surprise, there has been no response to previous editions of Nota Bene. Since their purpose was to cajole readers into doing my work for me – to elaborate and dissect topics for which I didn't have time – I've clearly failed in the attempt. Of course it should have been expected. Absent readership there was no reason to anticipate any reaction or reply. I'll have to think for myself. And burden Blogspot with my efforts. So I'll write more than has been on my schedule thus far.

Today's effort will focus on Jihad and martyrdom. Most westerners don't really understand this concept, nor the rewards of being a shahid.

According to a hadith, martyrs are rewarded with 72 virgins. The Qur'an promises hourisⁱ for all men who enter Jannah,ⁱⁱ but the number is not specified, and there is a greater reward for those “who fight in the way of Allah (jihad) and get killed.”ⁱⁱⁱ “[A]and there are also hasan (good) hadith which refer to 72 virgins as one of the 'seven blessings from Allah' to the martyr. This has lead [sic] to the 72 virgins concept being widely used as a way to entice other Muslims into carrying out 'martyrdom operations' for Islam.”^iv

But, as Al Jolson said, “you ain't heard nothing yet.” “It is quoted by Ibn Kathir, in his Qur'anic Commentary, the Tafsir ibn Kathir, and they are graphically described by Qur'anic commentator and polymath, al-Suyuti (died 1505), who, echoing a hasan hadith Ibn Majah, wrote that the perpetual virgins will all 'have appetizing vaginas,' and that the 'penis of the Elected never softens. The erection is eternal.'”^v I ain't making this stuff up. Martyrdom is certainly tempting – even for those with ED, which, apparently, it cures.

Lest it be thought, however, that Jannah is for men only, or that Islam is sexist,^vi “The women have something even better. Their husband becomes the guy that they wanted him to be here.”^vii,^viii That seems to be the case whether or not they want him to be here.

The only thing not covered in what I've read is the supernal reward that children get for strapping on suicide belts. It's possible that the may get sexual pleasure as well – even if in their innocence they have no idea what that means. They certainly receive the reward of Jannah as do all other believers, but I suspect that all birth defects and deformities, and any other diseases are cured, and any unhappiness of their childhood is replaced by celestial rapture.^ix

Although it dates back to the Qur'an, the concept is one that has only entered our consciousness in recent years, having received a great deal of attention as a result of the struggles of noble Palestinian Authority and Hamas members to end the need to endure life next to those who are not believers in Islam. It's a demonstration of the truth they don't have to endure life at all. And if they end the lives of those non-believers, so much the better. Of course those people won't get any virgins. Why should they? They certainly don't deserve any.

But all of the believers who perish in the conflict are martyrs. It isn't a requirement that they sought martyrdom or even died willingly. Even human shields can be martyrs. They are certainly seen as such but their fellows, and are mourned by the United Nations and most of its members. So they get sex objects and cure of their ailments. Candy, parades, and street namings are additional trappings and rewards for the dedication they have shown. And payments for their families. What could be better?

But the best part is the bestowal of virgins. It's to die for.

Next episode: “Ethics” – The wisdom of the ages.

I        While there are several translations of “houri,” the meaning in this instance is understood to be “virgin.”

ii       Heaven or Paradise. And the only men who enter are believers.

iii      From WikiIslam, “The Online Resource on Islam.”

iv       Ibid.

v        This important teaching can also be found in WikiIslam. Google^® it. You'll learn a lot – all authentic.

vi       Jannah forfend. The last thing anyone could accuse Islam of is sexism. Women have the same rights and opportunities as men and homosexuality, along with other so-called “sexual dysphorias,” is accepted without hesitation. Presumably there are appropriate treats for all LGBT martyrs (although I'm not sure what it is for transgenders).

vii     I suspect he meant “there” rather than “here,” but I could be wrong. I don't know where he was when he was when he wrote about the joys of Jannah.

viii     Sheik Yusuf Estes provides this valuable information in Just Ask Islam. Like WikiIslam, it's online.

ix       Or is that from another religion?