At least the bandits of old — we presume — knew that they were marauding brigands destined for hell. Today’s bandits think of themselves as righteous soldiers of God, somehow convinced that if they can be shot dead in the midst of a frenzied attack on innocents they will be granted a great heavenly reward.
“Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense?
For that is the one who drives away the orphan
and does not encourage the feeding the poor.
So woe to those who pray
who are heedless of their prayer —
those who are all show
and withhold simple assistance.”
— Quran 107
The bandits of old would pillage any traveller on the road in search of riches. These bandits target their victims at random in pursuit of riches of another kind, but it is all the same. They are mere outlaws, waging war against society. If only they knew.
Last modified: 21 September 2024
