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Why do Islamic terrorists behead their victims?

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Opinion ~

Like all things it starts with an idea. Ideas almost always produce actions and therein lay the consequences.

According to the Hadith (also Hadīt) , ostensibly a record of the traditions and sayings of Muhammad, revered and received as a major source of religious law and moral guidance in Islam, Allah’s chosen “prophet” once said he “…laughs when killing [his] enemies.”

This begs certain questions about the basic assumptions concerning life and the world at large of a perspective that would find it funny to see another person die at their hand. Particularly so, when the chosen method of execution is beheading, as is so often the custom of the jihadi types blighting humanity today.

The ghastly practice of decapitating a bound and helpless victim is but one example of the overall call to murder and violence against those who reject Islam. In fact there are well over 100 verses that advocate such actions throughout the Muslim holy book the Qur’an (also Koran).

One in particular that seems to specifically endorse beheading is found in chapter 8. Chapters in the Qur’an are known as “Suras” and each is also assigned a name. In the case of Sura 8 it is called “The Accessions” meaning to “assume a position of power” in context.

In verse 12 of Sura 8 one reads, in the English translation quite obviously:


Much ado is made about violent passages found in the Christian Bible and indeed some verses are tasking to comprehend. But there is a glaring difference in practice between Christianity and Islam and the application is abundantly visible in today’s world.

When Christians behave in an unseemly or violent manner, they do so AGAINST the expressed instructions of Jesus Christ who taught “…love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44)

By contrast, not only is the abomination of beheading Muslim enemies advocated by Islamic scripture, it is found clearly in the historic actions of the man who founded the religion. Take for instance one of numerous military campaigns Muhammad unleashed upon a hapless group of individuals in the 7th century. As one historian writes:

“Muhammad marched with 3,000 followers against 2,000 Quraiza Jews in 627 A.D., shortly after the siege of Medina ended. The Jews were attacked and they soon surrendered. A wounded chief named Sa'd was asked by Muhammad to decide the fate of the captives. His response was that ‘the men should be put to death, the women and children sold into slavery…’

The Muslims dug trenches across from the marketplace, and in the morning Muhammad commanded that the 700 male captives be brought out 5-6 at a time. The Jews were made to sit down at the top of the trenches. Next, the Muslims beheaded them and tossed their bodies into the trench. This sickening butchery by the ‘Prophet of God’ lasted all day. It continued into the night by torchlight.”

Beheadings in Islam are certainly not a novelty in this day and age. There is ample instruction and precedence to spur on Allah’s followers. And by all appearances, the trend shows no signs of changing anytime soon.