In a society where words carry deep and often contradictory meanings, the choice of vocabulary to describe someone’s death can spark debates and ideological, political, or social disputes. One such word is “martyr,” a term in different cultures closely tied to notions of sacrifice, selflessness, and dying for a cause. In Islam, the concept of shahid (martyr) (derived from the root shahada, meaning “to bear witness”) holds a significant and profound place. A martyr is someone who loses their life for their faith, in defense of religion, or service to divine values. This status is exalted in the Quran and Islamic tradition as a spiritually lofty rank.
But the question arises: How accurate is it to label anyone who dies in a suicide attack as a martyr, especially in situations where both the suicide bomber and the victim believe they are attaining the status of martyrdom?
The recent case of Khalil Haqqani’s death offers a stark example of this contradiction. Khalil Haqqani, a senior Taliban figure, uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani (the Taliban regime’s interior minister), and reportedly the de facto head of the Haqqani Network, was killed in a suicide attack along with four others. The identity of the bomber and three other victims remains unknown. Given Khalil Haqqani’s prominent position within the Taliban power structure, his death quickly became a focal point in the media and public discourse, raising a profound and straightforward question: How should his death be characterized? As “martyrdom,” “perishing,” or simply “passing away”? It later emerged that the Taliban had instructed Afghan media outlets to refer to Khalil Haqqani as a martyr.
Suicide Attacks: A Tool Turned into a Bloody Legacy
Suicide bombing, as a violent tactic, was first systematically deployed in Afghanistan by the Taliban, primarily through the Haqqani Network. Initially used as a weapon against government forces of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and international troops, this method quickly became a defining characteristic of the Taliban’s approach to warfare. The Haqqani Network not only utilized suicide bombings on the battlefield but also embedded it as a core part of their military and ideological identity within the Taliban’s structure. Suicide squads are still prominently showcased in the Taliban’s military parades, serving as a stark message of the group’s readiness to employ such attacks unconditionally.
However, this tool, originally designed to suppress opponents and consolidate Taliban power, has now turned against the Taliban and the Haqqani Network itself. The death of Khalil Haqqani one of the principal architects behind the use of suicide attacks stands as a stark illustration of the historical paradox created by violence as a double-edged sword.
Violence as a Tool and Destiny
As previously mentioned, it is widely believed that the Haqqani Network, led by Khalil and Sirajuddin Haqqani, was a pioneer in the widespread use of suicide attacks in Afghanistan. This tactic, one of the most devastating methods of warfare, resulted in the deaths of thousands of Afghan civilians, security personnel, and international forces. The tragic irony, however, lies in the fact that this method’s architects have become ensnared by it. Khalil Haqqani, who once championed suicide bombings as a tool for expanding power, ultimately fell victim to the very tactic he propagated.
The Paradox of Martyrdom and Perishment
Khalil Haqqani’s death, like that of many Taliban leaders, is surrounded by contradictory narratives. To the Taliban and their ideological supporters, he is deemed a “martyr,” someone who sacrificed his life for “jihadist” ideals. On the other hand, for the Taliban’s opponents, his death is considered a “destruction” a fitting fate for those who initiated unending cycles of violence. This clash of narratives not only underscores the profound political and ideological divides within Afghan society but also highlights the significant influence of media in shaping public perception.
By choosing terms like “martyr,” “perish,” or even “death,” media outlets play a critical role in framing events. Their role often extends beyond mere representation of facts to becoming instruments for legitimizing or discrediting the ruling group.
The Cycle That Must Be Broken
Suicide attacks and organized violence have trapped Afghanistan in an endless cycle of instability and bloodshed. The death of Khalil Haqqani is more than just a political event; it symbolizes the historical and moral paradox of using violence as a tool to establish and attain power. This death, as much as it reflects the inevitable outcome of employing violence, should be viewed as an opportunity for reconsideration of political and military strategies in Afghanistan.
The media must act with greater accuracy and impartiality as one of the key factors influencing the narrative of these events. The use of terms like “martyrdom” or “destruction” should not be based on political or ideological stances but should reflect the realities and efforts to break the cycle of violence. Only with such an approach can there be hope that Afghanistan will one day be freed from the heavy shadow of violence and its devastating tools.
You can read the Persian version of this analysis here:
شهید یا هلاک؟ بازخوانی مرگ خلیل حقانی و تناقضهای خشونت در افغانستان | روزنامه ۸صبح
