At least this time we heard from the imams, who appeared on television to condemn the terrorism. Too often they are nationally silent, even though most people will tell you that there are always local togetherness events following any major atrocity. However, their role is bigger merely than condemning. It is bigger even than trying to promote love and understanding, and it is bigger than simply being alert to extremism.
Those who really believe they are carrying out the will of Allah by murdering innocent women and children, and who are willing to blow themselves up in the process, because they think the consequence will be to find themselves in heaven with 72 virgins, need the wits scared out of them by believing that instead they will go to hell. Indeed, as I found out when I was researching my book on penance, Sackcloth and Ashes, there is even a Muslim teaching that you can be aware of the damnation to come in the grave. Eeek!
