by MUBARAK ALI
Religion has played an important role in wars. In the ancient times, when tribes engaged in bloody conflicts, both sides were believed to be blessed and supported by their gods, whose images were carried to the battlefield. Thus, the war was not just between two tribes but between two gods as well.
Nearly all ancient civilisations had their own war gods and goddesses to help them excel on the battlefield. The Sumerians had Asher, the Egyptians had Horus, the Greeks Athena and Ares, and the Romans had Mars. The followers of these deities built temples in their honour where the war booty was deposited to please and appease them.
Religious association thus made war sacred and holy. In Judaism, the concept of martyrdom evolved for those who were killed in the battle field while fighting for or defending their religion. During the Roman period, the concept was used for persecuting Christians who refused to regard the emperor as divine or to worship the Roman gods. Gradually the concept of martyrdom for those who were killed while defending their country and faith became acceptable to all nations.
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