Childhood martyrdom

People perceive certain military causes to be of sufficient importance to sacrifice the future generation. Children went to the Crusades, to defend Europe from "the infidel". Children were sent to fight in the conflict between Iran and Iraq. In both cases, the conflict is seen as an eschatological one, a metaphor of human existence. Child martyrs give social and religious distinction to their parents. Young parents can lose their children and expect to have more, whereas the opportunities for supernatural blessings are very limited indeed.

Islamic Jihad trains children from 8 to 12 years to prepare them for suicide bombing missions. The children believe that they will be the saviours of their people and they will go to the highest place in heaven.