Each year, millions of Shiite Muslims walk to Karbala to honor Husayn, the prophet’s grandson, whose death continues to shape their faith.
Articles on Martyrdom
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Khamenei was a deeply polarizing figure in Iran – perceived by some as a martyr and others as an oppressor.
In a polarized environment, the elevation of a figure into a saint does more than honor the individual. It turns a political struggle into a sacred one.
Some have even called Kirk a patron saint of MAGA. Stories of his status as a ‘martyr’ are uniting America’s Christian right.
To early Christians, ancient gladiators were potent symbols of martyrdom, embodying virtue and bravery despite being enslaved.
In Russia, individual sacrifice is an integral part of the national psyche.
Just as Christians in the 1800s were persecuted for embracing foreign teachings, today the regime in power vilifies civil society and opposition political parties as foreign agents.
The political metamorphosis of Louis Riel illustrates one of the most paradoxical aspects of nationalism: how former enemies can be transformed into compatriots.
‘Zulm,’ an Arabic word meaning extreme injustice, could explain why Iran appears to be so united in anger at the US killing of Gen. Qassam Soleimani.
A scholar explains the long process to sainthood and what Pope Francis’ recent order might change.
Top contributors
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Professor of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross
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Dean, School of Social Sciences, Uganda Christian University
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Professor of English, University of Alberta
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Professeur des universités, Université de Lille
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Associate Professor of Political Science, UMass Lowell
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Professor of Religion and Classics, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
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Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, Florida International University
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Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Florida International University
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Associate Professor, Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry, Australian Catholic University
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Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Dayton