Religion means a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny and terrorism means the calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain personal goals at whatever basis they may be. In the modern age, after the decline of ideas such as the divine right of kings and with the rise of nationalism, terrorism more often involved anarchism, nihilism and revolutionary politics, but since 1980 there has been an increase in activity motivated by religion.

Important symbolic acts such as the blood sacrifice link acts of violence to religion and terrorism. Suicide terrorism self-sacrifice, or martyrdom has throughout history been organised and perpetrated by groups with both political and religious motivations. Suicide terrorism or martyrdom is efficient, inexpensive, easily organised, and extremely difficult to counter, delivering maximum damage for little cost. The shocking nature of a suicide attack also attracts public attention. Glorifying the culture of martyrdom benefits the terrorist organisation and inspires more people to join the group.