Jihadist movements have long exploited one of their most powerful recruiting tools: the promise that terrorists killed while attacking their enemies will receive immediate rewards in heaven, including sexual rewards and beautiful companions.

It may be that amongst normal Muslim society, the issues such as "72 virgins" are debated, but among radical Islamist groups, that debate hardly matters. Jihadist recruiters repeat the promise because it is simple, emotional and effective—especially when aimed at frustrated, isolated or impressionable young men.

The message transforms death from something terrifying into something desirable. It tells the recruit that poverty, humiliation, loneliness and failure will disappear instantly. Instead of building a life, earning respect or forming real relationships, he is promised honor, pleasure and eternal status through one violent act.