Can religion dominate someone to the extent that he KILLS his brother in the name of religion?

Question

There is a story in Islamic history books about prophet Muhammed who told his companions about his desire to KILL one of his opponents (Ka'ab Ibn Al Ashraf). The brother of that man happened to be a Muslim and was among prophet Muhammad companions. He volunteered to KILL the man (his brother), and he took two other Muslims and went to his brother and called him out. Once his brother came out, the Msulim KILLED him and proudly returned to prophet Muhammed and told him what he did and prophet Muhammad PRAISED him.

The above horrible story makes me ask whether a religion can dominate someone to that extent?

Answer 1

Yes, any type of religion can dominate someone and coerce them into doing very wrong and evil things. While most religions (including Islam) teach peace and understanding, there are extremists who will twist the beliefs of that religion to fit their own evil desires. Many people have been murdered by zealous religious people; even their own siblings and relatives.

It's sad to hear about it, and it makes you really wonder what the murderer was thinking at the time. Very good question.