The Use of Imprecatory Lament in Religious Violence: A Comparison of Psalm 35 and Surah 2

Imprecatory lament holds a critical role in Christian and Islamic traditions, often intersecting with political and religious violence throughout history. This paper examines the thematic parallels and divergences between the Psalms of lament and Quranic lament through a comparative methodology, emphasizing how these texts have been manipulated in the rhetoric of war. By Focusing on Psalm 35 and Surah 2, the study highlights how the universal themes of divine retribution, retaliation, and moral polarization in these texts can be weaponized to perpetuate cycles of violence. This analysis underscores the need for a nuanced approach to interpreting imprecatory laments, recognizing their historical and theological contexts while being vigilant against their potential misuse. By understanding how these texts have been co-opted for harmful purposes, this paper aims to foster a deeper awareness of the complex interplay between religion, politics, and violence, challenging readers to critically reflect on the interpretative responsibilities shared across faith traditions.