Just this week, approximately 100 Syrians have been killed. In Afghanistan, Taliban claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in Helmand province. Kirkuk, Iraq experienced a vehicle born IED detonating in front of a Christian church killing more than twenty. And even China witnessed Islamic extremists’ reign of terror which left eleven persons dead. All of these barbaric events occurred during one of the most sacred months in Islam–Ramadan.
Muslims around the world prepare for the mental and physical demands of Ramadan. Many become food deprived due to the stringent fasting demands, sleep deprived, and become intolerable due to the traditions set forth during this spiritual time–a truly cleansing experience of the body, mind, and soul. This is a sacred time for many but some fail to adhere to the Islamic traditions set forth in their faith–Muslim terrorists.
Ramadan itself should be broken down into three different segments: Muslims believe that the first ten days of Ramadan are for mercy, the second ten days are for erasing of sins, and the third ten days for being spared from hell in the afterlife.
Laylatul Qadr, translated as The Night of Power, occurs during the very end of the holy month of Ramadan. This time is considered to be the occurrence when the Arch Angel Gabriel first sent revelations to the Prophet Mohammed which later combined to formulate the Koran. According to the Koran, the Night of Power is one of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. The Night of Power can arguably be considered the holiest day in Islam.
Many western non-Muslims assume that violence reduction would be likely during Ramadan due to its spiritual significance and they would be correct from the point of view of mainstream Islam. Understanding extremist’s ideology shows another story which exemplifies an increased amount of militant activity according to the 3 segments of Ramadan. This occurs more so at the end of the month of Ramadan because one sure way to be spared from hell according to Islamic extremist belief is the through martyrdom for Allah. Again, this is an extremist’s concept and not the norm for moderate Muslims.
Starting in 2003 and obtaining data up to the year 2007, Islamic terrorist activity actually increases during the holy month of Ramadan. According to the Intel Center Terrorism Incident Reference (TIR) database, an average of three terrorist incidents occurs daily in Afghanistan during the holy month of Ramadan. Interestingly enough, towards the back end of Ramadan around the time of Laylatul Qadr, or the Night of Power, incidents double.
Of course, Afghanistan can arguably be construed as the exception to the rule considering the United States remains at war in the Islamic Republic–this is not to be mistaken that we are at war with Afghanistan rather the U.S. and its coalition fights alongside GIRoA to defeat the Islamic extremists who threaten the region. Regrettably, Afghanistan is not the exception when observing other locations around the world. Taking consideration of Islamic extremists trends during Ramadan throughout the globe, an individual will find that throughout Ramadan, violence tends to increase.
Muslims have an obligation to protect fellow Muslims. Regrettably, extremists who have hijacked the religious faith of Islam have caused more harm to their brethren than those from any other faith. These extremists have failed in their religious obligations and it is dumbfounding not seeing moderate Muslims protesting these heinous activities.
The world has failed to witness significant reduction in extremist activities during this sacred Islamic season. This year, Syria, Afghanistan, and even China have witnessed terrorizing events in the first couple of days of Ramadan–and these nations are not alone. If this year resembles anything in the past, it is likely that more atrocities will occur as Ramadan continues–especially as we approach the infamous Night of Power. When will a huge outcry emerge from mainstream Islam decrying how the extremists have perverted the ideals of their faith, especially during this most holy time?
Kerry Patton is the Co-Founder of the National Security Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organization pending 501c (3) status. He has worked in South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, focusing on intelligence and security interviewing current and former terrorists, including members of the Taliban. He is the author of “Sociocultural Intelligence: The New Discipline of Intelligence Studies” and the children’s book “American Patriotism.” You can follow him on Facebook.