Ramadan - the Violent Side

I hope there will not be an increase in violence but the authorities are right in being extra observant during the holy month. One would have thought Ramadan would mean absolute peace for everybody but unfortunately it is not so. (Launching the Yom Kippur war during Ramadan was an act of heroism according to some Egyptian school-books). For terrorists with twisted minds, the twist doesn't stop just because it is annual time of holiness. For some, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual introspection “has become a time of increased attacks by suicide bombers who believe they receive extra blessings.”

Egyptian police planned increased watchfulness throughout the month, while insisting no specific threats had been received.

In recent years, a spike in violence has been notable, especially in Iraq. Some Islamic extremists believe that those who die in combat for a holy cause during Ramadan are especially blessed.

"This is a month that has a spiritual feel to it, which condones the issue of jihad (holy war)," said Diaa Rashwan, an Egyptian expert on Islamic groups. Tradition holds the Prophet Muhammad led his forces in winning battles against nonbelievers during Ramadan.

h/t: sandmonkey. Read also: Violence Still Plagues Desert Peninsula