(VOVWORLD) -On Saturday more than 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide began their Ramadan month of fasting, praying, and doing charity work. This year’s Ramadan is darkened by the shadow of terrorism in Europe, which has seen multiple recent terrorist attacks.
 Riot police on duty in Taormina, Sicily island, Italy, on May 27, 2017 (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
During the holy month, Muslims fast and refrain from sinful behavior, perform penitence, forgive others, and detoxify their souls, as family members are reunited. But recent Ramadans have turned violent with terror attacks by the Islamic State (IS).
Europe’s tightened security
The Islamic State has called on its followers to rise up in an “all-out war” on "infidels” in the West. In a message posted on YouTube, the jihadist group said “Muslim brothers in Europe who can’t reach the Islamic State lands, attack them in their homes, their markets, their roads, and their forums.”
Concerns are growing because last year's Ramadan saw terror attacks worldwide. The Orlando night club shooting, which left 49 people dead, was followed by a series of attacks in Lebanon, Turkey, and Bangladesh. Europeans are feeling insecure after the recent Manchester attack for which the IS has claimed responsibility.
EU countries have tightened their security. The UK raised its terrorist alert to the highest level in a decade. The UK national healthcare network has warned 27 emergency centers nationwide to be prepared for terror attacks. France extended its state of emergency. Italy’s Minister of Internal Affairs said Italy is considering raising its terror threat level.
Instability in the heart of Europe
Of Europe’s 50 million Muslims, France has the largest number, followed by the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, the UK, and Italy. Muslims constitute 10% of France's population.
Muslims, who include several different sects, resist integrating fully into European society and culture, instead forming separate residential communities. Part of the reason is current attitudes towards immigrants. The majority of Europeans have a negative view of Muslims. A survey conducted late last year showed that a negative view of Muslims was held by 72% of Hungarians, 69% of Italians, 66% of Poles, 65% of Greeks, 50% of Spaniards, 29% of French, and 28% of Britons.
Is Ramadan month peaceful?
The Ramadan fasting month lasts 30 days beginning on May 27. Statistics show that the number of terror attacks during Ramadan is higher than in other months. Last year, an IS spokesperson called on supporters to conduct “lone wolf” attacks and it became the bloodiest Ramadan in history. Observers say that as the IS loses ground in Iraq and Syria, attacks like the one in Manchester create publicity for IS, boost recruitment, and sow divisions both in the Muslim world and the wider social community.