The Islamic State (ISIL) has launched new attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, while also offering food and money to people living under its control.
Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar to commemorate the first revelation of the Islamic holy scripture, the Quran, to the prophet Muhammad.
Muslims around the world refrain from eating and drinking during the day, but gather together for big family dinners after sunset. Many make a point of reading the entire Quran.
During this time of reflection and festive celebration, ISIL has attacked the Italian Consulate in Cairo and launched two new offensives in northern Syria. ISIL has taken control of dozens of towns, cities and networks of roads in Iraq and Syria since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
Besides fasting, Ramadan is also a time to give to those less fortunate. ISIL hopes to win over the hearts of people living in its territories by donating food and money to the poor, said Associated Press reporter Bassem Mroue.
The group has carried out some of its most brutal acts during Ramadan, including executing purported spies on film and severely punishing anyone found not fasting during the day, despite Islamic law stating that the old and sick can refrain from fasting if necessary.
“They claim this is the only right interpretation,” Mroue said. “They don’t tolerate any kind of criticism or opposition.”
Warm up questions
-
What is Ramadan?
-
How do Muslims observe Ramadan?
-
What is Islamic State?
Critical thinking questions
-
How does ISIL justify its contradicting actions of violence and charity during Ramadan?
-
Why does the Quran stipulate that certain people may avoid fasting during Ramadan?
-
How might people living under ISIL’s control interpret the charitable actions if they are already living under difficult circumstances?
-
How does ISIL pose a threat to the United States?
-
What should the U.S. do about the rise of ISIL?
