Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, a time devoted to fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection. For the overwhelming majority of Muslims, it is a peaceful and sacred season. However, extremist organizations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda have historically exploited Ramadan’s symbolism to intensify violence.

Militant propagandists frame the month as a time of “heightened jihad,” falsely claiming that acts of violence or martyrdom bring greater spiritual reward. This narrative directly contradicts mainstream Islamic teachings, yet it is used to motivate recruits and justify attacks. ISIS underscored this manipulation in 2014 when it declared its so-called caliphate during Ramadan and named Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as its leader. Since then, extremist messaging during Ramadan has frequently included calls for supporters worldwide to carry out attacks.

In the Horn of Africa, the threat remains acute. Somalia-based Al-Shabaab continues to conduct deadly operations. In early 2025 alone, more than 1,300 deaths linked to extremist violence were reported across the region, with hundreds more injured. High-profile attacks included a siege at the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne and a suicide bombing at the Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy in Mogadishu, underscoring the group’s continued capability to strike both civilian and security targets.

Security analysts have observed that extremist attacks can increase by as much as 25–40 percent during Ramadan compared with other months, as groups seek greater propaganda impact and symbolic resonance.

While Ramadan remains a sacred and peaceful time for millions, authorities must anticipate escalations in extremist propaganda, attack planning and communities should be aware that the sacred season may be negatively manipulated by violent extremists. Heightened awareness, stronger intelligence coordination, and community cooperation are essential to prevent extremists from exploiting this holy month for violent ends.