For most Muslims around the world, the month of Ramadan marks a period of fasting, abstinence and contemplation. Besides a month for spirituality and reflection, Ramadan is also a month in which extra attention is paid to tolerance, generosity, charity and solidarity. For some, however, the concept of "holy month" also carries a more violent meaning. Extremist groups such as the Islamic State (IS) — but also groups such as the Taliban and al-Qaeda — perceive Ramadan to be a month of jihad and martyrdom, a month in which Allah rewards his believers with paradise and victories on the battlefield.

On June 23, IS spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani issued a Ramadan statement in which he urged IS followers to attack Christians, Shiites and Sunnis fighting with the US-led coalition against IS.

“O soldiers of the Islamic State everywhere. These are the battlefields before you, these are your arms and here is Ramadan,” Adnani said. “The enemies of Allah are in front of you. Attack them everywhere. Make the earth shake beneath them. … Make this a month of victories for Muslims everywhere and make it a month of disasters, defeats and disgrace for the kuffar [infidels] everywhere.”

This call for jihad during the holy month — which ends July 17 — appears to have triggered attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France on June 26 and in Egypt on July 1.