A tragic attack on the peaceful city of Bannu on the third day of Ramadan has left many innocent lives lost. This violence, carried out by extremists, attacks the spirit of Ramadan—peace, unity, and faith.
On the third day of Ramadan, a sacred month for Muslims worldwide, the peaceful city of Bannu became the site of a horrific tragedy. As families gathered to break their fast and prepare for Maghrib prayers, the darkness of violence descended upon them. A devastating attack orchestrated by the Khawarij, a group driven by hatred and extremism, targeted the heart of the city—its mosques, its worshippers, its women, and children.
This act of brutality unfolded in the form of a bomb explosion, which caused the roof of a mosque to collapse, trapping innocent lives beneath the rubble. At least 14 people lost their lives, and another 11 were injured, many gravely. These were not soldiers on the battlefield, but ordinary civilians, including men, women, and children, all of whom were simply engaged in the sacred act of worship during one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar.
The responsibility for this attack lies squarely with the Khawarij—a violent and misguided group that has long disrespected the true teachings of Islam. Their ideology, rooted in hatred and extremism, has led them to commit atrocities that defy any notion of justice or compassion. These self-proclaimed “reformers” are, in fact, the corrupters, as Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Baqarah: “And when it is said to them, ‘Do not cause corruption on the earth,’ they say, ‘We are only reformers.’ Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive it not.” (2:11-12). Their actions are a direct contradiction to the very essence of Islam—peace, mercy, and justice.
The group responsible for the attack, HGB’s Al Hamza Suicide Squad, which is linked to Jaishul Fursan, claimed credit for the atrocity. In a video posted earlier this month, they declared their “Intiqam-e-Lal Masjid” campaign, claiming the support of notorious groups such as Ilyas Kashmiri’s 313 Brigade and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). This alliance of terror serves as a stark reminder of how extremist factions continue to exploit the faith for their own sinister purposes, spreading division and bloodshed under the false pretense of religious righteousness.
The Khawarij, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned, are the “worst of creation,” for they will kill fellow Muslims without mercy. They strike not in defense of Islam, but in an effort to distort its teachings, and they demonstrate no regard for human life. The sacredness of Ramadan, a time meant for reflection, fasting, prayer, and charity, has been desecrated by these terrorists. Their actions reflect a complete disregard for the sanctity of life, the value of human dignity, and the bonds of community that Islam upholds.
Ramadan: A Time for Peace, Reflection, and Unity
Ramadan is not just a time of fasting—it is a sacred opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith, seek spiritual purification, and grow closer to Allah (SWT). It is a month of reflection, prayer, and charity, offering countless blessings and rewards. However, the recent tragedy in Bannu serves as a painful reminder of the distorted actions of a few who have strayed far from the true spirit of this blessed month.
In this time of fasting, Muslims around the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs, seeking to purify their hearts and minds. But beyond the physical act of fasting, Ramadan is also a time for introspection and self-restraint—a time to develop empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate.
Allah (SWT) mentions the importance of fasting in the Qur’an in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
Fasting, in its essence, is not just an act of physical deprivation, but a spiritual exercise designed to foster piety and righteousness. The true objective is to develop a deeper connection with Allah and to cultivate a sense of empathy, self-discipline, and gratitude for the blessings we often take for granted.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the spiritual benefits of fasting, saying:
“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This Hadith underscores the mercy and forgiveness Allah grants during Ramadan. It is a time when Muslims seek to purify themselves, turning to Allah in sincere repentance and gratitude. The month of Ramadan, as the Prophet (PBUH) reminded us, is also a time for increased prayer and charity. Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of kindness and generosity, particularly towards those who are less fortunate.
“The best of you are those who feed others, and the one who fasts should break their fast with a meal given by someone else.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
This statement reflects the communal aspect of Ramadan, a time when the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood are strengthened. It reminds us that the true purpose of fasting is to grow in compassion, to be aware of the plight of others, and to reach out with a spirit of generosity and empathy.
Also See: Heeding the Prophet’s Warnings: Fitna al Khawarij
Attack on the Spirit of Ramadan
The tragedy in Bannu, carried out by the Khawarij, represents an assault not only on innocent lives but also on the values that Ramadan embodies—peace, mercy, and unity. These terrorists have hijacked the true spirit of Islam and exploited it for their own violent and misguided goals. In a time that should be dedicated to self-improvement, worship, and community, they have chosen to cause destruction, fear, and division.
Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world unite in their worship of Allah, regardless of race, nationality, or social status. It is a month that reminds us of our shared humanity and encourages the strengthening of bonds within the Ummah. The month is about compassion, kindness, and peace—not violence, hatred, and extremism.
It is a time when Allah offers abundant chances for purification and improvement—opportunities that the extremists who perpetrate such violence fail to see. The sanctity of life, especially during Ramadan, should be held above all else.
As we reflect on the events in Bannu, we are reminded of the core values of Islam—values that stand in stark contrast to the senseless violence committed by the Khawarij. It is essential for all of us, especially during Ramadan, to uphold these values and work towards a future where peace, love, and understanding prevail.
The loss of innocent lives in Bannu should not be seen as a symbol of defeat, but rather as a call to action. We must stand firm against extremism and continue to promote the true message of Islam—a message that calls for mercy, peace, and the protection of human dignity. In the spirit of Ramadan, let us renew our commitment to these ideals, ensuring that our actions reflect the compassion and unity that this sacred month represents.
The Ummah must not be divided by the actions of those who seek to create chaos and destruction. We must reject the twisted ideologies of these terrorists and work toward healing, rebuilding, and restoring the sanctity of our mosques and communities. The loss of innocent lives is a bitter reminder of the threat posed by violent extremism, but it is also a call to action—to stand united against the forces of darkness, to protect the vulnerable, and to ensure that the true message of Islam is heard above the noise of hatred.
