Ramadan Vis-A-Vis Decrease In Crime Rate
(Rafey Iqbal Rahman, Karachi)
The month of Ramadan has very
positive effects on people’s souls. Statistics show the crime rates drastically
drop during this month in the Muslim world. Many avoid telling lies, committing
sins and shun any activities that Allah wouldn’t approve of. They feel more
empowered and inspired to think and act better. Fasting makes them ponder
matters that they never gave a thought to before, and this creates a fear of God
Allah and a longing for the Hereafter in their hearts. They get closer to
religion and many of them continue to live a more devout and sincere life even
after Ramadan ends. Therefore, Ramadan is a month of endless blessings and
goodness.
Ramadan is correlated with the decrease in crime rates. Decrease in crime rates
have been reported by the police in some cities of Turkey (Istanbul and Konya)
and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
A 2012 study found that crime rates decreased in Iran during Ramadan, and that
decrease was statistically significant.
A 2005 study showed that there was a decrease in assault, robbery and
alcohol-related crimes during Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.
In 2013, crime had fallen a staggering 40% as compared to the previous 30 days
(equivalent to one month) in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia since the
beginning of Ramadan, according to Lt. Col. Ziad Al-Raquaiti, spokesperson of
the Eastern Police. Physical attacks including quarrels and threats fell by 38%.
This could be attributed to the spiritual mood prevalent due to the holy month
of Ramadan.
A similar drop in crime rates was also recorded in 2011 and 2012.
In 2012, police records have shown that crime in Ramadan fell by 37% compared to
the previous 30 days. Physical attacks fell by 26%, immorality incidents by 11%,
liquor-related crimes by 10% and various other crimes by 16%.
There was a 25% drop in crimes for the same period in 2011. Physical attacks
fell by 32%, immorality crimes by 29%, drunkenness by 12% and various other
crimes by 15%, the spokesperson told in an interview with a local newspaper.