Experts, noting that studies show the frequency of crime does not decrease as penalties increase, state that research indicates the relationship between crime and punishment is not a deterrent.
Prof. Dr. Emine Yeniterzi from the Institute of Sufi Studies, stating that during the month of Ramadan, all five senses are disciplined to stay away from what is forbidden (haram), said that the expectation of a decrease in crime and tendency towards crime during spiritual months is not unfounded. Yeniterzi pointed out that in past years, the tendency towards crime was known to have decreased by 15 to 20 percent throughout the month of Ramadan.
Prof. Dr. Emine Yeniterzi, Deputy Director of the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Institute of Sufi Studies and Head of the Department of Sufi Culture and Literature, evaluated the issue of the decrease in the tendency towards crime during spiritual months.
“Solidarity and social justice are among the fundamental principles of Islam”
Prof. Dr. Emine Yeniterzi stated that research shows a linear relationship between poverty and crime rates, saying, “Solidarity and social justice are among the fundamental principles of the Islamic religion, and within the spiritual inclusivity of our religion, not just specific months and days but a continuity ingrained in tradition is essential. However, the months of Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan, which bring spiritual peace to all Muslims, positively affect social life with their different dynamics, both individually and socially.”
“Ramadan is the month of mercy and forgiveness. Ramadan is the month of the Quran”
Regarding the month of Ramadan, Prof. Dr. Emine Yeniterzi also noted, “Ramadan is the month of mercy and forgiveness. Ramadan is the month of the Quran. Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) is the most virtuous night of the year. Therefore, in this month, Muslims give more importance to reading the Quran in their daily routines; daily recitations (mukabele) are performed, and complete readings (hatim) are completed. Ramadan is the month of fasting. As a fundamental obligation, it means that Muslims fast for one month a year.” She added:
“An important worship during the nights of Ramadan is the Tarawih prayers, preferably performed in congregation in mosques. Ramadan is the month of Zakat. It is also obligatory for those who are well-off to give 'fitr al-sadaqah', commonly known as 'fitra' among the public, until Eid al-Fitr. Therefore, Ramadan is essentially a month that supports both the individual’s spiritual deepening and socialization. Iftars are broken at common tables, prayers are performed together, the Quran is read, and after iftar, people socialize and live social lives together. The harmony brought by this togetherness elevates an inexpressible value, both physically and spiritually.”
Interaction between spiritual months and crime
Prof. Dr. Emine Yeniterzi stated that studies showing the frequency of crime does not decrease as penalties increase indicate that the relationship between crime and punishment is not a deterrent, saying, “Of course, the concepts of crime and criminal cannot be evaluated separately from individual characteristics. However, the expectation of a decrease in crime and tendency towards crime during spiritual months is not unfounded. The month of Ramadan provides the best example of this. It is known that in past years, the tendency towards crime decreased by 15 to 20 percent throughout the month of Ramadan.”
“Access to most basic needs becomes easier during Ramadan”
Prof. Dr. Emine Yeniterzi noted that it is possible to address the reason for this decrease in two dimensions: “The material dimension; during Ramadan, access to the most basic needs becomes easier. Soup kitchens, municipalities, public institutions, and the private sector set up tables and distribute food. Tables overflow into the streets. In the neighborhood, a destitute person, whom you might be afraid to pass by on a normal day, meets with the neighborhood headman at the same table. Aid, extending from the immediate surroundings to villages you don’t know, is provided during these months. Zakat gives Muslims, who do not sleep full while their neighbor is hungry, this opportunity at least once a year. Fitra, similarly, even if it doesn't pour, it trickles. A very small material support can turn into enormous help for those in need. Ramadan is the month when sharing is done the most, regardless of how much. It is known that this month, with its blessings and abundance, also brings material wealth.”
“All five senses are disciplined to stay away from what is forbidden (haram)”
Referring to the spiritual dimension, Prof. Dr. Emine Yeniterzi said, “In Islamic literature, there are four sacred months during which war is considered forbidden. This acceptance alone is extremely important for preventing violence, even for just reasons. The month of Ramadan is a month that shows a person their own helplessness and inadequacy. It requires shedding all habits and being disciplined not only with hunger but also with all limbs. No bad words come out of the mouth. All five senses are disciplined to stay away from what is forbidden (haram). It is a month when the aggressive state of individuals who cannot control their nerves on an ordinary day, which would lead them to react to others, is involuntarily taken away. From an individual-to-society perspective, this situation spreads calmness and serenity.”
“Throughout Ramadan, Muslims desire to purify themselves from past sins by worshipping”
Prof. Dr. Emine Yeniterzi also explained that the doors of divine grace are opened wide to everyone who supplicates, and it is announced that their worship will be particularly accepted by Allah in this month, saying, “Throughout Ramadan, Muslims desire to benefit from the blessings of this month and purify themselves from past sins by worshipping. Spiritually, Muslims who fall behind in their daily routine worship become more sensitive and careful to benefit from the grace of Ramadan. The first Friday prayer of Ramadan is the best example of this. Again, from an individual-to-society perspective, this situation channels collective energy in a positive direction.”
“Fasting and Zakat educate individuals spiritually and morally.”
Prof. Dr. Emine Yeniterzi, Head of the Department of Sufi Culture and Literature, concluded her words as follows:
“Ramadan is the month of good morals. It teaches sharing, unity, and being one, both materially and spiritually. It explains understanding others’ situations, empathy, and tolerance. As stated in Rumi’s words: ‘Fasting says: 'He doesn't even eat his own lawful possessions; know that there is no possibility for him to reach out for what is forbidden.' Zakat says: 'He even gives away his own possessions; how then would he steal from others?' Fasting and Zakat educate individuals spiritually and morally.”