As Ramadan begins, Muslims around the world will observe Islam’s holiest month in an effort to gain God’s favor and forgiveness. While the starting date varies year-to-year based on the lunar calendar, the essential ingredients of these important 30 days remain constant.
Fasting & Feasting
For Muslims, fasting during Ramadan is a compulsory act of worship, one of the five pillars of Islam. No food or water is consumed from sunrise to sunset, often prompting those with flexible schedules to switch their daytime and nighttime routines. For most, Ramadan can be a physically taxing time, especially in summer months. Many experience discomfort and sometimes tempers can flare, though suffering and exhaustion is thought to deepen their devotion.
In contrast, breaking the fast each evening is a joyous event usually done in the company of family and friends. The iftar meal begins at sunset and includes items such as dates, juice, soup, and various sweets. Then, before the sun rises in the morning, Muslims wake and eat suhoor, their final meal before another grueling fast.
Spiritual Reflection
For some, Ramadan is simply a religious obligation and an occasion to seek spiritual rewards for their good deeds. For others, it is a time of sacred significance and an opportunity to purify their hearts and overcome sinful behaviors. During Ramadan many Muslims will pray more than the five required daily prayers. Others attempt to read the entire Quran.
Efforts to earn favor are increased even further on Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power. Muslims generally believe that on this night, God opens the heavens, and those who lift their prayers and pleas at the right moment will receive extraordinary blessing and forgiveness of past sins. However, no matter how perfectly practiced, Islam offers no assurance of eternal salvation.
Jesus
For some, Ramadan’s rules and regulations expose the limitations of Islam. The intense spiritual focus of the season prompts some dissatisfied Muslims to seek truth, and we pray that they will encounter Jesus in the miraculous and even the mundane. Only Christ offers forgiveness and eternal life through His completed work.
Frontiers field workers across the Muslim world welcome neighbors into their homes and prepare delicious meals, all while carrying with them the aroma of Christ. Their conversations are seasoned with salt, and the sweetness of the Gospel may be shared over dessert. But you don’t have to live overseas to get involved.
You
Wherever you are, you can pray for Muslims to learn about the gift of grace available only through Christ. Whether you follow along with Frontiers’ 30-Day Prayer Guide Taste and See or invite a few friends to spend an afternoon fasting and praying for those who have yet to hear the Good News, turning to the Lord is always the most important ingredient!
Pray:
- Ask God to use the month of Ramadan to fill Muslim men and women with a hunger and thirst for the Truth.
- Pray that Frontiers field workers will have many opportunities to share the Gospel with local friends and neighbors during Ramadan.
- Pray that Jesus will use dreams and visions to reveal Himself to unreached Muslims.
**This account comes from a long-term worker. Names have been changed for security.**
Main photo on iStock
Original article: https://frontiersusa.org/blog/essential-ramadan/