Did you know that this week starts the beginning of Ramadan, the holiest month that Muslims observe? It begins sundown on Wednesday, March 22nd and ends with Eid al-Fitr on Friday, April 21. Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar. Over 2 billion Muslims will be taking part in this time by fasting, serving others, giving to charity, reflecting, and praying. Muslims will fast from things like food, drink, smoking, and sexual activities between dawn and sunset each day. Fasting is required for Muslims, except for those who are ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, menstruating, elderly and frail, younger children before puberty, or traveling! If someone is in the middle of their fast and passes away, a close family member will need to make up that fasting time on their behalf. Women menstruating must make up their days of fasting afterward. Did you catch that a Muslim doesn’t have to fast when traveling? It seems that many people get confused with the times while traveling and it is better to not fast than to dishonor and fast at the incorrect times. Muslims will try to avoid negative actions such as gossiping, lying, and arguing during this month.

One of our Muslim clients says, “Yes, Ramadan is the holy month that makes us approach God with enjoyment and patience, and with enduring the normal days before sunset. God really has a special advantage; Glory be to God (S.K., 3/2023).”

During this month of fasting and reflecting, Muslims are hopeful to build gratitude for their blessings from God and empathy for others that are less fortunate. Many Muslims will hold fundraisers to collect food and other items such as clothing to help those in need. Prayer is a vital part of the Ramadan fasting month for Muslims as they will spend several hours praying (at least 5x a day) and reciting a special prayer called the Tarawih prayer (an evening prayer). For more interesting information about Ramadan so that you can better understand, visit http://www.30daysprayer.com.

During this Ramadan month of time, Christians are encouraged to join in prayer earnestly seeking the Lord on behalf of followers of Islam. Spiritual lostness is something believers in Jesus should be very aware of during the days of Ramadan. There is a heightened spiritual focus for Muslims during the Ramadan month. Many Muslims believe that dreams are ways that God will speak to them. We want God to reveal to them Himself and Jesus during this month. Jesus has been reported to have appeared to many Muslims in their dreams. Your prayers and fasting during this time as a Christian are encouraged.