RAMADAN IS FOR CHRISTIANS TOO

Ramadan in 2023 begins Wed, March 22 and ends Thurs, April 20. It is the most important month in the Muslim calendar. During the day, observant Muslims fast from food and drink to devote their time to prayer as they commemorate Allah’s giving the first verses of the Quran to Muhammad in A.D. 610. 

Ramadan is an opportunity for Christians as well to practice loving our Muslim neighbors and exercising our faith publicly even as our Lenten season overlaps with Ramadan to end with Easter on April 9. 

During Ramadan, some mosques invite members of their community for an iftar dinner, the fast-breaking meal after sunset. You are welcomed to partake in food and conversations around the table without having to participate in their religious practices. Check the website of your local mosque. Ask for permission to join as Christians wishing to observe their prayer ceremony. As you observe, learn about their faith and pray for their salvation. Always go with another believer; don’t go alone.

Wishing Muslims a happy Ramadan—“Ramadan Mubarak”—is a small but meaningful gesture, just as it would be for us to hear non-believers wish us a “Merry Christmas”. It does not mean we share their faith. Rather, it is an acknowledgement of their faith and what it means to them. 

Ramadan can be stressful for Muslims living as a minority in countries that do not make accommodation in the school or work schedules for their Ramadan practices. Our respect and show of support for our Muslim friends and colleagues during Ramadan is one way to be neighborly.

Finally, pray for a Muslim people group. There are over 3,000 groups making up 23% of the world’s population. Sign up for the digital guide of 30 Days of Prayer: https://30daysprayer.com/

Pray for

  • Christ to be revealed to devout Muslims as they fast and pray

  • Muslim students and colleagues you know personally or the opportunity to befriend a Muslim person or family 

  • Muslims attending universities, working, or living as immigrants or refugees around the world to meet Christians, who will show them Christ’s love 

  • Church planting movements among Muslim groups; the protection and witness of Muslim background believers in the communities they are a part of

“…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15)

“…in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:19-20)

Work as Globalocal MissionLaurie Fralick