Ramadan: 10 things you ought to know
1. Muslims observe Ramadan to mark the first revelation of the Qu'ran to the prophet Mohammed. It's the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.
2. It's a moveable feast. The calendar is based on the lunar cycle and the month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon this evening (so the first day of fasting begins tomorrow at sunrise). It's about 11 days earlier each year. Keep reading
'We are living in the midst of the greatest turning of Muslims to Christ in history'
Despite the daily news of the persecution of Christians around the world by Islamist groups, there is another, lesser-known story of growing numbers of Muslims around the world who are turning to Christ as Lord.
Missionary David Garrison's book, A Wind in the House of Islam, charts this phenomenon, which he says demonstrates that "we are living in the midst of the greatest turning of Muslims to Christ in history". Keep reading
Pray Through Ramadan
The month of Ramadan (18 June - 17 July 2015)
Every year, Muslims around the world fast and pray throughout the month of Ramadan - the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
While Islamic Extremism is one of the key drivers of persecution for Christians around the world, the church is growing in countries with predominately Muslim populations.
As Muslims all around the world observe Ramadan, let us pray that the Christians living in these countries would be strengthened and encouraged.
Let us also thank God for bringing so many Muslims to Christ, and pray that during Ramadan this year, many Muslims would find Jesus. Keep reading
Sharing the Gospel during Ramadan
Today is the first day of Ramadan, when devout Muslims observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset. It is a time of heightened tension for many Muslims, as they cope with hunger and thirst—especially as, at this time of year in the Northern hemisphere, the days are very long. But what is this festival all about, and what should our attitude towards it be? Keep reading
New: How Christians Can Observe Ramadan
A billion Muslims are fasting and seeking God. Let’s pray he comes to them.
Most Americans would be unaware that Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, begins on Thursday. Many would only be casually aware that this is one of the five pillars of Islam, its date changing each year due to the lunar calendar. Faithful adherents fast from dawn to dusk until the month concludes with the Feast of Eid.
Having studied Islam, we were familiar with this expression of piety, but learned much more during the years we lived in a Muslim country—the largest Muslim country in the world, Indonesia. In more observant places, fasting is compulsory, though allowances are made for foreigners and non-Muslims. All do without food, but more devout Muslims refuse to drink water, and some don’t even swallow their saliva.
There is irony, however, in the fact that Muslims probably eat more during the month than at any other time. Women of the house arise in the early morning to prepare an elaborate breakfast to provide nourishment throughout the day. When the call to evening prayer signals the breaking of the fast, everyone hurries home to indulge in what could be described as a Thanksgiving dinner. Not much gets done during Ramadan as offices are open for only a few hours, no one has the strength for much physical labor, and it is easier to endure the denial of food by sleeping through the afternoon. Keep reading
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