Christians around the world will join in prayer for the Muslim world from July 20 through Aug. 18 as Muslims enter their month of prayer and fasting called Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims focus on prayer and spiritual development. They fast from first light until nightfall, breaking the fast by eating large meals with extended family. It is one of the most important Muslim celebrations of the year, and many Christians dedicate time during this month to pray for the Muslim world and specifically for their Muslim friends and neighbors.
The organization 30 Days International, a ministry dedicated to prayer for Muslims during Ramadan, offers resources to help Christians pray, learn about the needs of Muslims globally and form relationships with Muslim neighbors. The organization offers a prayer guide, 30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World, as well as a children’s booklet, Just for Kids. The guides offer statistics, photographs and testimonies of Muslims touched by last year’s prayer movement.
“We have seen that Christians take the prayer more seriously as they see their Muslim neighbors fasting and active during Ramadan,” 30 Days International writes.
Ramadan brings out a special feeling of emotional excitement and religious zeal among Muslims of all ages. A typical day of fasting begins around 4:30 a.m., when Muslims share a meal before beginning the fast at dawn. As dawn breaks, they offer the first of five daily prayers.
As the day proceeds and their hunger increases, fasting Muslims remind themselves that they are fasting for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah and seeking his mercy.
Muslims are encouraged to make special efforts to help the needy, both financially and emotionally, throughout the month. For this reason, Ramadan is also known as the month of charity and generosity. To a Muslim, fasting means abstaining not only from food but also from all vice and evils committed consciously or unconsciously.
As Muslims around the world begin their 30-day period of soul-searching, set aside this time to intercede for them. Use resources available at Christian bookstores or through 30 Days International. Let us use the power of prayer to make a difference during this crucial time.
Source: www.30-days.net
