Ramadan: What Can Christians Learn From Muslims About Fasting?Andy Freeman - 1 Jul 2014

This week millions of people around the world have begun their observance of Ramadan, the month of prayer and fasting for followers of Islam. The season lasts for nearly one month, ending on 27th July.

Ramadan is a fast that marks the establishment of the Qu’ran, the holy book of Islam. Followers will fast all food and drink during daylight hours and also increase their prayers and generosity to others.

When you consider that there are an estimated 1.6 billion Muslims around the world, this is certainly a world event. 

As Ramadan starts each year it often reminds me of one of my favourite stories about St. Francis, the 13th century monastic monk who has inspired many of us within 24-7 Prayer. 

During the 5th series of the horrendous Crusade wars between ‘Christian’ forces from the West and ‘Islamic’ forces from the East, Francis decided to take a gamble with his own life for peace. 

Accompanied by his fellow monk Illuminato he walked across the battle lines to go and visit the Sultan Al-Malik-al-Kamil. Francis was going there to talk peace and to share his own view of God, but also with deep respect, love and tolerance.  

Theologian Steve Bevans notes that he walked with “the gentleness and vulnerability of Christ himself”. 

The men talked for several days and left with great respect, something which many Muslims still remember to this day. Francis left too with a sense of appreciation for Islamic devotion - particularly the periodic call to prayer - which he brought back to his own monasteries to practice. It’s amazing to think that when we talk about regular rhythms of prayer we have Francis and the prayer practice of Muslims to thank too. 

There are many ways to respond to Ramadan where you are. Why not pray for your local Mosque or Muslim neighbours? Could you prepare some gifts such as flowers or even offer to host a fast-breaking meal when the hours of darkness come and invite people who live near you?

Most of all though lets try and respond with that same generosity and humility which Francis showed and with the deep respect that those billion or so people around the world deserve. 

For the next 3 weeks - over the course of Ramadan - we will be releasing a series of articles over on the blog looking at fasting. If you have any question you'd like us to look at, please write them in the comment section below 

All images are used by permission in accordance with commons copyright license terms: Feature image is a derivative of the images 'secondo venerdì di ramadan', by Miriam Mezzera and 'the word of god' by rubber bullets