Learning from 1.7 billion fasting muslims - 17 May 2016

Whether you know it or not, Ramadan is a significant, world altering event. 

Next month, 1.7 billion people - that’s almost 25% of the Earth’s population - will pray and fast during daylight hours. In the UK, that means an average of 19 hours each day.

During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world are encouraged to be devout in the spiritual practices of prayer, reading the Quran and practicing kindness to the people around them. Muslim believers are the majority in around 49 countries, which makes this religion a huge part of the world. The effects of this fast are so great, it affects the world economy. 

You may have also noticed that Islam is a big part of the news. 

The media often harnesses negative stereotypes, portraying it wrongly as fundamentally synonymous with terror, darkness and war; despite so much of the Qu’ran proclaiming justice, light and peace. 

It’s easy to read news articles and make these negative connotations the lens through which we view one of the world’s biggest religions. But this is not the reality. Especially during Ramadan, Muslims worldwide will seek blessing on their lives and families, and peace for those in their communities. 

There’s a lot we can learn from this annual fast: 

Devotion

Muslims devote themselves entirely to prayer and fasting for 30 days. That means completely abstaining from food and drinks during daylight hours. 

Why not use the period of Ramadan to devote yourself to praying for Muslims? Or why not try fasting as a spiritual discipline to draw you closer to Jesus? 

Commitment

Ramadan is taking place from 6 June, but many Muslims will be praying and fasting in difficult circumstances. The majority of refugees making their way across Europe are practising Muslims, which means that many of them are homeless; without possessions; in need of refuge. In the middle of the brokenness, they’re still committed. 

Commit to praying for refugees in difficult circumstances; especially Muslims who will be praying and fasting in the midst of the turmoil. 

Loving one another

One of the key parts of Ramadan is the opportunity to practise kindness to the local community; many Muslim communities around the world use Ramadan as an opportunity to open up their homes to friends and neighbours. 

Why not use this time to serve in your local community; to support Muslims in your local community and to build relationships with them? 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31 

30 Days of Prayer is encouraging Christians all over the world to use Ramadan as an opportunity to reach out to Muslim neighbours; to learn about Islam and to build intentional relationships. Every year they produce resources to help Churches and individuals to get involved. 

This year, why not challenge yourself to use Ramadan as an opportunity to pray and learn about Islam? Reach out to your Muslim neighbours; join them in loving and serving your community. 

You can order a 30 days of Prayer guide, which provides prayer points and guidance on how to pray for Muslims over Ramadan.