This year, April 9 marks the end of the month-long fast sacred to Muslims around the world. Growing up in Southern California, I had little exposure to Islam in general, and to Ramadan in particular. During our ten years in Senegal, however, I learned a great deal about Ramadan thanks to my Muslim friends. And just as Paul sought to connect with his hearers as he proclaimed the message of eternal life at the Aeropagus in Acts 17, so we can seek to understand our Muslim friends, in the hopes of then being able to share our faith with them.
1. Ramadan is intended to draw worshippers closer to God
It is a time of sacrifice, spiritual reflection, and remembrance of those who are less fortunate. The fast is designed to teach self-discipline, self-restraint, and generosity.
During this month, the devout are encouraged to turn away from worldly pursuits and purify their thoughts, words, and actions.
2. Ramadan requires fasting from sunrise to sunset
Muslims rise while it is still dark to take their first meal of the day. Those who can afford to consume a high protein, high fibre meal to keep them satiated during the long hours ahead. As the sun sets, many break their fast with a light meal, followed by a second heartier supper later in the evening.
3. Ramadan’s date varies from year to year
Because Muslims use a lunar calendar, their month of fasting can fall during any month of the year. For those living near the equator, this means that hotter months make a dry fast a greater challenge. Conversely, for those living closer to the poles, this means that at times they may face unusually long periods of daylight, thus extending their fast for up to 18 hours or longer a day.
4. Ramadan requires fasting from more than food
The fast calls for abstaining from all food and liquids. In addition, sexual intercourse, smoking, and ingesting oral medications break the fast. Interestingly, taking the COVID vaccine did not.
5. Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam
The other four are reciting their profession of faith, praying five times a day facing Mecca, giving alms to the poor, and undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca. Diligent adherence to these five practices is believed to earn Allah’s blessing and forgiveness.
6. Ramadan is a time of celebration
This month is the highlight of the year. The meals they enjoy in community during the evenings are special moments with friends and family. I’m told that Muslims spend more money on food during Ramadan than any other month of the year.
7. Ramadan is open to children
We all learn by imitation, and Muslim children are no exception. Since the Qur’an does not require children to fast, parents do not require it either. Yet parents see this as a practice to encourage and train their children in from a young age. And many children choose to take part in the fast because they want to be blessed along with the grown-ups.
8. Ramadan is not required for pregnant, nursing, or menstruating women
The same holds true for those who are ill, diabetic, or travelling. They do, however, need to make it up as soon as they are physically able to (those who cannot are permitted to give special alms). For this reason, many prefer to fast with their families rather than make it up alone.
9. Ramadan culminates with a prayer vigil
“The Night of Power,” the most sacred night of the most sacred month in Islam, falls during the last ten nights of the fast. Muslims believe it was then that Allah revealed the Qur’an to Mohammed via the Angel Gabriel. They hold this to be an extraordinary night, in which the very gates of heaven open, and all their sins can be forgiven.
10. Ramadan concludes with a feast called “Eid-al Fitr”
The month of fasting ends with communal prayers and celebrations that last one to three days. The festivities often include enjoying special midday meals together, visiting one another, exchanging gifts, buying new clothes, and visiting the graves of loved ones.
Ramadan: To fast or not to fast?
I do not advise fasting with or like Muslims. But I do suggest we can fast and pray for Muslims in a special way during Ramadan. Let’s allow their spiritual condition to move us to compassion, even as the lostness of the philosophers on Mars Hill moved Paul. And let it move us also to action. Let’s educate ourselves on how to share the Gospel with Muslims by reading books and articles and watching videos that will equip us to that end. Let’s pray for and seek opportunities to offer our friends the Good News of eternal life. And let’s use creative means to tell them that they can enter into union with the God of the universe and know for certain that their sins will be forgiven if they put their trust in Christ alone.
