USA (MNN) — Muslims around the world are gearing up for Ramadan. It's Islam's holiest month, and it begins September 1. What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a time where Muslims re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. They try to make peace with those who have wronged them, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits — essentially to clean up their lives, thoughts, and feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" – and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but also from evil actions, thoughts, and words.
During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In this way, every part of the body observes the fast.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.
While millions of Muslims will spend Ramadan in prayer and fasting, millions of Christians will be doing the same during the 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus, but for a different reason. They're doing it because they have a heart for those who practice Islam.
The 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus is a worldwide prayer effort is designed to raise awareness and educate, mobilize new support and workers, and encourage informed and loving involvement with people groups who practice the Islamic faith.
As hard-line Islam grows in the Middle East and Asia, missiologist says many nominal Muslims are becoming disenfranchised and beginning to look elsewhere for answers. Young people in countries like Iran are finding Christ on Christian satellite television and the internet.
Many Christians want to participate in this prayer effort but don't know where to begin. There's still time, if you act quickly. Mission Network News is providing the YWAM 30 Days Muslim Prayer Guide for a gift of any amount.
This prayer guide is a 30-page booklet that focuses each day on a specific area of the Islamic world. As you pray, you'll gain knowledge and understanding of the Islamic culture and a heart for the people that transcends the headlines.
Click here to get your copy of the 30 Days Muslim Prayer Guide.
