Ramadan: May 26- June 25 2017

In order to have a better understand how to pray, it's helpful to know who it is we're praying for. This year the Islamic month of Ramadan begins on May 26th and ends on June 25th. Please join us in praying for Muslims around the world as they seek their god Allah. Pray that they will encounter the One True God, Jesus Christ who is the only One who can truly forgive them of their sins and give them eternal salvation. Also pray for Christians in Muslim nations as persecution from Muslims often increases during Ramadan.   

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and begins with both the sighting of the new moon and astronomical calculations. An Imam (a Muslim holy man) will declare the exact time of Ramadan just prior to its commencement. The fasting period ends upon the sighting of the next new moon, which occurs after 29 or 30 days.

The name Ramadan comes from the Arabic word ramida or ar-ramad, meaning intense scorching heat and dryness. From the same word there is ramdaa, meaning ‘sunbaked sand’. Some believe that Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground.

It is believed that the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. Historical records show that first revelation was sent down on Laylat al-Qadr (The night of Power) which is one of the last ten days of Ramadan. According to the Hadiths, a saying, action or story of the Prophet Muhammad, the entire Quran was ‘sent’ during Ramadan.

On the first evening of Ramadan, Muslims around the world will be looking to see if the crescent moon is visible. If it is, then the month of Ramadan has begun and fasting will begin the following day. Muslims will rise early to eat breakfast. Afterwards they will not eat or drink anything until nightfall. This will be their daily routine for the next 30 days.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the religion of Islam and one of the highest forms of Islamic worship.  During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from first light until sunset. Fasting is an act of faith and worship towards Allah, seeking to suppress their desires and increase their spiritual piety. Abstinence from earthly pleasures and curbing evil intentions and desires is regarded as an act of obedience and submission to God as well as an atonement for sins, errors, and mistakes. Ummah, or fasting together as a worldwide community, affirms the brotherhood and equality of man before Allah.

The month of Ramadan provokes special feelings of emotional excitement and religious zeal among Muslims of all ages.Fasting and praying five times a day is mandatory for adults. Children as young as eight years of age will willingly participate as well. Sighting of the crescent moon and eating special meals with their families is exciting for the children. Adult Muslims hope to double their rewards from God and forgiveness for past sins. Ramadan emphasizes Muslim brotherhood and community and they all feel close to one another.

Fasting gives Muslims an understanding of how a hungry person feels and teaches how to share the sufferings of the less fortunate. Muslims believe that fasting provides appreciation for the bounties of Allah.

Fasting not only means abstaining from food, but also refraining from all vice and evils committed consciously or unconsciously. It is believed that volunteers who refrain from lawful foods and sex, will be in a better position to avoid unlawful things and acts during the rest of the year.

The first of the five daily prayers called Fajr is offered at dawn, following a shared meal called Sahur. The second and third prayers are offered during early and late afternoon. 

The fast is broken at sunset and many Muslims have Iftar parties or small gatherings to break the fast with them. The fourth prayer, called the Maghrib prayer, is offered after the fast is broken and right before dinner. After dinner, Muslims go to their houses of worship, called Mosques, to offer the Isha prayer, which is the last of the five daily prayers. The day ends with a special voluntary prayer, the Taraweeh, offered by the congregation reciting the Quran.

During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to go out of their way to help the needy, both financially and emotionally. Some believe that a reward earned during this month is multiplied 70 times and more.

Many Muslims have encounters with Jesus during Ramadan as they fast and pray. Pray throughout the month of Ramadan that Muslims seeking Allah will encounter Jesus Christ through visions, dreams, and faithful witnesses.

Information provided by www.pray30days.org “The History of Ramadan”