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Father, we pray that as their bodies hunger and their tongues thirst, that You
would show them Jesus who promised “I am the bread of life; he who comes
to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” (John
6:35). Help them see the insufficiency of their works and lead them to hunger
and thirst for the righteousness that only Jesus can give.
•
Father, we pray that as they practice self-restraint that You would show
them Jesus who, before He was crucified for sinners, denied Himself and
“prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not
as I will, but as You will’” (Matthew 26:39). Help them believe that He truly
died on the cross and drank fully from the cup of Your wrath.
•
Father, we pray that as they give alms to the poor that You would show
them Jesus who “though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so
that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Help
them see and treasure the eternal glory of Your Son Jesus.
•
Father, we pray that as they gather together to feast in the evening, that You
would show them Jesus who invites sinners of all sorts to abandon their false
gods and by faith join “those who are invited to the marriage supper of the
Lamb” (Revelation 16:9). Show them the resurrected and ascended King of
Glory who desires them to draw near to Him in faith.
Ramadan 2015: Everything You Need to Know
Ramadan is here again, so read the Gulf News guide to know all
there is to know about the holy month.
PUBLISHED: 07:55 JUNE 10, 2015
|
MARTIN FULLARD, GUIDES WRITER
http://gulfnews.com/guides/life/community/ramadan-2015-everything-you-need-to-know-1.1528649
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Father, we pray that you would give Your church love for Muslims across the
world. Make us like Jesus who “felt compassion for them because they were
like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34Open in Logos Bible Software (if
available)). Guard us from self-righteousness that would lead us to having
hard hearts toward those who do not know You.
Father, we pray that you would give Your church opportunity and courage to
proclaim the Gospel to Muslims throughout the world. Lift our eyes to Jesus
who promised to empower us when He said “I am with you always even to
the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Let us not fear any consequence of
faithfully taking the Gospel to those who desperately need Your grace.
May this season of Ramadan be marked by the faithful intercession of God’s
people who long to see many Muslims come to the saving knowledge of Jesus,
the Son of God!
garrettkell.com/a-christians-prayer-during-ramadan
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What is Ramadan all about?
When is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar.
This year, as far as the Gregorian calendar is concerned, Ramadan starts on
June 18 (subject to moon sighting).
How long does it last? Ramadan lasts for 29-30 days, or one complete moon
cycle. The moon sighting determines the duration.
How do we know when it starts? A moon-sighting committee in Makkah, Saudi
Arabia, will make an official announcement.
What does the moon have to do with it? Ramadan begins at the first sighting
of the new crescent moon. Effectively the 30 day period is the entire moon cycle.
Why Saudi Arabia? Makkah is considered the holiest city in Islam. Not only was
it the birthplace of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), but also the location where
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) had his first revelation of the Qur’an. Because of
this, the rest of the Islamic world follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement.
How do you greet each other? Greet people by saying “Ramadan Kareem”.
This roughly translates into “Happy Ramadan”.
What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. It is
regarded as the holiest month of the year as it was the month in which the Quran
was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on the night of Laylat Al Qadr, one
of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
''The month of Ramadan (is that) in which was revealed the Quran, a
guidance for the people and the clear proof for guidance and criterion. So
whoever sights (the new moon of) the month, let him fast it; and whoever
is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends
for you ease and doesn't intend for you hardship and wants for you to
complete the period and to glorify Allah for that (to) which He has guided
you: and perhaps you will be grateful.''
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185
Ramadan is observed annually as part of the Five Pillars of Islamic practice.
Ramadan for non-Muslims
Do non-Muslims have to fast? No. While Muslims don’t expect non-Muslims to
fast as well, it remains important to show respect. As such there are certain
things to know. Read below:
What do you need to know? Most of the following points apply to the rest of the
year too, but are even more important to adhere to during Ramadan.
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Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during the fasting hours. This includes
chewing gum.
Do not engage in public displays of affection, like hugging.
Do not engage in any aggressive behaviour.
Do not dance or play music in public. You may listen to music quietly with
headphones.
Do not wear inappropriate clothing in public. Dress respectfully. Men should
avoid wearing sleeveless vests, while women should cover their shoulders
and knees.
Do not swear. Blasphemy is considered extra offensive during Ramadan.
Do not refuse a gift, from a simple date to something more exotic, you should
accept it. Further, you should not refuse an invitation to join someone at Iftar.
How do Muslims observe Ramadan? Adult Muslims are required to fast from
dawn until dusk every day throughout Ramadan. Those who are ill, elderly,
diabetic, pregnant, menstruating, or breastfeeding are not required to fast. Those
who were travelling or are unwell during the period of Ramadan may fast on
different days at a later point. Children are not required to fast unless they have
reached puberty, although many still do out of choice.
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In addition to abstaining from eating, drinking, and smoking, Muslims also refrain
from sexual relations as well as sinful speech and behaviour.
The penalty for not following the above etiquette can vary, with community
service normally being favoured.
During Ramadan, Muslims pray every night for 30 days, reciting different
chapters each day until the Quran is completed by Eid Al Fitr. This is called the
Taraweeh prayer which is recited after Isha prayers in mid-evening.
Where can you eat, drink, or smoke? If you are not fasting, then you are free
to eat and drink in the privacy of your own home, as well as in designated areas.
Ask your employer where you can eat your lunch. The same goes with smoking.
Why fasting? Fasting redirects the heart away from distractions, with its purpose
being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from impurities. Ramadan is also a time for
Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, and empathy for those less
fortunate. It encourages generosity and charity.
Some restaurants and cafes will be open during the day. You are free to frequent
these. Food can be taken away and consumed in private.
When do Muslims break fast? Fast may be broken at sunset before Maghrib
prayers after ‘Azaan’ (call for prayers). This occurs just after sunset. Dates are
traditionally the first food to be eaten each evening. The fast-breaking meal is
called Iftar.
When does fasting start? Each morning before sunrise, Muslims engage in a
pre-fast meal called Suhoor. Afterwards they begin the Fajr prayers.
When does Ramadan end? Ramadan ends after 30 days. Eid Al Fitr is the
annual three-day celebration after the last day of Ramadan and it is considered a
public holiday. Authorities announce the exact holiday dates nearer the time.
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How Can We Pray During Ramadan?
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Father, we pray that as they set their hearts to worship their god Allah, that
You might make them to “know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ
whom You have sent” (John 17:3). Help them see that Jesus is Your eternal
Son through whom they can have eternal life.
•
Father, we pray that as their bodies hunger and their tongues thirst, that You
would show them Jesus who promised “I am the bread of life; he who comes
to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” (John
6:35). Help them see the insufficiency of their works and lead them to hunger
and thirst for the righteousness that only Jesus can give.