Ramadan 2005
The adherents of Islam begin the pillar of Ramadan on Wednesday (Oct 5), and it will last through Nov 5. Throughout the world Islamists will fast (sawm) “when the sun is in the sky” (sun up to sun down). This practice is recognized by all those able from age 12 and up.
Why This Month? Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam. Around 610 A.D., a caravan trader named Muhammad took to wandering the desert near Mecca (in today’s Saudi Arabia) while thinking about his faith. One night a voice called to him from the night sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who told Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In the days that followed, Muhammad found himself speaking the verses that would be transcribed as the Qur’an.
At many mosques during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Qur’an is recited each night in prayers known as tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month the complete scripture will have been recited.
Eid al-Fitr. Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which in 2005 occurs on November 4. Literally the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.1
The 27th night of Ramadan is called the “Night of Power.” On this night, Muslims believe that Allah is more willing to speak to those that are seeking Him than on any other night.2 I challenge believers to be in prayer over this time. May God reveal to all adherents of Islam that they are partaking of a path contrary to the true God.
1.3 billion Islamists to go.
Old Man,
I really love that you have such a passion for the lost that are currently practicing Islam or Muslim. Your apparent hunger to feed the lost is just ever so amazing and encouraging! I pray that God grants me the passion and boldness that he has gifted you with!
Becky
Aren’t you a “little” passionate about some continent called Africa? I could’ve swore that you were :)
Old Man,
Oh, I am so very passionate about it!! It has gotten to where if I just see a map of Africa I start to think about how God is going to use me there and when I think of the AIDS pandemic I almost start to cry. I just think that your knowledge and passion are so great! I l-o-v-e it!
Becky
I don’t really have much to say; I just felt like posting a comment. It’s exciting to read about all the things God is doing in and through you. Keep pressing on (Phil 3:12).
Hey,
Interesting post. You must have forgotten, though, that the Jewish day of atonement is this month along with many other very significant Jewish holidays.
I knew there was a reason you and I are co-leaders! :)
Quote: 1.3 billion Islamists to go.
Yeah, and they’re not just the only ones. GO! FIGHT! WIN FOR GOD!!!
Hey, we should pray that on the night of power they have revelations of Jesus instead of “Allah”! I know so many stories of muslims who have converted after having dreams of Jesus and other such awesomness. It cuts through all the arguements about Christianity vs. Islam because so many muslims don’t realize that the core matter of it all is that GOD LOVES THEM. And when they see that, and realize that, it is a beautiful thing :)
I miss Morocco.
we were traveling by car all night last night and this morning around 5:00 am, we clearly saw the new moon. what does this mean?
Probably that you should pray for them!
Thanks for sharing
Hey, we should pray that on the night of power they have revelations of Jesus instead of “Allah”! I know so many stories of muslims who have converted after having dreams of Jesus and other such awesomness. It cuts through all the arguements about Christianity vs. Islam because so many muslims don’t realize that the core matter of it all is that GOD LOVES THEM. And when they see that, and realize that, it is a beautiful thing :)
I miss Morocco.