Devoted Muslims are watching for the first sign of the crescent Moon. From that moment in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, through the full Moon, until the waning crescent, they fast and worship in the season of Ramadan.
Between around February 28 to March 30 this year, most Muslims around the world will rise before dawn. They gather with family and friends to savor a meal called suhoor. They do not eat or drink again until iftar, the meal they share after sunset. (Children younger than about age 11, the elderly, and those who are sick, pregnant, or traveling are not required to fast.)
Ramadan is a season of prayer and reflection. Muslims observe the time in recognition of an event they believe happened to the man they consider to be a great prophet: Mohammed. They say Ramadan commemorates his first revelation from the angel Gabriel.
Many try to read the entire Qur’an over the month. That is the holy book for Muslims. People attend special services in mosques where the Qur’an is read. Ramadan is a time for growing closer to Allah, cultivating gratitude, and caring for the poor and hungry.
A number of Muslims provide iftar for those in need. They hand out food or hold free communal meals.
Some Muslims decorate their homes. They put out Ramadan-themed tableware and centerpieces. Egypt is the Arab world’s most populous country. Colorful lanterns dangle from children’s hands and adorn houses, building entrances, and stores. Ramadan songs fill the air. Pre-dawn banging of drums calls the faithful to awake for the suhoor meal.
Residents near Java in Indonesia flock to the Cisadane River to welcome Ramadan. They wash their hair with rice straw shampoo in a symbolic spiritual cleansing.
Ramadan finishes with a prayer vigil called “The Night of Power.” It is the most sacred night in Islam. Muslims believe the “gates of paradise” are opened and all their sins can be forgiven.
The vigil is followed by the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Festivities include a midday meal, exchanging gifts, buying new clothes, and visiting the graves of loved ones. Muslims offer thanks to Allah for strength during the fast.
Christians remember the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He alone covers and forgives all our sins. He dresses us in His perfect righteousness. We ask for His strength to serve others out of love for Him.
Some Christians are preparing to celebrate Lent. It is a 40-day period of prayer and fasting that begins on March 5 and leads up to Maundy Thursday on April 17. Maundy Thursday is a day of remembering when Jesus washed His disciples feet and went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane before going to the cross. Easter Sunday follows on April 20. Many believers choose to fast from certain foods, social media, and other luxuries during Lent. They turn away from these things to meditate on their Savior. They remember the true God’s grace and mercy.
Pray Muslims around the world will see the beauty and sufficiency of Jesus and the gospel.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us. — Ephesians 1:7-8
