Engaging Muslims During Ramadan

Do you know about Ramadan? It is a 30-day period of fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, observed by Muslims worldwide. Connection Pointe has several partnerships that are involved with Muslims – in the Balkans, Turkey, Middle East, India, and England. There are also over 3 million Muslims who live and work in the USA.

Fouad Masri, founder and director of Indianapolis-based Crescent Project, says that Ramadan “is a significant time of increased spiritual awareness and expectancy for all Muslims and during this time they may be more open to spiritual conversation.”

I bring this to your attention so you are aware and can engage with Muslims during this important time, May 5 – June 4. For me, my best point of engagement is the park by our house. Several times the last few years there have been celebration events held there by Muslims. The one time I went over to inquire about their music (hard to miss), they asked “Is it too loud?” “Not for me,” I replied. They were all Yemeni and invited me to eat, once they returned from prayers.

I encourage you to be in prayer for our partners involved with Muslims around the world, and to take the opportunities you have to engage your Muslim friends, neighbors, colleagues and family members during this season important to them.

Read below for more information from Fouad Masri on how to engage Muslims during Ramadan.

1) Pray!

Sign up to pray through Ramadan with us! Praying Through Ramadan
Every Thursday beginning May 3rd, you will receive prayer points for praying on Fridays during this season.
Choose a time that works for you!

2) Engage

This is a great time for Christ followers to show interest by asking their Muslim friends and neighbors questions about their Ramadan traditions.

3) Understand

While asking questions shows interest, demonstrating a basic understanding of Islam and Ramadan develops respect and rapport.

Here is a Short “Ramadan Primer”:
Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is when Muslims believe Muhammad began to receive the Qur’an by revelation.

As you engage in conversation about Ramadan, it will be natural to share that Christians also fast, pray, and engage in specific seasons of seeking God more fervently (like Advent or Lent). And because there is such an emphasis on forgiveness, spiritual blessing, and closeness to God, we can build a natural bridge to how Jesus fulfills that for us in ways that we could never attain by our own efforts. Sharing this with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15) could lead to rich conversation and softness of heart toward Christ.

4) Reach Out with Kindness

Little gestures can go a long way to establishing rapport. As you interact with Muslims during this time, wish them “Ramadan Mubarak”–a common greeting meaning “blessed Ramadan.” Let them know you’re praying for God to draw near to them. Consider inviting them to your home to share some food after sunset. Or, just before sunset, offer a small container of dates–the traditional food first eaten to break the daily fast.

Connection Pointe travels have taken us to see some of the most beautiful sites in the Muslim world and to meet some of the most wonderful people…