3 Reasons to Pray During Ramadan

A Mosque in Indonesia.

Ramadan is observed by Muslims as a month of fasting and prayer, to mark the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. Each year, we ask our supporters to join us in prayer during this time.

But, why should Christians pray during the Islamic month of Ramadan?

Here are 3 reasons why we pray during Ramadan.

Islamic State defeated in Fallujah – what does it mean for Christians?

A view is seen of streets in Falluja. Photo: REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

On Monday 23 May, the government offensive to retake the Iraqi city of Fallujah from Islamic State began. Five weeks later, on Sunday 26 June, the Iraqi government declared the city fully liberated and back in government control. 

They have now set their eyes on liberating Iraq’s second largest city, Mosul. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said of the Iraqi flag, “God willing, soon it will be flying in Mosul.”

The power of the gospel in Iraq

Makruhi*, a trainer and lecturer, goes from village to village, from one church community to another, to bring hope to displaced Christians in Iraq. Recently she shared some of the issues Christians in Iraq are facing.

Displaced Iraqi Christian with her Bible.

“If you want a better life just immigrate to the West.” This is normative advice for a better life that Iraqi Christians frequently receive. I recently spoke at a big Christian event offering another way of gaining a better life. “You need to believe two things,” I explained during the lecture. “First, you must believe that you are, as an individual, loved by God. Second, you must love those around you.”

What Ramadan means to 2 former Muslims

Ipin* and Rudi* are Christians,  formerly Muslims, who were imprisoned for three years for sharing their faith. They recently shared with us what Ramadan means for them now. 

Ramadan: Blind Act or By Choice?

When Ipin was a Muslim, he did not fast regularly during Ramadan. And when he did, it was for the sake of pleasing his parents.

He knew from Islamic studies that the main purpose of fasting was to purify oneself from earthly sins, but he felt most didn’t fast for that reason. “They are just following the elders’ tradition, and thus their attitude and habits during Ramadan are no different than any other days,” says Ipin. “My neighbors would scold me each time I didn’t fast, but I challenged them, asking why they fasted. Is it because of their parents, or is it by their own choice?”