Ramadan 2021 is just around the corner. This is a time for Muslims around the world to celebrate the month when they observe the occasion of Mohammed receiving the first messages of the Quran.
Most observe this holiday through intentional community-wide fasting from food and drink, including water, during daylight hours. They will typically break the fast at the first sign of sunset with friends and family. Fasting is believed to multiply thawab, the Arabic word for spiritual reward. Smoking, sex, and other sinful activity is also prohibited during this time. For a few, the fasting during Ramdan is simply a ritual to follow, yet many look for spiritual cleansing and closeness with God.
This year, the holiday will likely begin on the evening of Tuesday, April 12th and end on the evening of Wednesday, May 11th in Southeast Asia.
How to pray
- Pray that God would bring families closer to each other and strengthen relationships. As they break the fast together may God show himself to them as the Bread of Life (John 6:35).
- Pray for those who are still working, that God would protect them from illness and for those who have lost their jobs since the pandemic started that they may know Him as “a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.” (Isaiah 25:4)
- Pray for God to reveal himself personally to those who are awake during the night hours praying and reading the Quran. Psalm 63:6-7 says “When I remember you on my bed, I meditate on you in the night watches. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.”