Muslim Arabs Observe Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan. The name Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ‘ramida’ or ‘ar-ramad’, denoting intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same word there is ‘ramdaa’, meaning ’sunbaked sand’ and the famous proverb ‘Kal Mustajeer minar ramadaa binnar’ – ‘to jump out of the frying pan into the fire’. Some say it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground.In many places around the world Muslims will be looking to the heavens on the first evening of Ramadan. They will be interested in knowing if they will be able to see the crescent moon. If it is visible this will be the signal for the beginning of the month of Ramadan. (In most countries religious authorities will make a proclamation concerning the beginning of Ramadan). No fasting will take place until the next morning. Muslims will rise early to eat their breakfast before the day begins. Afterwards they will not have anything else to eat or drink until nightfall. This will be their daily experience during the next 30 days.Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the religion of Islam and one of the highest forms of Islamic worship. Abstinence from earthly pleasures and curbing evil intentions and desires is regarded as an act of obedience and submission to God as well as an atonement for sins, errors, and mistakes. Muslims fast as an act of faith and worship towards Allah, seeking to suppress their desires and increase their spiritual piety. The daily fast is broken at sunset. Muslims are urged to invite others to break the fast with them.Throughout the day Muslims are encouraged to go out of their way to help the needy, both financially and emotionally. Some believe that a reward earned during this month is multiplied 70 times and more. For this reason, Ramadan is also known as the month of charity and generosity.The last ten days of Ramadan are considered highly blessed, especially the 27th night which is also called the ‘Night of Power’, or the ‘Night of Destiny’. It is believed that on this night the prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Quran. For many Muslims, this period is marked by a heightened spiritual intensity and they may spend these nights praying and reciting the Quran.After 30 days of fasting, the end of Ramadan is observed with a day of celebration, called Eid-ul-Fitr.

'Night of Power'
According to Islamic tradition, it is during the last 10 days of Ramadan (11-20 September this year) that the Night of Power (Lailat ul Qadr) falls. There is some discrepancy on the actual date, but it is most widely considered to be on the 27th day of Ramadan – which means that for this year, it is expected on Thursday 17 September.What is so special about this night?  Well, Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel first spoke to Mohammed on that night, and indeed, that the Qur’an was revealed to him at that time.  That is why it is considered a blessed night, and to stand in prayer on this one night is said to be better than a thousand months of worship.Every year, on the anniversary of the Night of Power, the gates of heaven are said to be opened wide, angels come to earth and Allah is especially merciful and attentive to prayers. Millions of Muslims around the world stay awake through the Night of Power, seeking his mercy and forgiveness.
It is not uncommon to hear stories of people seeing visions of Jesus during these days.  Would you pray with us that many more Arab families will have a revelation of the truth in Jesus Christ during this Ramadan?