We enjoyed the opportunity to have Dinner this past weekend with two of our Muslim friends. This is the month of Ramadan on the Islamic calendar, a month where they fast from sunrise to sunset every day.
One of our friends was describing for us the timing of the meal. People spend the afternoon cooking their meal in order to be ready to eat as soon as the official announcement of sunset is made. One can only imagine how hard it is to cook a delicious meal and wait to eat it when you're very hungry. When the announcement is made on television, the phrase "Allahu Akbar" signals the time to begin eating. My friend said that it is very common as sunset nears for the children and older men to constantly ask "Has he said 'Allahu Akbar' yet?"
Our other Muslim friend observed rather dryly "If they are so eager to eat, then why are they fasting?"
He was observing what an empty ritual looks like. Our second friend describes himself as a "not religious" Muslim. That may seem like a contradiction, but it allows him to keep a place in society. Generally speaking, Muslim societies are more interested in that cultural identity than they are in religious practice.
There are nearly two billion Muslims in the world, many of whom are living out empty rituals. Many others are sincerely seeking out God and desire to be more obedient to Him. Some practice a religion of fear. What all of these people have in common is their need for a Savior, just as everyone does.
Will you join me during this month in praying for God to pour out his Holy Spirit on the nations where the good news of Jesus is not heard? Can we pray that God will bless them with a special outpouring of his mercy and love?
One of our friends was describing for us the timing of the meal. People spend the afternoon cooking their meal in order to be ready to eat as soon as the official announcement of sunset is made. One can only imagine how hard it is to cook a delicious meal and wait to eat it when you're very hungry. When the announcement is made on television, the phrase "Allahu Akbar" signals the time to begin eating. My friend said that it is very common as sunset nears for the children and older men to constantly ask "Has he said 'Allahu Akbar' yet?"
Our other Muslim friend observed rather dryly "If they are so eager to eat, then why are they fasting?"
He was observing what an empty ritual looks like. Our second friend describes himself as a "not religious" Muslim. That may seem like a contradiction, but it allows him to keep a place in society. Generally speaking, Muslim societies are more interested in that cultural identity than they are in religious practice.
There are nearly two billion Muslims in the world, many of whom are living out empty rituals. Many others are sincerely seeking out God and desire to be more obedient to Him. Some practice a religion of fear. What all of these people have in common is their need for a Savior, just as everyone does.
Will you join me during this month in praying for God to pour out his Holy Spirit on the nations where the good news of Jesus is not heard? Can we pray that God will bless them with a special outpouring of his mercy and love?
No comments:
Post a Comment