An argument took place in my office at the eye hospital in northern Afghanistan. Our administrator was checking the rice that someone was selling to the hospital, and he wanted to make sure it was of good quality. He took one grain of rice and bit down on it lightly, tapping it with his teeth. Suddenly, several people in the room accused him of committing a great misdeed.
“I was only biting it to check it,” he said.
“No,” they said with voices rising. “You put it in your mouth. You are guilty of breaking your fast.”
“I didn’t eat it. I was only checking it to see if it was of good quality,” he protested.
“No, you have sinned and have to start the fast all over again!” the others said in loud agitated voices that carried throughout the hallway.
What our administrator did was the same thing many of his co-workers would do when buying rice. The issue here was it was done during the month of Ramadan. For strict Muslims, they do not even allow the use of one's teeth to tap on a grain of rice to test its quality.
During the month of fasting, many Muslims take it upon themselves to police their neighbors to make sure they are fasting correctly. This understandably can cause friction and even unrest. After all, no one likes being told that they are breaking the rules, even if they are doing it! Legalism is rampant as seen in the story above.
Pray for Muslims during this month of fasting, which continues until April 22, that they would realize that keeping rules to earn God’s favor and blessing is not the right way at all. Pray that they might experience a vision from God or hear the gospel of Jesus Christ from a Christian radio or an internet podcast. Pray that they will know that Jesus died for their sins, rose from the grave after three days, and declared that sin and death have no power over him. May they repent, turn away from their sins, and live for him. Pray that Muslims will know that Jesus will forgive them and bring healing to their souls. Ultimately, pray that those who choose to follow Christ will live a life of gratitude and service out of devotion and love, not to earn merit or salvation.
On the 26th or 27th day of Ramadan (April 17/18th, 2023), there is a special night called the “Night of Power.” Muslims believe that this was the first time the Quran was revealed to Mohammed. It is a special time marked by special prayers and blessings. However, they are not certain which night it is on, only that it is one of the last 10 days of Ramadan. Tradition says it is either on the 26th or 27th. Hence, some Muslims will spend these nights overnight at the mosque, praying and reciting the Quran. For it is believed that if one is praying on the exact night, at the exact time when this revelation took place, then one gets a greater multiplied blessing—much more than they would get at any other time of the year.
Pray for a true night of power, wherein Jesus would reveal himself to many Muslims this year, and that they would turn to him as the Lord and giver of eternal life.
Visiting Muslims during the day this Ramadan is possible. However, we encourage you to turn down offers of food and drink unless you are visiting after sunset. They will want to serve you something because of their generous hospitality. It is better to say no to prevent the awkwardness of you eating and drinking in front of them. Ramadan closes with several days of feasting and festivities. Some places go longer than others, so visits during the festive time are fine.
If you’re given the opportunity to share your thoughts, you can use verses from Isaiah 58-59 to read and talk about what God requires and what true fasting is according to him. Jesus also addresses fasting in Matt 6:16-18 and in the parable of the two men who went up to the temple to pray in Luke 18:10-14.
Many are using the 30 Days of Prayer guidebooks to help them pray for Muslims this month. They are only available as digital downloads ($2.50 per PDF copy) for now as the printed versions are sold out.
Another great resource is the Prayercast videos. During Ramadan, you can sign up for daily videos that focus on different Muslim cities and countries and people groups that need prayer.
