Ramadan Mubarak
Yesterday was the start of Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month for the Muslim people across the world. They will fast during the day from food, water, physical pleasure, and cigarettes then pig out at sundown. My wife and I actually saw a fitness club here advertising: “Loose the kilo’s of Ramadan”. So people actually put on weight during their month long fast. Hmmm. Interesting.
Everyone’s spiritual antennas are more alert during this month. If someone is found eating on the street he could be taken to jail or beaten on the spot. Fortunately as a foreigner I have a free pass to eat anytime with no small amount of awkwardness.
You can do two things during this month until Sept 21 or so:
-Pray for the people of North Africa and all of the Muslim world during this time. When God’s people pray, God sends laborers. Use these following useful link as prayer guides:
www.30daysprayer.com
-If you know a Muslim tell them “Ramadam Mubarak” when you see them. That mean, “Happy Ramadan”. It’s not sacrilegious, just polite and a confirmation that you are aware of their culture. I promise it will bring a smile and probably even an invitation to “Ftur” (the evening breaking of the fast at sundown). If they invite you, go. Their food is not sacrificed to idols.
Why Ramadan?
Muslims believe their is special forgiveness in the fasting for the month of Ramadan. Muslims who get drunk, fornicate, steal, never pray, and a host of other sins will fast during Ramadan if they believe in God at all. Probably 99% of Muslims in our country fast during Ramadan. That is their final hope that God will forgive their many sins.