Monday, 01 August 2011 00:15
The holiest month in the Islamic year begins today. Muslims believe that the prophet Muhammad received his first revelation from the angel Gabriel on the 17th day of this month in the year A.D. 610.
For years, the businessman had retreated during Ramadan to a cave near his home in Mecca to pray and fast. On that fateful day, called "the Night of Power and Excellence" by Muslims, he was gripped by an experience which marked him for the rest of his life and birthed a global movement. He heard, or felt, a voice commanding him to "recite!" The words he "recited" that day formed the first revelation of what became the Qur'an (the "recitation").
The Qur'an requires all Muslims to observe this month by following Muhammad's example in fasting and prayer: "Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong" (Qur'an 2:185). As a result, Muslims the world over swallow nothing from sunrise to sunset. (After dark they can eat and drink as they wish.) They refrain from smoking and sexual relations during the day as well. They pray more fervently. And they study the Qur'an, which has been divided into 30 equal parts so it can be read in its entirety during this month.
How does the Holy Spirit use Ramadan?
First, he responds to the fervent and sincere prayers of Muslims by revealing Jesus to many. The Qur'an teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin (Qur'an 3:47), lived a sinless life (3:46), healed the sick and raised the dead (3:49), and ascended to heaven (3:55). Now he is appearing to Muslims the world over in visions and dreams, often during this month. To read stories of such miraculous revelation, do an Internet search on "Muslim dreams of Jesus."
Second, he is mobilizing Christians to pray for Muslims during this month, that they might know personally the One they seek so fervently. An excellent prayer guide is available at the 30-Days Prayer Network.
Third, he is calling Christians to support Muslims who come to Christ as their Lord. Muslim-background believers (MBBs) often lose their jobs and families when they leave Islam. They need encouragement, support, and discipleship. The best ministry to MBBs I know is Dr. Abraham Sarker's organization, "Gospel for Muslims." You can visit their website and find ways to join the global Muslim awakening personally.
Jesus met felt needs in order to meet spiritual needs. He asked for water from the Samaritan woman who came to Jacob's well, then led her to living water (John 4). He healed blind eyes in order to heal a blind heart (John 9). Now he continues his ministry through us. How will you show Muslims his love in yours?
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Comments
Your first clue is that Gabriel delivers messages; he does not (according to the Biblical pattern) require the recipient to recite, chant, or repeat back what they've been told. And he certainly never delivered content that demands the believer go and execute "non-believers" either at that time nor for the rest of the future of mankind on the Earth.
Certainly, we can pray for the Muslim - their lot after conversion is most severe. But not really any more worrisome than the Hindi or the Orthodox Jew (because many such religions require at least the ex-communication of the convert - most insist on a death penalty.)
Also, are you prepared, either personally or in your church family, to absorb more than a few Muslim converts into your social circle? This is what you need to consider when you start pushing people to "pray for the Muslim." They will have to go somewhere for refuge and support. Don't forget to mention that in your appeals. The culture shock factor alone is a big obstacle.
Hope this new format does what you all intend.
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However, my country practices religious tolerance. While Islam accounts for 60%, Christianity 13%. But it would surprise you to know that The church is makes more impacts in terms of our contribution to national development in areas such as education, health and infrastructure. The Church is making inroads in Islam in Sierra Leone.
2. I just received a glowing response to today's message, Jim, this from a young lady I worked with in a new believer's class, who's sirname reflects "Ramadan". She said "Thank you very much for sending me this, it brought joy to my heart as I am praying for the Muslims in my life especially my family.
Also I noticed the MBB part of his message, I am actually one of the speakers/instructors that participate in the Gospel for Muslims conferences and I am in the process of finalizing the paperwork for a similar ministry of mine that would assist equipping Churches in learning about Islam & leading Muslims to Christ through LOVE.
One more thing God has also blessed me with (name withheld for privacty) your student - who is moving to AbuDhabi in 2weeks for work- she will be a professor at university there and i know that lord will use her as a light in their lives.
So blessed to know that you and your wife have an amazing heart to help the survivors of the tsunami...
bless you guys. Prayers and love.
Thank you again soo much for sending me this =)
They choose to justify many sinful acts under the name of God; especially through their religious leaders' opinions and instructions, who are quite ignorant of the gracious and merciful but also just God/Allah.
I pray for them to be really enlightened.
The Hhadeeth sums up Islam in an excellent manner especially about the MU'MEN (Believer in God) and the Muslem (The one who claims Islam to be his/her religion); and it is all summed up by honorable and trustworthy living.
First, ..aren’t we to be carrying love into all the world, and that includes the Muslims, just as Christ did? And…my goodness, IF that results in some or many becoming a part of our fellowship and even “social circles”…isn’t that a miracle, a great thing?
Second: Here is a the response from this awesome young lady, in response to today’s message (who's sirname reflects the Muslim holiday in reference): "Thank you very much for sending me this, it brought joy to my heart as I am praying for the Muslims in my life especially my family.
Also I noticed the MBB part of his message, I am actually one of the speakers/instructors that participate in the Gospel for Muslims conferences and I am in the process of finalizing the paperwork for a similar ministry of mine that would assist equipping Churches in learning about Islam & leading Muslims to Christ through LOVE.
One more thing God has also blessed me with (name removed for privacy) your student - who is moving to AbuDhabi in 2weeks for work- she will be a professor at university there and i know that lord will use her as a light in their lives.
So blessed to know that you and your wife have an amazing heart to help the survivors of the tsunami...
bless you guys. Prayers and love.
Thank you again soo much for sending me this =) "
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