Ramadan

Here in Yendi, we are in the midst of Ramadan and its activities. The piercing noise of loud speakers of Quaranic recitations, Islamic preachings from the radio stations, the noisy early morning life as most houses are busy cooking and eating to meet the deadline of daylight. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar Calendar. In this month Muslims all around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast. Muslims see this month as the time to purify their souls, refocus on God, to practice self-sacrifice, to make peace, to do away with bad habits – this is essentially to clean up their lives. Just like Paul, I can testify about the zeal and the commitment of my brothers and sisters, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. They missed the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. And this should be a process and a daily affair but not an event (Rom 10: 2 – 4; 12:1-3).

'the Mosque in our village'

The Arabic word for “fasting” (sawn) means to “refrain” and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts and words. During Ramadan every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places, etc. In such a way every part of the body observes the fast.

'the Central Mosque in Tamale'

But what happens after the Ramadan? During the last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims seek and observe the Night of Power (Leyla Qadr), particularly on the odd nights (ie, the 23, 25, and 27). It is reported that the prophet said, “Whoever stays up (in prayers and remembrance of Allah) on the night of Qadr, fully believing (in Allah’s promise of reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for all his past sins.” (Bukhari & Muslims). Night of Power is a time of intense spirituality, when believers are surrounded by angels, the spirit, and the gates of heaven are open for Allah’s blessings. Again, on the contrary the book of Lamentations assures us that, God’s great love, compassion and faithfulness are not month bound – “They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23). Join us in these few “Nights of Power” as we intercede for the salvation of the world of Islam.

'Muslims in our village gather at a grave of one of the ancestors to pray for unity in the village and drive away evil spirits'

Praises:

• For the good health of our family.
• For the joy and privilege of reaching out to the Muslims with the love of Christ.

Prayers:

• That the lessons of Ramadan will lead the Muslims to Christ in whom ‘everyday is a month of Ramadan.’
• That, as small as we are, as Christians in our village our light will be able to shine brighter.
• That we will have good proportions of rains for the crops so as not to have floods this year.