From Friday 28th February to Sunday 30th March, Muslims around the world will observe the month of Ramadan.

 

WHAT IS RAMADAN?

According to Islamic tradition, in the year 610CE* Muhammad received a series of divine revelations. These revelations, later compiled into the Qur’an, form the foundation of Islamic belief and practice. The Qur’an, made up of 114 chapters known as Surahs, contains teachings, prayers, and narratives central to the faith.

Ramadan is a deeply significant period in the Islamic calendar, marking the month in which these revelations are believed to have begun. It takes place during the ninth month of the Hijri (lunar) calendar and is a time dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection, observed by Muslims worldwide.

Throughout Ramadan, fasting takes place from dawn until sunset. No food or drink—including water—is consumed during daylight hours. Each morning before sunrise, families partake in Suhoor, a large pre–dawn meal, and break their fast in the evening with Iftar, a communal meal often shared with family and friends. The conclusion of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al–Fitr, a festival marking the end of fasting.

For Muslims who participate, Ramadan is seen as a period of spiritual growth, self–discipline, and generosity. They dedicate more time to prayer, reading of the Qur’an, and charitable giving. It is considered to be a time for deepening faith, fostering gratitude, and developing a greater sense of empathy for those in need.

 

HOW TO PRAY

Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself to Muslims.

As Muslims seek to draw closer to Allah during Ramadan, we can pray that the Lord would draw near to them, revealing Himself and His truth.

Pray for a realisation that salvation comes through Christ alone.

While the spiritual discipline of fasting is meaningful, works alone cannot save us from sin and death. Many Muslims engage in spiritual disciplines and good works during Ramadan to earn salvation and prove themselves worthy before Allah. Pray for many to discover that salvation comes through Christ alone.

Pray that Christians would be able to share the gospel.

Pray particularly for AsiaLink partners working among Muslims in places such as Iraq, Jordan, Iran, Pakistan, Thailand, and Bangladesh. Pray for boldness as they seek to share the gospel, and for Muslims to have open hearts and minds as they learn about Jesus.

 

*We have used CE here because many Muslims refer to dates as CE rather than AD. This is due to the latter being centred on the birth of Jesus Christ, whom they do not consider central to their faith, giving us all the more reason to pray for the truth to be revealed to them in the month ahead.