Real Ramadan

Every year Muslims observe Ramadan. One dictionary defines it as “the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset.” Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to Muhammad during Ramadan, which is referred to as the “best of times.” Because Islam follows a lunar calendar, the dates of Ramadan change every year. For 2018 it began on the evening of Tuesday, May 15 and ends this Thursday evening (June 14).

For nearly two decades the White House has hosted Ramadan dinners. President Trump had one this past Wednesday after skipping it for 2017. I’ve even seen some churches displaying signs wishing their Muslim neighbors a “blessed Ramadan.” Certainly, I’m in favor of reaching out to non-Christians. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:22, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” However, I have a problem with encouraging religious practices contrary to the word of God.

Would you tell a Muslim to have a “blessed jihad”? Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Yet that’s what people are indirectly doing by wishing Muslims a blessed Ramadan. This supposedly holy period is really a month of jihad. Mohammad’s conquest of Mecca and the Battle of Badr occurred then. The terrorist group ISIS has told followers the rewards for bloodshed are greater during Ramadan. 

Still think Islam is “a religion of peace”? Check out this extensive list of terrorist attacks. Among those that happened during Ramadan include the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando and an attack outside Islam’s second holiest mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

There are now close to 3.5 million Muslims here in the United States. If one of them invited me to a Ramadan gathering, I’d probably decline but offer to pray for my Muslim acquaintance so that he hopefully comes to know Jesus who is more than a prophet. Fasting and other works do not bring spiritual purification. It’s only through knowing the Savior.

“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God…If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” - 2 John 9-11