CALL TO ACTION: RAMADAN AND OUR MUSLIM NEIGHBORS
Ramadan, holy month for Muslims, started April 2 and will end on May 1. Pious Ali, a Portland city councilor said, “Some of us can afford to eat three meals a day, but others in the world can’t. By fasting we learn how that feels. By fasting you learn about the privileges God has given you.” Indeed, Muslims devote themselves to practices including fasting, almsgiving, and soul-searching during Ramadan.
America is home to 3.45 million Muslims. They are our classmates, colleagues, doctors, neighborhood store owners–even influencers like comedians, congressmen, Olympians, and fashionistas. But Islamophobia remains a problem when people only see Muslims through the lens of international news like 9/11, the Iraq war, and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
Here’s a little-known piece of history: Muslim Americans are patriots. Muslims have served in the American military since the War for Independence, Civil War, World War II, and Vietnam war. According to Department of Defense, more than 3,500 Muslim Americans fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, Muslim Americans are an integral part of American life and culture.
While Muslims observe Ramadan, Christians observe Lent in preparation for Easter. To Muslims, Ramadan is about seeking forgiveness in the hope of eventually gaining acceptance from Allah. But there is no assurance. To Christians, God has already extended forgiveness and acceptance to all who believe in Christ and His resurrection.
Christ came to save the lost. Muslims make up 26% of the world’s population. From the slave trade of past centuries to our modern-day economic migration and global displacement, Muslims from other lands have become our neighbors.
Hear what God has to say about this:
Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. (Deut 10:19)
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Gal 5:14)
Loving our neighbors starts with getting to know them, and Ramadan is a great time to get to know our Muslim neighbors. Here are a few ways we can start:
Learn the proper Muslim greeting. Instead of “Happy Ramadan,” try saying “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem,” which means “Blessed Ramadan” or “Generous Ramadan.”
Be genuinely curious. Ask what Ramadan means to your Muslim neighbor in their culture.
Share about your own Lenten experience. Muslims respect people who are serious about their faith and spirituality.
Invite your Muslim neighbor to your home for a meal after Ramadan.
As Christians, we may not subscribe to the Muslim faith, but we can still honor our Muslim neighbors and become friends. We must rewrite our relationship with Muslims through sincere friendships before we can ever hope to love them into the Kingdom of God.
For more information on our Muslim neighbors, check out: Muslims Next Door: Uncovering Myths and Creating Friendships by Shirin Taber, an Iranian American Christian media producer. This resource helps us understand how Muslims think and follows each chapter with practical group discussion questions.