Ramadan is the time for Muslims around the world to fast from sunrise to sunset. But this 30 days of fasting goes far beyond fasting from food. The Arabic word for "fasting" means "to refrain" - the Ramadan fast is not merely refraining from food and drink but also from wrong actions, thoughts, and words. So during daylight hours, they abstain from food and drink; some even refrain from swallowing their own saliva!Beyond the physical call is the religious call. Muslims are to use this month to evaluate their lives against the teachings of Islam in order to improve. They should focus on forgiving those who have wronged them, improving relationships with family and friends, and getting rid of bad habits - basically a type of spiritual cleansing. Muslims also use this month to focus on worshipping God, filling their hearts and minds with the Qur'an (their holy book), and practicing self-sacrifice by identifying with the hungry and giving to the poor.
Please pray for Muslims as they begin fasting Saturday morning (August 21, 2012) in Bangalore. Ask God to help them understand that none of their good deeds can make their hearts clean before them. Pray that they would have dreams and visions that reveal the truth about Jesus.
