Ramadan -- A time of prayer and fasting

The month of Ramadan has arrived. It is the time Muslims believe their holy book was sent down from heaven to Muhammad. It began Oct. 4 and will last until Nov. 2. During this "holy month," they fast from food and water (some won't even swallow their saliva) from sunrise to sunset. 

I will share what my national friend said: "you always have an angel sitting on each shoulder, one writing your good deeds and one writing your bad deeds, but Alla is watching you especially closely during Ramadan. The door is open between Alla and man and Alla is aware of everything man does during this month." 

Although their holy book does not say much about Ramadan, many traditions have formed over the years. In Konni, everyone's schedule changes. Businesses have no break mid-day and close early, around 2. In the afternoons the streets are almost deserted because people are tired and hungry, and usually find a shady place to nap until sundown. Come dusk, people eat coco, a hot, spiced millet drink and nyiiri with sauce, their usual food. Then they take to the streets to visit friends, relatives and neighbors. They stay up late in the villages and the children celebrate by singing, chanting and running around.  It is a time of intensity for the "works" in Islam. Many people pray more, read their holy book each night, give more alms to the poor, etc.

***********************************************************************

I have been asking the Father that this month will bring many opportunities to share about prayer and fasting from a Believer's perspective. I am asking the Him to give me wisdom and words to say, or questions to ask. If ever there is a time to lift up Muslims in prayer, it is during this time! Ask for them to have dreams and visions that reveal Truth. Ask for workers and national believers to have wisdom in sharing. It is overwhelming that most every person I see when I step outside of my house is Lost and blinded to the Truth. The Enemy has a stronghold here but don't forget that He is moving in some hearts.