Making the most of every opportunity

1 minute 24 second read

This year, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan will be celebrated from March 10 to April 9. Life runs at a different pace in the Arab world during this time. It can therefore bring fresh opportunities to show hospitality to Muslim neighbours and friends and seek natural openings to spiritual conversations. Here’s what some of our workers said about their experience of Ramadan last year:

New rhythms for everyone

"This is generally a slower month as working hours are shortened and nothing much happens until the first evening prayer call when Iftar (Arabic for ‘the breaking of the fast’) begins. Then things liven up, until about 1 or 2 in the morning – shops open, people are out having tea and coffee, and families are at the beach or in the park."

"For this lunar month, Muslims all over the world will abstain from all food and drink from sunrise until sunset, when the fast is broken with water, dates and a multicourse banquet! Late-night visits and fun will follow, and you might get a few hours of sleep before you’re woken up well before dawn by a drummer in the street reminding you to eat something before the next day of fasting begins."

A chance to strengthen relationships and to witness

"I had a good opportunity at the start of Ramadan with one of my work colleagues to ask about her understanding of fasting and its purpose. I was able to share the words of Christ about fasting from the Sermon on the Mount, as well as from Isaiah 58 on the type of fasting that God desires."

"Thank you for praying for the special invite I received during Ramadan. A new believer that I had been studying the Bible with wanted me to meet his parents and asked me to share the good news with them. Praise God!"