Sunset tomorrow (August 21) marks the beginning of the observance of Ramadan, the month in which Muhammad received the Qur’an, according to Islamic faith. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time of fasting, as well as praying and reading the Qur’an more than would usually be done.
When I was in grad school, one of my friends also fasted throughout the month. As a Christian, his goal was not to become a Muslim, but rather to develop a level of respect for Muslims and an understanding of Islamic faith. And recently, I’ve read that Brian McLaren is also planning on fasting through this month.
This seemed good to me, as well, and so I’ve decided to fast throughout this month, also. This is my hope:
- I’m not going to call this a Ramadan fast, but rather a fast to coincide with the month of Ramadan. The difference may just be semantics, but my aim is two-fold: be true to my Christian faith, while not dishonoring Islamic faith.*
- Along those lines, I know that I won’t be able to observe this fast exactly as Muslims would. I will try to begin my fast at dawn, as Muslims do. However, I’ll break it earlier than Muslims would so that I can join my family for supper. And I might break my fast for the sake of accepting another person’s hopitality (for example, being invited to someone else’s home).
- Muslims view this as a time for seeking God in prayer, practicing kindness, learning humility, and so on. As a Christian, I also view these as worthy goals, and can do the same.
- Additionally, I believe that there is too little understanding of the Islamic faith by Christians. I will try to learn more this month.
* Brian McLaren intends to be in conversation with a Muslim friend during this month. As I understand it, this is partly to avoid doing things would be dishonoring. I realized that I don’t actually know any Muslims, so I can’t be in conversation. Maybe part of my goal should be actually meeting someone with whom I can converse.
I’ll try to report on my experience here.
21 August 2009 at 01:42
As a Muslim I find this concept of fasting along side Muslims as something peculiar. I wish you well in it.
Ramadan is much more than abstaining from food, drink and sex. It teaches us to restrain our desires that left unchecked would destroy us spiritually. It also teaches us or reminds us of our complete dependency on God, which makes the path to worshiping Him clear and straight.
Muslims do see it as a time for prayer and the sorts of things that you listed but we see the other 11 months as a time for those things as well. In Ramadan we increase. We fast more, we pray more, we give more charity, we read Quran more but these things do not stop once Ramadan leaves us.
As a replacement for a Muslim friend try an Islamic forum. I could recommend one, if you wished.
21 August 2009 at 09:43
Abdullah,
Thank you for your comments and your encouragement.
As a Christian, I find that I am troubled by some of the things done in Christ’s name and by some of the attitudes that Christians hold regarding people of other faiths. On the other hand, I have done very little to counter any of those things or to educate myself. I felt that this would be a good time to do so.
I would certainly welcome any recommendations that you might have for an online forum. It would be useful to find one that is accessible to someone who is relatively unfamiliar with Islam. I would guess that I know more than the average non-Muslim, but maybe not a whole lot more.
Peace.
21 August 2009 at 06:40
I would encourage in pursing your asterisked section. I have been thinking that the Haj would be rather interesting. As a statement of faith, it seems beyond anything that would be in Christianity. Too bad that I would have to convert to take part.
21 August 2009 at 09:49
Hi, Mr. GC,
I’ve learned from some experience that personal relationships are perhaps the best way to start building bridges. I also know that, given my personality, it takes some effort to make those connections. We’ll see how I do.
I agree with your assessment of the Haj. A pilgrimage to Harrisonburg or Elkhart or Newton isn’t quite the same.