Last week, the Muslim world observed Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. Following thirty days of intense fasting and prayer, on this day, Muslims are not permitted to fast. While Ramadan is a time for personal spiritual renewal, Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of Fast-Breaking, is a joyous and exuberant three-day celebration. On the day of Eid, Muslims gather in a special time of prayer and then spend time with family and friends while giving to charities and those in need, in order to provide blessings and joy to their communities.
Certain factions would have us believe that Muslims are a vicious group of people intent on killing Americans. Notifications roll in on a nearly daily basis about another bombing or attack. Sometimes it feels as though we cannot get through a single day in peace.
While the world around us resides in chaos, let us remember that Muslim people are not our enemies. When the headlines read that another terrorist attack has been committed, pray that as Christians, our hearts are not hardened but that we are moved – moved to prayer and humility. Thank you for joining us in prayer during this season of Ramadan. It is more crucial than ever that we remain steadfast in our prayer and love for one another.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ…walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
– Colossians 4:2-3, 5-6.