A Look at Ramadan & Caring for Our Muslim Neighbours

What does it look like for Christians to love Muslims well during Ramadan? For millions of Muslims, Ramadan is one of the most sacred times of the year. For us as a church community, the tradition may feel unfamiliar. 

Recently, we sat down with Kristian, an Iranian believer who grew up Muslim. His story gives us a glimpse into what Ramadan looks like day-to-day, but also how we can thoughtfully engage our Muslim neighbours during this season. 

Kristian: “When you are born in Iran, you don’t choose your religion. You are automatically Muslim. I remember being young and already preparing for fasting. Girls usually start earlier than boys. Sometimes around 9 years old. Boys were often around 15 years old. Before we fasted fully, our parents would train us. Starting with half a day without food, just until lunchtime, as they wanted to prepare us slowly. 

During Ramadan, we woke up before the call to prayer, referred to as the Azan (or Adhan). Before the Azan, we ate quickly and drank water. And then we stop exactly at the time the mosque announces it. It could be 5:44 am or 5:46 am. The time changes every day as Ramadan moves with the lunar calendar. After that, no food and no water until sunset. 

As Ramadan aligns with the sighting of the moon, in the summer, the fast could be 16 or 17 hours. In winter, it’s shorter. When the evening Azan comes, we could break our fast and share a meal together. That meal is called iftar. Families sit together and friends gather.  

During the 29 or 30 days of Ramadan, you try to be better. You try not to sin. If you do something wrong, people say your fast is ‘broken.’ To make up for the broken fast, you pray more, ask for forgiveness, and give food to the poor. In Iran, which is largely Shia Muslim, the 19th, 20th, and 21st nights of Ramadan are especially significant. These nights commemorate the death of Ali, whom Shia Muslims recognize as the first Imam (or Emam) meaning spiritual leader, after Muhammad. He was attacked while praying and died two days later. 

On those nights, people stay awake until morning. They go to the mosque. They read long Arabic prayers for 3 or 4 hours. They believe God hears them more clearly during those nights. They ask for forgiveness. They cry and they pray deeply. 

How Can Christians Engage During Ramadan? 

1. If a Muslim friend invites you to break the fast with them and share a meal, feel free to say yes! You can also invite them and say, “I know Ramadan is important to you. Would you like to come for iftar at my home?” That kind of invitation builds connection. An important consideration is that Muslims do not eat pork and instead eat halal meat, meaning the food is prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. Being mindful of this is a meaningful way Christians can show care when sharing a meal. 

2. Be curious, and ask respectful questions, like: 

• What does Ramadan mean to you? 

• What are the important nights? 

• What’s your favourite part? 

Most Muslims will appreciate that you care to ask. This is an opportunity to build relationships. 

3. Pray for them. As Muslim friends devote themselves to prayer this month, we can be praying for them as well. Even if you don’t say it out loud, pray for your Muslim friends during Ramadan and ask God to draw close to them. 

One thing that Ramadan teaches is to long deeply for God. Years later as an adult, when I encountered the words of Jesus, I experienced a deep longing for God. I found myself asking questions and searching for the truth. My journey eventually led me to follow Christ. 

But one thing Christians should know about Ramadan is that Muslims participate in this season to become closer to God. It’s a time of reflection, prayer, and community. 

If Christians respond with love, Ramadan can become a bridge and an opportunity for connection. It can look like listening and learning, or even sitting at a table together."

Thank you, Kristian, for sharing! 

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