Lovefast 22: Ripple - Refugees

Image: manu schwendener, Unsplash

Lovefast : 

By Georgina from Mahabba Cheltenham
Inspired by 'When faith changes a family' from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life”

— Matthew 19:29, NIVUK

Thought for the day

Ripple

Churches across Europe and the UK have been reporting that migrants and refugees have transformed the heart of their churches.

Several UK churches offer drop-in centres, English lessons or places to meet fellow-travellers on the road to peace and security, even featured on Songs of Praise.

Some of the refugees are individuals, some have managed to stay together as a family.

Many are affected by the love and testimony they receive from Christians on this hazardous trip, and they turn their hearts towards Christ.

But some had already made the transformation in their home countries, such as Ramin, an Iranian in a French refugee camp.

Ramin was changed by God in Iran but he did not keep it for himself despite threats to his life.

He says,

I spoke to my wife. And my wife spoke to her sister, her sister spoke to her husband, her husband spoke to his uncle… many family and friends became Christians and they were in our house a lot to pray, and I was happy.

Ramin’s faith not only affected his life and destiny, but also that of his extended family

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Pray that families will be touched by the transformation they see in new believers so that they will be drawn to the love of Christ

Daily action

Draw a family tree of the people of faith that made a difference to your life

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 21: Outcast - Building Bridges

Image: s2ublack, Flickr

Lovefast 21: Outcast

By Simon from Mahabba Derby
Inspired by 'Domari Gypsies of the Middle East' from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’

‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?’

Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’

The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’”

— John 4:7-15, NIVUK

Thought for the day

Outcast

There are outcasts in every society, including the UK and the West.

In our communities and where we are used to the social norms, we can struggle to relate to others both individually and corporately.

Having read today's entry about the gypsy community in the Middle East, can you relate?

Take a moment to consider when you struggled to relate to someone, whether because of their clothes, upbringing or worldview.

Perhaps you recalled a conversation with a Muslim.

Let's be honest - many Muslims retain a strong cultural and language connection with their ancestral home, often Pakistan.

Culture and language in Pakistan is different to the UK, which can make it hard for us to build deep relationships.

The reality though is that communities of Muslims - and others - bring a rich diversity to where we live, without which we would be the poorer.

Statistically, Muslims also tend to be concentrated in the areas of highest deprivation, so have many needs.

Putting aside our differences and things that may cause us to want to retreat, let's consider how we can build bridges into the Muslim community.

How can we pray and act to bring about transformation where Muslims live, being a channel of the water of life to those that thirst?

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Lord Jesus, help me to put aside my insecurities and fears of the unfamiliar. Thank you for the diversity and richness in the Muslim community around me. Help me to grow in love and appreciation for Muslims and their cultural and heritage. I pray that you would continue to come close to them in Ramadan; reveal your son, Jesus Christ, to Muslims, that they might know you fully.

Daily action

Go to your neighbour or the house of a Muslim family locally. Ask whether they need any help with their garden or taking any household items to the local tip. If not, do a litter pick on your street and look for opportunities to talk to neighbours you might see. Aim to strike up conversations and start building relationships with those you don't know.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Elliot's Roundup: Hate is easy. Love takes courage.

image: clive wren flickr

Travelling through the city centre I was startled to see messages of sympathy and support for the victims of the Manchester attack. I pass the same way regularly but for some reason I had not seen it before. Just as that tragic news became our new reality, the London Bridge attack happened.  Following on from that- this week the the Grenfell Tower burst into flame and quickly spread through the building. Today's media roundup comes in the light of all these tragic events and loss of life.  The title for today's blog and picture come from a Muslim community rally against terrorism that was held in Sheffield less than a week ago.

There has been further condemnation of the London attack by various Muslim communities in the UK. Three thousand roses were handed out on London Bridge by Muslims as a show of unity with those who were injured and killed in the attack.

“We are here to write narratives of love of love and solidarity. Not hate and division.”

— http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/british-muslims-london-bridge-red-roses-attack-borough-market-stabbing-terror-love-victims-islam-a7786291.html

Grimsby Islamic Community have also invited wider members of the community, including the North East Lincolnshire's Mayor,  councillors, members of the police and public to en event in the mosque. The aim was to show that the London Bridge attack was "not in my name."  Elsewhere in Glasgow a Muslim anti-terror rally has been held. 

The generosity of a Muslim in Surrey has been seen online. The article describes how a Muslim lady shared a meal with her non-Muslim neighbour as well as sharing some information about Ramadan. A picture of a Muslim who helped an elderly lady who had collapsed on a bus has also been shared tens of thousands of times on social media this week. 

““Her gesture has really made me think – it’s one of those things which stop you in your tracks, and make you look at yourself like ‘what am I doing now, and if I’m not doing anything, what could I do?’

“I’ve always grown up with the ‘someone else will do it’ attitude, but it’s about time I started being that person rather than observing that person.””

— http://www.irishnews.com/magazine/daily/2017/06/11/news/this-tale-of-a-muslim-woman-gifting-her-neighbours-with-food-and-letters-about-ramadan-will-warm-your-heart-1051952/

Since the London Bridge attack there has also been a rise in hate crime, a 500% increase in Islamophobic crime and a 40% rise in racist incidents has been reported. for example: recently  a Muslim mother was punched in the face in Birmingham,a bag of vomit was recently thrown at a car carrying two Muslim women in Blackburn, Lancashire. 

Perhaps this spike in incidents will be turned around by the reporting in the Telegraph, Independent, Sun, and Daily Mail and elsewhere. Many Muslims have been hailed as heroes for saving lives in the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in London. The blaze tore through the 24 storey building causing many to be hospitalised and 17 at this time are known to have been killed. Muslims in the area were awake and so were able to help evacuate the building and prevent further loss of life. The fact that Muslims were awake because of Ramadan and so were able to help was also widely reported on TV news including Channel 4 and  BBC news.   The charity Muslim Hands have launched an appeal, as have Muslim Aid who are also working in conjunction with churches to aid those who have been left homeless. 

There are many opportunities to interact with our Muslim neighbours, colleagues and friends. Let's not be part of the problem. Let's choose love not hate. Many Muslims say that they got to know Jesus though supernatural dreams, reading the and having a longterm friendship with a follower of Jesus.  Let's be that friend this week. The message of Jesus comes wrapped in a person- that means you and me!

Lovefast 20: An education - Girls

Image: usembassyta, Flickr

Lovefast 20: An education

By Phil from Mahabba Woking
Inspired by 'Educating girls' from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.”

— Luke 2:40, NIVUK

Thought for the day

An education

Nobel Peace prizewinner, Malala Yousefzai, was shot by Taliban and became an icon for girls’ education.  

This young campaigner from the Swat valley in Pakistan wrote for BBC Urdu service about life under the Taliban, using a pen name Gul Makai.

She wrote about her family’s fight for girls’ education.

In October 2012 she was shot in the head by Taliban when returning from school on a bus.

She miraculously survived and continues to campaign for girls’ education, the youngest nominee for the Nobel peace prize.

You can read more of her remarkable story in her book ‘I am Malala: the girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban’ (with Christina Lamb) or watch the trailer of the film: ‘He named me Malala’ (2015).

Another project in Sind, Pakistan promotes girls education.

Read this photo-journalist's article: ‘The girls who will change Pakistan’ (by Jonathan Simpson).

You can follow the work of the Primary Education Project on Facebook.

And consider supporting through JustGiving.

“One child, one teacher, one book and one pen; they can change the world”

— Malala Yousefzai

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Pray for those providing education for girls: Lord, we pray for girls who have never seen the inside of the classroom. We pray you will break into their world and remove the obstacles that lie in their way. Teach them how precious they are. Strengthen and resource educators as they seek to raise all children to reach the potential you gave them

“Educating girls is the single most powerful investment for development. When you educate a girl, you educate a nation”

Daily action

Spend a penny! One of the simplest things that can be done to improve girls education is to provide access to toilets. Raise funds for a toilet twinning project or sponsor a loo yourself through Tearfund

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 19: Send - Asylum Seekers

Image: Wiliam Bout, Unsplash

Lovefast 19: Send

By Elliot from Mahabba Derby
Inspired by 'Muslim refugees in Sweden' from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’
And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”

— Isaiah 6:8, NIVUK

Thought for the day

Send

There are many seeking asylum in Europe, maybe even in your city.

Many of whom have fled unimaginable situations.

Stories abound of supernatural interventions - motors restarting, survival without water whilst crossing the desert are just two examples.

Throughout their long journeys often the first to offer to help have been followers of Jesus.

Jesus has already been seeking, feeding, pursuing, loving his sheep.

Jesus is already at work in the lives of many asylum seekers whether they acknowledge Him yet or not.

What can I do to join Him in his mission?

Could I teach English, help them to understand their post, go for a coffee together?

Many, many people are lonely and have never set foot in someone else’s home in the UK.

What are you going to do about it?

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

People from many nations are in the UK. Let's pray for the church to be a blessing to the refugees. Pray what your role should be.

Daily action

Watch the video:

Research what is the church doing in your area to help refugees.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 18: Ties - Community

Image: Estiaque Emon, Unsplash

Lovefast 18: Ties

By Simon from Mahabba Derby
Inspired by today's entry from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

— Romans 8:38-39

Thought for the day

Ties

Once again we read about the strength of family ties in the Muslim community - this time in Indonesia.

The same is true in Britain.

The vast majority of Muslims in the UK are from Pakistan, and from a very particular region.

They may not share the same view of the female bloodline, but family is in their blood and treasured highly.

Equally, families are just as quick to cut their ties with members who leave Islam - known as ‘apostates’ - because of the shame it brings on not only them but the wider community.

What then ties us into community?

We each have family, of course, and wider circles of community, such as church, sports teams, colleagues etc, but at the core is Jesus.

Jesus’ love never fails - when we sin he forgives, when we falter he supports, when we fail he steps in.

This is a precious gift that we can offer to Muslims.

The choice to leave Islam is life-changing, and shouldn’t be offered or taken lightly, but the reward of knowing Christ and coming to Father God are even greater.

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Pray that God would give you an opportunity to share about how your life has changed as a result of coming to know Jesus and being part of his family

Daily action

Offer to pray for the family of a Muslim you may know. Ask whether there is any illness, issue or worry that you can pray for in the name of Jesus. When you have prayed, follow up at another point; ask whether anything has changed. Keep on praying!

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Interfaith dialogue

Heeseon son

Interfaith dialogue

A topic from the World Cafe session of the National Gathering 2017.

Interfaith should be faith-sharing and dialogue rather than mutual monologue!

Unity is important; create an inter-denominational base as a foundation to inter-religious dialogue (stronger together).

How do you get beyond superficiality to higher level of interfaith?

Is there an alternative to debate vs. dialogue?

Values-driven  

• Seek truth together
• Mutual respect
• Relationship-building
• Seeking truth
• Ask what they would like
• Ask Questions, listen to answers, don't impose opinions
• Breaking down barriers; building friendships and confidence
• Issue of prayer - can this be joint?

Methods and techniques

• Scriptural reasoning; Bible and Qur'an together
• Meetings for Better Understanding (MBUs)
• Dialogue groups creating safe space for conversations
• Rules of engagement helpful - CMF Ethical Guidelines for sharing faith in Britain

Two models of Gospel proclamation

• Road to Damascus - conversion experience
• Road to Emmaus - conversation encounter

If you are involved in interfaith dialogue then it will mean going deeper into your own faith and becoming ‘deeply rooted and profoundly open’.

Start small, think big.

Lovefast 17: Family guy - Community

Image: modenadude, Flickr

Lovefast 17: Family guy

By Simon from Mahabba
Inspired by 'The Ishelhayn Berbers' from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.”

— Ephesians 1:13-14

Thought for the day

Family guy

Family means everything to the Muslim community - securing a good marriage; having healthy children; financial security; and keeping it all together.

It's a worthy ideal in many ways, and something that Western societies have much to learn from.

In Britain and the West, we are so individualistic - just look at how many family-sized homes have been carved up into one or two room apartments.

Muslims invariably spend their weekends visiting family and relatives, cooking food and hanging out - compare that with how we pursue our personal hobbies in relative isolation.

As we have explored earlier in Lovefast, whether we gain identity and security in family, finance or position, nothing compares with knowing our inheritance in Christ.

Let's learn all that we can from our Muslim friends about how we can be more community-minded and model inclusive-family, drawing in those outside our immediate families.

Let's also seek to share about what we know about Jesus - the only way truly to know our Father God in heaven.

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Give thanks for your family and your relationship with Father God through Jesus Christ. Pray that God would open the eyes of your Muslim friends this Ramadan, that Jesus be revealed to them in a new way. Pray for a fuller revelation of Jesus Christ as he or she reads about Isa in the Qur'an this Ramadan.

Daily action

Ask a Muslim you know about what they know of Isa (Jesus) in the Qur'an. Share a few things that you know of Jesus from the Bible. Ask your friend what he or she thinks about the portrayal of Jesus in the Bible. Ask your Muslim friend if he or she would like to read more about Jesus in the Bible.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 16: Addiction

Image: aljazeeraenglish, Flickr

Lovefast 16: Addiction

By Phil from Mahabba Woking
Inspired by 'Bakar's story' in the 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit”

— Ephesians 5:17-18, NIVUK

Thought for the day

Addiction

We used to work in Pakistan among heroin addicts in Karachi.

Pakistan is still one of the most addicted countries on the planet.

In the project we were involved in IBTIDA (Urdu for beginning) addicts were supported off drugs through prayer and support whist they went through cold turkey.

Christians Muslims and Hindus would all come for prayer for their addiction since they were all in the same boat.

One rickshaw driver, Yousef described how he had been filling the ‘tank’ of his life with heroin and all the problems that caused.

And his struggle to leave his addiction.

He came off drugs with the help of IBTIDA ‘brothers’ who prayed for him and he was then filled up with the Spirit.

I used to fill up with Heroin and now I fill up with the holy spirit,

he said,

and the Holy Spirit is much better than heroin, with no bad after-effects.

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Sami Yousef’s song supplication could so easily be the prayer of an addict. It expresses the desire of many Muslims during Ramadan for forgiveness. It also appeared in the movie ‘the kite runner’. Pray for those addicted to substances that God would hear their cry.  

Daily action

The focus of 30 Days of Prayer is an addict in Malaysia. Malaysian Care based in Kuala Lumpur describes its prisons drugs and Aids initiative (currently they are not allowed to work with Muslims). Find out more about drug programmes in your area. If you are interested you can read about the work or IBTIDA in an old edition of Footsteps magazine from the mid-90s.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 15: Identity - Shame

Image: chrisjohnbeckett, Flickr

Lovefast 15: Identity

By Simon from Mahabba Derby
Inspired by 'Disability among tribal families of the Middle East' from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

— Colossians 3:2-4, NIVUK

Thought for the day

Identity

Honour, shame, fear - each of these is woven into the lives of Muslim families around the world.

As we read today, the shame factor surrounding disability - the shame felt by parents that they have not borne a fully healthy child.

Fear and honour are an equally important part part of life for Muslims, and one influences the other as life causes imbalance and families scrabble to put in place counterbalances.

As Christians, we can identify with this: on a personal level we experience these emotions, and we see this life and culture through stories in the Bible.

And yet we know that in Christ we find our ultimate identity and calling in life, wherever our imperfections may lie.

Jesus accepts us as we are, but calls us to great things.

This is the hope that we have in Jesus that we can share with Muslims during the 30 days of Ramadan.

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Pray for a Muslim friend, colleague or neighbour that you would get an opportunity to share about how your identity in Christ changes your outlook to life. Pray that the Holy Spirit would plant a seed in that individual's life.

Daily action

Look for an opportunity off the back of the prayer above. Ask a Muslim about his or her weekend. If you went to church, mention what you did and share something that God said to you or did. Ask your Muslim friend if there is anything he or she would like God to do today.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 14: Waiting - Asylum Seekers

Image: Hello Lightbulb, Unsplash

Lovefast 14: Waiting

By Elliot from Mahabba Derby
Inspired by 'A Syrian refugee family waits' from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.”

— Psalm 27:2

Thought for the day

Waiting

We can wait with a sense of excitement or we can wait hopelessly caught up in despair.

Waiting is difficult when there is no end in sight.

Asylum seekers in the UK have to wait for an interview with the home office.

They have to wait for the results of the interview.

If granted leave to remain they have to wait for a National Insurance number.

When there are difficulties with housing they can wait months for things to be fixed.

Waiting months for a washing machine to be fixed is hard when you are a mum and you have a new baby in the house.

Waiting for the war to finish that has destroyed your country and separated your family.

Waiting, hoping, but not hearing if your family are still alive is unimaginable to me but a daily reality for many.

This week I’ve come across someone who has been in the UK for less than a year and had his first application rejected, he is now waiting to appeal.

I have also come across someone who has been in the UK for seven years and is on their forth appeal.

They are still waiting.

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Pray for those refugees who are waiting for decisions, for family.

Daily action

Use your waiting time today to be aware of the presence of God today.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Elliot's Weekly Roundup: Have You Voted Yet?

It probably hasn't passed you by, but today is election day! Have you cast your vote yet? Which one of the 40,000 polling stations did you visit? Was it in in a school, launderette or someone's kitchen? Did you put a tick, cross, or smiley face in the box? Before being caught up in the election frenzy of which results will be declared first, graphics, graphs and swingometers, let's stop and reflect back on the last few days that have run up to this election.

Before the memorial concert was held for victims from the Manchester atrocity, London was attacked leaving eight dead and dozens injured. As more becomes known about the events more questions are being asked. Who knew what and why was it not acted upon? Party political leaders are blaming each other for reducing police numbers now that campaigning has resumed.  Debate about security and Islam have dominated the days before today's election. The phrase, "Enough is enough" has been seen and heard this week.

One violent response seen in the media was to wave around a machete, threaten to blow up mosques and kill Muslims. In the video that was posted the man also appeared to have a hand grenade attached to his shirt. Since uploading the video onto the internet he has claimed it was a joke, his drink was spiked and has now issued an apology.  Another response has been to ignore the memory of those who died in the attack by ignoring the minute's silence held at a world cup qualifier.

Another response seen in the media has been to challenge the Muslim response to terror attacks. Not just to condemn the terrorism but the ideology behind it.

“What we need to hear from British Muslims is that they reject the vision from which terrorism comes. It is a vision of society unified by one political and religious ideology. It is a vision of pluralism, and secular politics, swept aside by this vision. It is a theocratic vision.”

— https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2017/06/not-enough-muslims-say-condemn-terrorism/

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has stated there is a lack of religious literacy by some who are dealing with terrorist threats. He continued by saying:

““If we attack or persecute or go against a particular group of people on the grounds of their faith alone, rather than what they want to do or the arguments they are putting forward of violence and terror, the terrorists will give three cheers and say thank you, you’ve done our work for us. Every time a Muslim is abused on a bus or a mosque is attacked, the terrorists have taken another step forward.””

— http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p054zbz7

At a vigil at Bradford Cathedral Bishop Toby Howarth stated that we don't choose how we feel but we can choose how we respond. At least one person chose to reach out to the Muslim community in London by chalking "London loves you,"  on the pavement outside a mosque.

Muslim taxi drivers have been praised for their role in helping victims immediately after the attack. Muslim communities have united in disgust against the attacks, have made signs to show their support and have left flowers at the scene. One hundred and thirty imams have refused to say funeral prayers for the perpetrators of the attack and called upon others to follow their example.

“ “Consequently, and in light of other such ethical principles which are quintessential to Islam, we will not perform the traditional Islamic funeral prayer over the perpetrators and we also urge fellow imams and religious authorities to withdraw such a privilege.”

— http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-bridge-terrorists-imams-refuse-funeral-prayer-khuram-shazad-butt-rachid-redouane-a7774291.html

Another article suggests the number of imams refusing to perform the traditional funeral prayers is much higher at around 500. Traditional funeral prayers called janaza  are often open for anyone to join. The more people who attend the more beneficial it is to the deceased according to the Islamic scholar and psychiatrist Dr Asim Yusuf. Anti extremist campaigner Ahmed Patel thinks that denying funeral prayers sends out out a very strong message to terrorists and could stop people from carrying out attacks.  

““I think the fact that they are saying we will not bury you, we will not even do your janaza, is a lot more powerful than going out with placards or holding vigils.
”It’s a very, very powerful message that no Muslim will bury him, no Muslim will wash his body, no Muslim will stand over him in prayer.””

— http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-40175088

Another response that has appeared in the media has been written by an accident and emergency consultant who works at The Royal London Hospital.  In a post that has been shared over 4000 times in recent days he states:

““When you think of the word Muslim I want you to think of the Muslim nurse that ran our casualty triage area, the Muslim surgeon who operated all night, the Muslim technician that helped arrange transport home for discharged casualties, the Muslim security officer that ran out relatives reception area, the Imams from our Muslim chaplaincy that stayed all night to help comfort the casualties and so many more.””

— http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/london-attack-muslims-islam-doctor-think-surgeons-not-terrorist-response-victims-treatment-karim-a7773971.html

In the light of all that has happened this week- vote wisely. If you are yet to decide on where to place your X, maybe consulting this manifesto comparison chart published by The Muslim Council of Britain will help.

However we vote, let's put greater faith in the Jesus who didn't travel on a campaign bus, publish a political manifesto or get elected.  Let's continue to pray for our nation, friends and colleagues, and share Jesus with those we encounter. 

Lovefast 13: Cycle - the Hajj

Image: 16nine, Flickr

Lovefast 13: Cycle

By Chas from Mahabba Croydon
Inspired by 'Families in Kyrgyzstan' from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Have you experienced so much in vain – if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’

Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.”

— Galatians 3:1-7, NIVUK

Thought for the day

Cycle

Muhammed (not his real name) is nearing retirement age.

He is deeply concerned for his children that they correctly follow Islam and so he makes sure they complete their daily Namaz (prayers) and live the Islamic way.

He has been storing up money in his bank account for years, but he’s even more concerned about storing up credit for the afterlife.

So he makes large donations to the mosque and is planning to go on Hajj to Mecca.

He can go to the sites at any time, but to go during the Hajj itself gives maximum credit.

However, he is afraid of the huge crowds and the stampedes.

So he’s afraid that he might die there and will put it off for another year.

Do you think he will hear the gospel and believe during this year?

Or do you think the cycle of religious works continue?

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Pray for Muslims you know who are bound by religious works to gain credit with God.  Pray that they would see and understand the provision of Jesus’ death in their place.  

Daily action

Consider ways you could share your faith with Muslims.  What could you give them? A gospel, a DVD?  Get a stock and prayerfully give them away this year one by one.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 12: Weddings

Image: telachhe, Flickr

Lovefast 12: Weddings

By Phil from Mahabba Woking
Inspired by 'I want to get married!' in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”

— John 2:5, NIVUK

Thought for the day

Weddings

Maybe you’ve seen the wedding scenes in a movie like Monsoon Wedding  or The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Or even better you may have attended an Eastern wedding yourself.

Every bride is a princess (rani) and every bridegroom a prince or king (raja).

They are very colourful, and exotic affairs and guest are highly honoured.

They reflect the communal culture of the East, with an emphasis on honour, and putting on a good show.

No expense is spared.

And a lavish banquet is the order of the day, whether the Hui Muslims of China (who we are praying for in #30dop) or maybe its your local British Asian friends in Solihull.

Jesus attended a wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11) and his mother had an eye for detail.

This is where he performed his first miracle, so that the banquet and celebration could continue and no one would be shamed.

It also led to the deepening of faith and ongoing discipleship for many of the attendees.

Jesus does his work both unusual and everyday circumstances.

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Light a candle and write names of all couples you know who have just married. Pray that God would bless marriages and relationships in the Muslim community. Whenever you see a wedding party pray a quiet prayer of blessing upon them.

Daily action

When you visit an international friend ask to see photos of their family, their wedding or pictures of where they are from. Share some of your own pictures with them.  Pictures can speak a thousand words

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 11: Terror

Image: globovision, Flickr

Lovefast 11: Terror

By Georgina from Mahabba Cheltenham
Inspired by 'What about terrorism?' in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.”

— 1 Timothy 1:7, NIVUK

Thought for the day

The news behind the news

The news from Syria has not been good for nearly five years now.

Scenes of terrified people, bombed out cities, and ever sprawling refugee camps record the latest installment of man’s inhumanity to man.

ISIS or Islamic State, and the attempt to wrest Middle Eastern cities from their grip looms large while European cities face new forms of terror.

Jaded broadcasters now regularly use the word, ‘apocalyptic’ and the phrase, ‘the world is a more dangerous place’ is a mainstay of political broadcasting.

Yet, we see glimpses of transformation in amongst the horror.

Islam is in crisis and Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus like never before, as described in the books Fleeing Isis, Finding Jesus (2017) and A Wind in the House of Islam (2015).

Many Muslim-background believers testify that they started to question their Muslim faith after the 9/11 attacks, or other atrocities executed in the name of Islam, eventually leading to encounters with Jesus.

Terrorism feeds the 24-hour news cycle but if you look carefully, there is a different news story behind the news.

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Pray that where old certainties are breaking up people may be released to turn towards Christ

Daily action

Pray for anyone in your town or city who is being radicalised by terrorist ideology to be radicalised by the love of Jesus today

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 10 | Family in Yemen: where tradition prevails

Image: rod_waddington, Flickr

Lovefast 10 | Family in Yemen: where tradition prevails

By Gordon from Mahabba Oxford

Daily verse

“Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that”

— Mark 7:13, NIVUK

Thought for the day

I spent a few years as a child growing up in Aden which is now South Yemen.

Travelling through the region and what we called “the Crater” area, it was as if nothing had changed for centuries.

Years later I was to see the same traditional family values and culture hidden for centuries in the Alamut valley, in Iran, just north of Tehran.

“Traditional Family” is at the core of the preservation of Islamic culture, and whilst we know how controlling and dominant it can be sometimes, it can also be a significant factor in halting the erosion of secular and worldly pressures on family values and morality.

As Christians, we can use this factor of common family values and morality which we share, and see it as a bridge into their world.

Often their aversion to Christian faith is a misunderstanding that our culture is Christian! Quite the opposite!

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Prayer for the day

Father, let me see the traditions which I keep which have nothing to do with your word. Help me to stop judging Muslims and realise that I also am blinded by my own traditions.

Daily action

Sorry - no action today. Put your feet up!

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 9: Afghans of North America (and UK)

Image: dvids, Flickr

Lovefast 9: Afghans of North America

By Phil from Mahabba Woking

Daily verse

“but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”

— Isaiah 40:31, NIVUK

Thought for the day

Khaled Hosseini ‘s film and book ‘The Kite Runner’ is set in Afghanistan and Freemont California.

It is a moving portrayal of displaced Afghans: Baba, who works all hours in a gas station; Amir, who adapts rather easily; and the Taheris, who uphold traditional values with all the stringency and vigour typical of displaced communities.

Amid the piles of junk at the flea market, Afghans gossip and recall their homeland while drinking Coca-Cola and coffee.

The USA becomes, in many ways, rather than the land of the free, rather a place of exile.

Displaced people in search of a home.

This feeling is also replicated in UK among Afghans and others.

Every exile (sohrab) is in need of a kite runner (Amir) who will welcome the stranger with their feelings of disconnection and rejection, and encourage them to freedom, so they too can fly free like a kite.

For you a thousand times over...

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Prayer for the day

Pray for Afghans (and others in our communities), that beyond and though their experience of trauma they will experience true freedom, and learn to fly like eagles.

Daily action

Read the book. Or watch the film: 'The Kite Runner’ and find out if there are any Afghans in your area, and maybe get to meet them. This may lead to eating wonderful Afghan food!

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 8 | Muslims: a minority in India

Image: Debashis Biswas (Kolkata), Unsplash

Lovefast 8 | Muslims: a minority in India

By Gordon from Mahabba Oxford

Daily verse

“They said to him, ‘John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.’

Jesus answered, ‘Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.’

He told them this parable: ‘No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.”

— Luke 5:33-38, NIVUK

Thought for the day

We might talk of Muslims as a minority in India, but it was still 172 million or 14.2% of the population in the 2011 census - the second largest national population of Muslims in the world!

Even so, a minority is a minority, and today there is still deep underlying friction in some areas.

My father’s family grew up in India, during the time of the Raj: what was designed to bring unity and peace, led to irreconcilable disputes and tensions.

India today has managed to achieve a level of harmony, though some areas have a higher percentage of Muslims, such as some of the northern states.

Wherever we live, we need to recognize that as Christians we hold the key to community cohesion and peace, through the way we extend “Mahabba- love” and friendship to the minority groups of Muslims who live amongst us.

We cannot remain unconcerned and detached.

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Prayer for the day

Father we have allowed the media and our own fears and prejudices to cloud our image of those Muslims who live amongst us. Many of them feel insignificant as a minority, so help us to reach out to them at this time.

Daily action

Do some research and find out by asking local Muslims, who are the most marginalised Muslim group in your area. Then contact them and make them feel welcomed, valued and significant! (See also: watch Viceroy's House)

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lovefast 7: What concerns Muslim parents?

Image: babasteve, Flickr

Lovefast 7: What concerns Muslim parents?

By Chas from Mahabba Croydon

Daily verse

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”

— Ephesians 5:25

Thought for the day

Care for the family

Here are some real stories of families in London. (All names have been changed.)

Mohammed is married with two young children.

He suffers with back pain and has been out of work for several months. He feels disgraced and can’t support his family in the way he wants to.

Abdu and Maryam have three small children. The youngest is autistic. They don’t get much understanding or support from their community.

They are trying to do the very best they can for their son to support him through school.

Aisha's husband is from the village in Pakistan. He adheres strictly to traditional village values although Aisha was born here.

Aisha is not allowed a life of her own, but must care for their three children and demanding extended family without complaint.

These are typical Muslim families who might be living near you.

How could you be a good neighbour to them?

Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Prayer for the day

Pray that the Lord would open your eyes to the needs of ordinary Muslim families near to you. Pray that the Lord would show you how you can be a good neighbour to them.

Daily action

Build a bridge of friendship with a Muslim family and listen to their story. Consider how you can be a good neigbour to them.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Elliot's Weekly Roundup- Ramadan Mubarak

image credit: Salma Says: flickr

In the aftermath of the Manchester bombing what is in the media?  Other tragedies such as Egypt, Baghdad, and Kabul should not be forgotten where many more were killed and injured. 

A mosque in Manchester was set alight as a response to the bomb attack in Manchester. Muslims have been targeted and blamed for the Manchester attack elsewhere. In one report taxi drivers in Leicester have been verbally abused and suffered from road rage style Isamophobia.  Owner of a Leicester taxi firm spoke about the difficulties he had encountered  since the Manchester attack,  "We know there were Muslim taxi drivers in Manchester offering people free rides to help the get home straight after the bomb went off but some people choose not to recognise that. I don't know if anyone will listen to me but I'd just ask people to show some respect and act properly towards people who are only trying to do a job."

Muslims in the UK have voiced their disgust at the killings, including the Chester Muslim Community.

“But it needs to be more than a just a few words at the mosque. We want to be more open and transparent as a community and build understanding.
We shouldn’t be isolated and we need to integrate better in the community.”

— http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/chesters-muslim-community-condemns-manchester-13116605

Muslims were joined by non Muslims on a peace walk in Manchester  organised by North Manchester's Jamia Mosque to show their support and solidarity for the bereaved. Around 500 joined in the demonstration against terrorism walking three miles from Cheetham to hold a vigil outside Manchester Arena.

“I’m a Muslim and I trust you.
Do you trust me enough for a hug?”

— http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/blindfolded-muslim-manchester-free-hugs-terrorist-attack-kindness-strangers-baktash-noori-a7761696.html

Baktash Noori has spent days blindfolded offering hugs to passers by in Manchester's Market Street.  The video he has made documenting his experience has been watched over thirty thousand times in recent days.  He stated: “I did not expect so many people to come and hug me, let alone give me such positive comments, but it was the best thing I've ever done.”  By the end of the day the queue snaked down the street with a long line of people waiting their turn to be hugged. 

Further afield in Iraq Muslim volunteers have shown solidarity with non Muslim members of their community by working on a ruined monastery near Mosul, with the aim of demonstrating that "Mosul is yours as it is ours" and that "our differences are our strength" 

Zain- the Kuwaiti mobile phone operator- has recently produced an advert.  The advert released at the start of Ramadan shows a man in a suicide vest walking through staged scenes based on recent bombings. The video has received a mix of positive and negative reactions. It has been criticised for using images of terrorism in an exploitative way. One image, perhaps familiar to us all, was of Omran Daqneesh- little boy who was pictured waiting for help after one of Bashar-al Assad's air strikes on Aleppo.  

Others have hailed the performer as a hero. The cast also includes people who have been victims in atrocities in Iraq Jordan and Kuwait and recreates some scenes of terror attacks. It has some great lines including:

“You who come in the name of death. He is the creator of life.
Worship your God with love not terror.
Confront your enemy with peace not war.
Let’s bomb violence with mercy.
Let’s bomb hatred with love.”

— https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U49nOBFv508

It kind of reminds me of something someone else said. Its a challenge to all of us. If you haven't seen the advert you can watch it here.  I'm not so interested in your intellectual analysis, discussion of camera angles,or artistic merit- as how your life is impacted by responding to this challenge today and this week.

Please get in touch we'd love to hear from you!

“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.”

— The Message- www.biblegateway.com