The Night of Power is a great opportunity to invite Christians who would not normally pray for Muslims to join you. Plan the prayer meeting with them in mind and put an invitation out to local Churches.
Muslim Festivals
Annual Muslim festivals & their dates
Resources > Engaging Muslims > Engaging as individuals > Muslim festivals
Muslim festivals are good opportunities for getting to know our neighbours and for conversations about faith. Here are the major festivals in the year, with some information about them and the dates for this year and next (dates may very slightly according to the when the new moon is sighted).
Laylat al-Miraj
Laylat (or Lailat) al-Miraj marks the night-time journey of the prophet Muhammad from Mecca to what the Qur'an describes as the 'farthest mosque in Jerusalem,' now the Al Aqsa Mosque. It has been described as both a physical and spiritual journey. Muslims believe Muhammad traveled on the hore Buraq to "the farthest mosque" where he led other prophets in prayer. He then ascended to heaven where he spoke to Allah, who gave him instructions to take back to the faithful regarding the details of prayer.
Some Muslims gather at their local mosque for prayers, while others celebrate at home by telling the story of Muhammad's journey to children and reciting prayers at night.
Nowruz
Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Persian calendar. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Iran was the only country that officially observed the ceremonies of Nowruz. When the Central Asian and Caucasus countries gained independence from the Soviets, they also declared Nowruz as a national holiday.
Shab e Barat
Also called Laylat al-Bara'at, this is when Muslims believe the fortunes of men are decided for the year ahead and when Allah descends to earth and offers mercy and forgiveness to sinners. Prayers are held through the night so that worshippers can ask for forgiveness for themselves and for their dead ancestors. Lamps are lit outside mosques.
Additionally, Twelve Shia Muslims commemorate the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi on this date.
Ramadan
During this month, Muslims fast from before dawn through to sunset. Fasting means no food or drink and also refraining from smoking, sex and 'sinful behaviour' such as swearing, lying and gossiping.
Muslims believe Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of Islam’s holy book, the Qur’an, were revealed to Muhammad.
Within the last 10 days of Ramadan is the celebration called Laylat al-Qadr, meaning Night of Power or Destiny. This is when the first verses of the Qu'ran were revealed and is said to be the night when sins are forgiven and the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant. Many traditions observe it on the 27th night of Ramadan.
Read more about Ramadan here.
Eid ul-Fitr: Festival of Breaking the Fast
This is the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. It marks the end of Ramadan. Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated for one, two or three days. Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting ‘Eid Mubārak ("Blessed Eid")
Hajj
This is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, a journey that is required at least once in a Muslim worshipper's lifetime if they are financially and physically able to do it. Up to three million Muslims perform the pilgrimage every year.
The second day of the Hajj is called the Day of Arafah, commemorating Muhammad's final sermon, which was delivered from Mount Arafah. Pilgrims hold a vigil at Arafah, where they pray, repent for their sins and ask for mercy from Allah.
Read more about how the Hajj relates to your Muslim friends here.
Eid ul-Adha: Festival of Sacrifice
This is the second Eid celebration in the Muslim year. The holiday lasts from three to 16 days, depending on the country.
It commemorates Ibraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. He was about to go ahead when he was shown a ram to slaughter instead. Muslims mark the occasion by sacrificing a lamb, goat, cow or other animal and sharing the meat with friends and neighbours, and with the poor and needy.
Read more about how Eid ul-Adha relates to your Muslim friends here.
Islamic New Year and Muharram
The first day of the month of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, is Islamic New Year.
The Islamic calendar began in 622AD with the migration of the prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, the Hijra, to escape persecution. It is used to date events in many Muslim countries.
Read more about how Muharram relates to your Muslim friends here.
Ashura
Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram.
For Shia Muslims, Ashura marks the anniversary of the tragic death of the prophet’s grandson, Husain, and 72 companions at the battle of Karbala in 680AD. They mark the day with mourning and sometimes by re-enacting the tragic event.
Arba'een
This is a Shia Muslim religious observance that takes place 40 days after Ashura, the traditional length of mourning. It commemorates the martyrdom of Husain, the grandson of Muhammad in the Battle of Karbala.
Arba'een sees one of the largest pilgrimage gatherings in the world, with millions of Muslims marching on foot to Karbala in Iraq.
Maulid Al-Nabi: the prophet’s birthday
Maulid (or Mawlid) al-Nabi means 'birth of the prophet'. The exact date of Muhammad's birth is not known but is often regarded as the 12th day of the month by Sunni Muslims, although Shia Muslims believe the prophet's birthday was on the 17th day.
This date is observed by praise, fasting, public processions, poetry, family gatherings and the decoration of streets and homes.
Read more about how the prophet’s birthday relates to your Muslim friends here.
What is Iftar in Ramadan?
Does the Bible say whether Christians can accept an invitation to eat Iftar in a mosque?
My Muslim friends at Ramadan
Resources >Engaging Muslims> Engaging as individuals > My Muslim friends at Ramadan
The 30 days of Ramadan are a great opportunity to meet Muslim friends as they are desperately seeking Allah, as they fast and pray to draw nearer to God. Here are some thoughts and ideas for engaging with Muslims during Ramadan:
What is Ramadan? Find out about Ramadan, its history, how it is observed and how to relate to Muslims at this time on the 30 Days of Prayer site. Click here.
Ramadan Opportunities - two members of the Mahabba network share opportunities to share our faith during Ramadan here and here.
Pray during Ramadan - find ideas for prayer here and opportunities to pray with others here.
The Power of Ramadan and the Power of Prayer - read here about what happened one Ramadan when people prayed.
Five Ways to Love Muslim Students during Ramadan - this excellent resource from IFES is applicable to all Muslims; not just students! Click here to read.
Iftar - find out what is iftar in Ramadan here.
Holy Injil: Luke - this Muslim-idiom English translation of Luke’s gospel makes a great gift to give at Eid. Find details here.
The Acceptable Fast - a meditation on Isaiah 58 - a member of the network reflects on fasting. This was based on a talk given at a mosque on the 12th day of Ramadan when some Muslims celebrate the Nazūl-i-Injīl or “Descent of the Gospel”. Click the download button below.
Within the last 10 days of Ramadan is the celebration called Laylat al-Qadr, meaning Night of Power or Destiny. This is when the first verses of the Qu'ran were revealed and is said to be the night when sins are forgiven and the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant. Many traditions observe it on the 27th night of Ramadan.
For advice on organising a special Night of Power Prayer time click HERE.
Luke's Gospel and other resources in Muslim-idiom English
Resources > Engaging Muslims> Engaging as individuals > Luke’s gospel
Holy Injil, Luke – A New Translation from the Original Greek Text with Commentary
Luke’s gospel is an ideal gift for Muslim friends.
Features include:
An introduction which encourages Muslims to read the Injil (New Testament), quoting from the Qur’an.
A new translation of Luke from the original Greek into Muslim-idiom English, using religious terminology and names Muslims are familiar with.
Commentary provides useful Old Testament or cultural background, attempts to deal with difficulties a Muslim reader may encounter as they read through Luke, explains biblical themes, and cross-references the Qur’an where it is helpful to do so.
More in-depth appendices on: The Revelation of the Injil, The title 'spiritual Son of Allah', The Kingdom of Allah, The title 'al-Masih', The title 'Son of Man', The suffering and martyrdom of ’Isa al-Masih, Why did ’Isa al-Masih suffer and die?, The 'Gospel of Barnabas'.
It has been read and reviewed by translation consultants and by Muslims.
Hard cover, colour photos of very early New Testament manuscripts, 375 pages.
Comments from Muslim readers:
“Thank you for the lovely injil - we shall all read it and pray to Allah (SWT) to give you strength and to bless you and your family for the great effort put into this chapter of Luke. Amazing!”
“I have given my brother this book. He spent three hours reading it in my house. He said it was beautifully explained.”
Recommendations for Holy Injil, Luke:
“We recommend it as a translation to be used in discussion with Muslims to shed light on the beautiful and majestic life that is Jesus Christ without hampering them by using terminology not familiar to their ears. And we already know of Muslims who have read it with joy.“ Tom & Judi
Duncan Peters has prepared this version of Luke’s Gospel for a conservative Muslim audience. There are helpful appendices dealing with the most common Muslim questions, like the allegation that the text of the Bible has been changed, and the objection that God cannot have a son.” Julyan
“The translation is brilliantly done and is enhanced by excellent notes and appendices which face the difficult critical questions Muslim readers may have with deep sensitivity and wisdom. From a Christian perspective, this unique volume will not only prove invaluable in developing conversations with Muslim neighbours and friends, but it points toward the future of mission in a pluralist world.” David
Translation and commentary by Duncan Peters
Click here to view on-line or to order
In the Beginning - A Month of Daily Meditations from al-Taurat
This provides a translation of Genesis 1-3 into Muslim idiom English, divided into 30 sections for 30 days. Each day also contains the original Hebrew script of that day's passage, with a brief meditation, followed by a short prayer.
There is also an introduction on why Muslims should read the Taurat, and an epilogue which points to the fulfilment of the Scriptures in Isa al-Masih (Jesus the Messiah).
Available from Amazon here.