By Ben McEachenFriday 5 Apr 2024Hope MorningsFaithReading Time: 3 minutes
What is Ramadan and should it matter to you, if you are not Muslim?
Key points
- Learning about Ramadan is a terrific avenue for knowing more about what Muslims do, think and worship.
- “What Muslims are trying to do during Ramadan is particularly focus upon earning their way to paradise,” Samuel said.
- “You’ve got to do enough good deeds;” a stark contrast with the salvation offered by Jesus, that you might like to share during Ramadan.
I have not had anything to do with Ramadan, which I know is an annual Islamic celebration.
Beyond that, I don’t know much else.
As a Christian living in Sydney, I have seen plenty of promotion about Ramadan events, but I have not interacted with them.
Samuel Green works with the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES) in Tasmania.
He also leads Engaging with Islam, a hub of teaching, resources and advice for Christians looking to connect with Muslim friends, colleagues and neighbours.
What is Ramadan?
First things first.
“Ramadan is one month in the Muslim lunar calendar year in which the Muslim community are meant to fast during the day from food and water, from sunrise to sunset,” Samuel said.
“They normally feast at night, so it is a time of fasting and feasting.”
In 2024, Ramadan is being observed between March 11 and April 9.
Learning about Ramadan is a terrific avenue for knowing more about what Muslims do, think and worship.
Ramadan is a period for thinking about Allah and religion.
An increase in praying, reading the Qur’an and religious motivation is expected during Ramadan.
Samuel also noted that Ramadan existed before Muhammad created Islam in the seventh century. This practice became part of the Islamic religion.
Should I care about Ramadan?
Without trying to be rude, but if someone is not Muslim, do they need to pay much attention to Ramadan?
“You don’t have to care, if you are not interested in finding out what other people are doing,” Samuel said.
“There are lots of religious ceremonies that Buddhists and Hindus [and other religions] have.
“You don’t have to know everything.”
“What Muslims are trying to do during Ramadan is particularly focus upon earning their way to paradise,” Samuel said.
On the other hand, learning about Ramadan is a terrific avenue for knowing more about what Muslims do, think and worship.
Australia is a multi-cultural and multi-religious society.
Many Australians are Muslim, so understanding more can cultivate community and connections across religious differences.
Samuel added that Christians could find it interesting to learn that “what Muslims are trying to do during Ramadan is particularly focus upon earning their way to paradise.”
Something to talk about
The “earn your way to paradise” aspect of Ramadan is a gateway to conversations between Christians and Muslims.
“Within Islam, the god of Islam has done nothing to save you,” Samuel said.
“You’ve got to do enough good deeds;” a stark contrast with the salvation offered by Jesus, that you might like to share during Ramadan.
“This is one of the differences between Christianity and Islam.
“In Christianity, God has done something for you in the person of Jesus, his Son.
“Jesus has come into this world, lived the righteous life on our behalf.
“He died the righteous death to pay for our sins.
“But Allah has done nothing like that for you in Islam, so you have to earn your salvation.
“You’ve got to do enough good deeds.
Samuel said Islamic teaching states that doing more religious deeds during Ramadan are worth “more points” than at other times of the year.
A stark contrast with the salvation offered by Jesus.
A contrast you might like to consider and share during the religious observance of Ramadan.
Further resources
Book: ‘Where to Start with Islam‘ by Samuel Green
Collection of articles: Answering Islam
Famous readings from the Gospel: The Messiah and Ramadan
Listen to the full interview with Samuel Green in the player above.
Feature image: Photo by CanvaPro