IN BRIEF: Why do Ramadan dates change?

Ramadan

The Muslim calendar does not follow the months of January, February and so on. It is linked to the appearance of the new moon, so, when the new moon appears, a new month begins. The most famous month is Ramadan. This year, Ramadan began on the sunset of 5 and sunrise of 6 June. It is always dependent on the sighting of the new moon, and will last until the next new moon is sighted, about 29 days later (5 July). As the calendar is on a lunar cycle, Ramadan is two weeks earlier each year, relative to our calendar (known as the Gregorian or solar calendar).

The Bible says

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15:3 (NIV) READ 1 Corinthians 15:3 VERSE IN CONTEXT (external site)*

Impact of Ramadan

For the last few years, Ramadan has been moving through the summer months. This year, it will overlap with the end of the academic year in lots of nations resulting in some organisational challenges for educators – especially around exam timetables.

Ramadan holds spiritual significance for Muslims. Scholars teach that during this month, the gates of Paradise are open and the gates of hell are closed and devils are handcuffed. In a highly-regarded tradition or hadith, we read that, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari 2:37)

Prayer points

As Ramadan enters its second week, pray for those who are seeking God to have a revelation of Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God. May they come to know the hope and forgiveness found only in the Saviour.

Pray for God’s mercy for Muslims, who earnestly believe that their actions in this holy month will cause their sins to be forgiven. May they come to hear of the Messiah’s abundant provision through His sacrifice on the cross.

Pray for those confident in their own righteousness to sense the Holy Spirit’s conviction of the inadequacy of anyone’s personal efforts. May they encounter both the holiness of God and the wonder of His grace in Christ.

Our recommended song

To inspire your intercession, why not use this worship song to stir your thoughts and prayers.

YOU ALONE CAN RESCUE – By Matt Redman (external site)*

NB. Ramadan Special is a weekly series written by a Pioneers worker in the Arab world and the web editor. Library image is for illustrative purposes only.

*AWM-Pioneers is not responsible for the content of external sites.