World-wide Celebrations End Ramadan with a Feast

From Abu Dhabi to Zanzibar, Muslims ended their 29 or 30 days of fasting with a celebration called Eid al-Fitr. This feast day comes at the end of Ramadan and in many places will include a holiday for three days.

In Jakarta, businesses and shops are closed and the usually gridlocked streets are nearly empty as about half the capital’s 12 million people leave the city for their hometowns.

Idul Fitri marks the end of the month of Ramadan, when Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and sex during daylight hours.

Eid means recurring happiness or festivity in Arabic and Al-Fitr literally means the breaking of fast. Muslims celebrate the day that marks the beginning of Shawwal or the tenth month in the Muslim calendar with much enthusiasm and fervor.

The people of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina marked Eid Al-Fitr on Tuesday with their leaders calling for unity among all Muslim nations.

Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes (new if possible) and to attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. When Muslims finish their fast at the last day (29th or 30th Ramadan), they recite Takbir.

Leaders of rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas on Tuesday marked the start of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that ends the fasting month of Ramadan, by vowing to achieve reconciliation in upcoming mediation talks brokered by Egypt.

There is a fair bit of disagreement on the day Eid is celebrated due to moon sighting difficulties and interpretation.

The conflict that arises from this disagreement is that different communities may find themselves anticipating different holiday dates, and this may cause confusion, particularly for individuals living in the western world, for example, who may need to request vacation days in advance.

For the second year, the Empire State Building shone its world-famous tower lights in green for its celebration of Eid-al-Fitr, the “Festival of Fast-breaking,” which marks the end of Ramadan. The lighting for Eid is an annual event in the same tradition of the Empire State Building’s yearly lightings for Christmas and Hanukah. The Empire State Building’s tower lights are world renowned for celebrating different nationalities, holidays, parades, and events of importance to the world.

Many Christians have taken the opportunity to greet Muslims in friendship. Instead of focusing on differences, they have been telling their Muslim neighbors how they too as Christians fast and pray because they are “people of the book”. In some cases, this time of celebration among Muslims is used as an opportunity to witness to them. One young person said, “Muslims are so open right now and in a good mood, I can explain my faith to them without stirring tempers.”

Although Ramadan is over, the necessity for prayer and action towards Muslim’s continues.

Pray for Muslims that you know personally during this holiday. If Muslims do invite you to participate in the festivities it is actually a great honour and usually a sure sign of their esteem, respect and friendship.

Recipe

Here is a recipe for Vermicelli Payasam, which is the name for a dessert often served at Eid ul-Fitr in India.

• 250 gms vermicelli (very thin pasta), broken into smaller pieces
• 1 Cup of sugar
• 6 Cups of milk
• 2 Tablespoons broken cashews
• 2 Tablespoons of raisins
• ¼ Teaspoon of nutmeg
• ¼ Teaspoon of vanilla
• 5 Tablespoons of ghee or melted butter

Heat 3 tablespoons of ghee or butter in a frying pan to melt. Add the vermicelli and fry until golden. Add the milk and heat for 5 minutes. Add sugar, vanilla and nutmeg. Stir well and cook until the vermicelli is soft, but do not allow to boil. Heat remaining ghee or butter in another pan and fry the cashew nuts for 1 minute until golden. Add the raisins and sprinkle onto the payasam. Serve warm in small bowls.

More information about Muslim Holidays and Islamic Holy Days is here …>>

Related

• The Islamic Calendar (2)
• Testimonies from Europe (8)
• Sights and Sounds (12)
• About Ramadan (56)
• DVD - World of Islam (2)
• The Five Pillars of the Islamic Faith (17)

The daily prayer guide coinciding with Ramadan is now online in the Muslims In … section, here.

(Please note, USA booklets are sold out, but the USA children’s edition is still available.)

Related

• See Catagories

Related

• Eid-al-Fitr (3)
• Sights and Sounds (12)
• DVD - World of Islam (2)
• Does God Answer our Prayers? (9)
• What others say about us (4)
• Testimonies from our Mail Box (1)

Promotional Video About the 30-Days Prayer Movement

(Hosted by GodTube and set to toe-tapping music! Just 2 min. 30 seconds. A helpful overview.)

Saudi Wife Shows Us Into Her Home

A very interesting look into the home and thus culture of Saudi Arabia. Created by a professional journalist and housewife Susan Zawawi.

Jordan’s Queen Rania on Arab women

Many of the questions and stereotypes received had to do with women — specifically empowerment, violence, and honor crimes. Here’s a clip where Queen Rania discusses these issues.

Scenes of The Hajj from Mecca

A short documentary from Mecca with good footage of the flow of people with commentary.

What Is Ramadan

Here a Muslim explains what he does and his preparation for the month of Ramadan.

What Muslims believe and Roots in the USA

The Lutheran Church in the USA did this professional documentary about Islam in the USA.

The 99 Names of Allah

A Muslim cleric sings about the 99 names of Allah, also in English.

Ergun Caner

Ergun Caner, the dean of Liberty Baptist Seminary, is a former Muslim and discusses coming to know Jesus. Understanding what it is like for a former Muslim.

Sounds

1) Arabic song (wma - windows media audio track, 5 Mb)

2) Kuwaiti song (wma - windows media audio track, 5 Mb)

Disclaimer

We do not necessarily agree with the content of these videos, we simply refer to them to help you understand Islam and the Muslim world. The Editors

Related

• DVD - World of Islam (2)
• Eid-al-Fitr (3)
• Testimonies from Europe (8)
• Muslims Tell … “Why I chose Jesus” - Introduction (13)
• National Sites (0)
• About the 30-Days Ministry (0)

Ramadan 2008 / 1429 - The Muslim Month of Fasting

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan. Dates for Ramadan 2008 (or 1429) are 01 - 30 September.

Coinciding with Ramadan, we produce a booklet for the Christian world called, "30-Days Muslim Prayer Guide" (which can be ordered here ).

The first evening of Ramadan

In many places around the world Muslims will be looking to the heavens this evening. They will be interested in knowing if they will be able to see the crescent moon. If it is visible this will be the signal for the beginning of the month of Ramadan. (In most countries religious authorities will make a proclamation concerning the beginning of Ramadan). No fasting will take place till tomorrow morning. Muslims will rise early to eat their breakfast before the day begins. Afterwards they will not have anything else to eat or drink till nightfall. This will be their daily experience during the next 30 days.

Fasting - Ramazan

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the religion of Islam and one of the highest forms of Islamic worship. Abstinence from earthly pleasures and curbing evil intentions and desires is regarded as an act of obedience and submission to God as well as an atonement for sins, errors, and mistakes. Called Ramadan (or Ramazan), Muslims fast during this holy month from the moment when it first starts to get light until sunset. Muslims fast as an act of faith and worship towards Allah, seeking to suppress their desires and increase their spiritual piety. Fasting together as a worldwide community - Ummah - affirms the brotherhood and equality of man before Allah.

Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The month of Ramadan is the ninth month and begins with a combination of the sighting of the new moon and astronomical calculations. The exact time of Ramadan sometimes varies from place to place as some rely heavily on the moon sightings while others depend on science. An Imam (Muslim holy man) will declare the exact time of Ramadan just prior to its commencement. The fasting period ends upon the sighting of the next new moon, which occurs after 29 or 30 days.

The lunar cycle changes each year. For example, this year Ramadan will be 01-30 September, but last year the dates for Ramadan were 13 September thru 12 October. (See our Islamic Calendar article for details .)

The Meaning of Ramadan

The name Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ramida or ar-ramad, denoting intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same word there is ramdaa, meaning ’sunbaked sand’ and the famous proverb Kal Mustajeer minar ramadaa binnar - to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. Some say it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground.

The Special Feeling of Ramadan

Ramadan brings out a special feeling of emotional excitement and religious zeal among Muslims of all ages. Though fasting is mandatory only for adults, children as young as eight willingly observe fasting with their elders. Children look forward to the excitement of sighting the moon and eating special meals with their families. Adults appreciate the opportunity to double their rewards from God and seek forgiveness for past sins. As Ramadan emphasizes Muslim brotherhood and community all feel a particular closeness.

Muslims have to change their whole physical and emotional selves during this 30 long days of fasting. A typical day of fasting begins with getting up early, around 4:30a.m. and sharing a meal called Sahur together before the fast begins at dawn, about 5:10a.m. As dawn breaks, the first of five daily prayers, Fajr, is offered.

As the day proceeds, fasting Muslims are constantly bombarded with messages from their stomachs that it is time for breakfast, snack, lunch, and so on. And each time, Muslims remind themselves that they are fasting for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah and seeking his mercy. They offer the second and third prayers during early and late afternoon, respectively.

Fasting helps one to experience how a hungry person feels and what it is like to have an empty stomach. It teaches one to share the sufferings of the less fortunate. Muslims believe that fasting leads one to appreciate the bounties of Allah, which are usually taken for granted - until they are missed!

Throughout the day Muslims are encouraged to go out of their way to help the needy, both financially and emotionally. Some believe that a reward earned during this month is multiplied 70 times and more. For this reason, Ramadan is also known as the month of charity and generosity.

To a Muslim, fasting not only means abstaining from food, but also refraining from all vice and evils committed consciously or unconsciously. It is believed that if one volunteers to refrain from lawful foods and sex, they will be in a better position to avoid unlawful things and acts during the rest of the year.

Breaking The Daily Fast During Ramadan

The fast is broken at sunset. The Prophet Muhammad recommended breaking the fast with dates. Muslims are urged to invite others to break the fast with them. These gatherings are called Iftar parties.

Just after breaking the fast, and before dinner, Muslims offer the fourth of the five daily prayers, which is called the Maghrib prayer. After dinner, Muslims go to their houses of worship, called Mosques, to offer the Isha prayer, which is the last of the five daily prayers. The day ends with a special voluntary prayer, the Taraweeh, offered by the congregation reciting the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam.

The Last 10 Days of Ramadan

The last ten days of Ramadan are considered highly blessed, especially the 27th night which is also called the ‘Night of Power’, or the ‘Night of Destiny’. It is believed that on this night the prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Qur’an. For many Muslims, this period is marked by a heightened spiritual intensity and they may spend these nights praying and reciting the Qur’an.

After 30 days of fasting, the end of the month of Ramadan is observed with a day of celebration, called Eid-ul-Fitr. On this day, Muslims gather in one place to offer a prayer of thanks. It is traditional to wear new clothes, visit friends and relatives, exchange gifts, eat delicious dishes prepared for this occasion, and wait patiently for the next year.

What the Bible Says About Fasting

In the Bible, we do not find any one method of fasting required of us, but the Lord Jesus did say however, "when you fast…" (Matthew 6:16), seeming to assume that His followers would imitate His own example. We fast as an outward symbol of our devotion to God, being willing to deny ourselves food for His sake. Fasting adds intensity to our prayer, and often leads to breakthroughs. We do not fast to convince or persuade Him, but rather to identify with His broken heart and with His desire for all mankind to know Him. "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free and that you break every yoke. Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out." (Isaiah 58:6 &7)

You can order our new prayer booklet coinciding with Ramadan here …>>

We also have a special version "Just for Kids" and families:

Related

• The Five Pillars of the Islamic Faith (17)
• The Night of Power (8)
• Eid-al-Fitr (3)
• The Hajj Pilgrimage - Journey of a Lifetime (8)
• Prayer in Islam (3)
• The Islamic Calendar (2)

Recommended Viewing:

DVD: WORLD OF ISLAM
Author: Fries, John Publisher: Procla-Media
Year: 2007 Length: 11 min
Retail Price: $14.95 Sale Price: $11.96 (20%)
Title usually ships within 1 to 4 business days. Ships globally.
Additional discount levels start at ten copies per title, check discounts Rate ID #5

This short (11 minute) but very informative and colorful program includes stunning footage from many Islamic countries. It will educate you about the basic tenets of Islam, and the diversity of Muslims around the world, dispelling simplistic attitudes toward them, and inspiring you to pray for them. Perfect for prayer groups and classes. Bonus Features:
– a three-minute version
– 40 minute interview with Don McCurry (former pastor and long-time missionary to Pakistan who now teaches Christians worldwide about Islam and how to love and minister to Muslims).
Order it online DVD: World Of Islam (ships globally)

More recommended DVD’s on the World of Islam include:

1. MORE THAN DREAMS
   Testimonies of five former Muslims recreated in docu-drama format; in original languages with English subtitles. 3 hours
2. ENCOUNTER MUSLIMS
   (CD/DVD 2-Disc Set) 32 videos on one DVD introduce diverse cultures of Muslims from different parts of the world.
3. ISLAM’S HIDDEN HALF
   The World of Islam for children ; 1996; running time: eight minutes.
4. CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
   Four 25-minute sessions on DVD by noted theologian, best-selling author, editor, and Dean of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University, Dr. Timothy George; includes one study guide booklet.
5. INSIDE ISLAM
   A 100-minute in-depth program produced by The History Channel . Video (NTSC video standard) or DVD

Related

• Sights and Sounds (12)
• Eid-al-Fitr (3)
• Testimonies from Europe (8)
• Muslims Tell … “Why I chose Jesus” - Introduction (13)

Muslims believe in Allah and that he is unique, all powerful, gracious and merciful to all Muslims.
The Islamic faith is lived out according to five "pillars" that must be adhered to if one is to hope for salvation.

The Five Pillars of Islam are:

1. Reciting the two-fold Creed (shahada) (profession of faith) - ‘There is no God but Allah’ and ‘Muhammad is his prophet’ (or ‘Muhammad is the Messenger of God’).

2. Prayer (salat) - At five set-times a day while facing towards the city of Mecca.

3. Alms-giving (sakat) (zakat - means ‘purification’, an act of worship) - Both obligatory and voluntary giving to the poor.

4. Fasting (saum) - Especially during the ‘holy’ month of Ramadan.

5. Pilgrimage (hajj) - At least once in a lifetime - to Mecca, Saudi Arabia if at all possible, known as The Hajj.

Although the Hajj is well known today, it should be noted that the Black Stone was a meteorite to which great religious significance was attached even before Muhammad was born. Muhammad simply adopted the pagan practice. Thus the act of walking around the Ka’aba ("Cube") seven times, kissing and touching the Black Stone became the "Islamic" pilgrimage of "Hajj" - one of the pillars of Islam today.

No guarantee

While a Muslim may observe each of these pillars there is still no guarantee of salvation. Islam is based on a religion of self-righteousness. Muslims often think about the Day of Judgement where they believe Allah (or an angel) will take a balance and weigh each persons deeds. His hope is that his good deeds will outweigh his bad deeds, but even then Allah’s judgement is based solely on Allah’s will - not on justice.

Another interpretation is that man’s deeds are written in a book and on the Day of Judgement Allah will open the book and the sum of a man’s account will be placed in either his right or left hand. The only sure way to paradise is to die as a martyr during an Islamic Holy War, Jihad.

Muhammad

Muhammad is Islam’s highest prophet, but the Qur’an also speaks often of Jesus, also known as Isa. The Qur’an also refers to Jesus as Kalimat Allah, which means The Word of God. Muslims do not believe in Jesus death on the cross, His resurrection nor in His deity. Although Jesus is the second highest prophet in Islam, the Isa of the Qur’an is only one prophet among 124,000.

Jinn

The belief of angels and evil spirits, also known as Jinn, plays a very prominent part in the lives of most Muslims. Although the Qur’an states that ‘good and evil comes from Allah’, this belief is not founded in orthodox Islam but is a result of pagan religions, particularly from Africa and India, being incorporated in Islam.

The Law

Islam incorporates rules for every aspect of life. Within the Qur’an and the Hadith’s there is instruction for every detail of a Muslim’s daily life. The Shari’a - the sacred law of Islam, applies to all aspects of life, not just religious practices. It describes the Islamic way of life, and prescribes the way for a Muslim to fulfill the commands of God and reach heaven.

Related

• About Ramadan (56)
• The Night of Power (8)
• Muslim’s, Money and “Zakat” (0)
• Eid-al-Fitr (3)
• The Hajj Pilgrimage - Journey of a Lifetime (8)
• Prayer in Islam (3)

One fifth of humankind shares a single aspiration to complete, at least once, the spiritual journey called the Hajj. In Arabic, Hajj literally means "resolve" ie; to resolve to some magnificent duty.

Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Countless millions of Muslims, men and women from the four corners of the earth, have made the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam. In carrying out this journey they fulfill one of the five "pillars" of Islam (or central religious duties of a believer).

The Prophet Muhammed said, "He who performs the Hajj with no obscenity or evil practices will come out as a newly born baby free from all sins". For the Muslims, the pilgrimage is therefore much more than something to be done. It is a sacred and revered journey. Yet without it they have less chance of getting into paradise.

Spiritual Climax

Whether a pilgrim spends years walking from his nomadic home in Africa, or several hours on a plane from Asia, there is little doubt that the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, will be the spiritual climax of his life. The pilgrimage takes place every year to commemorate Abraham’s attempted sacrifice of his son (who Muslims believe was Ishmael, rather than Isaac). The Hajj pilgrimage takes place during the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah (Hajj). Highlights will be the coming to Mecca and circling the Kab’ah, then going to Mount Arafat and stoning the devil (Day of Repentance) and then celebrating Eid ul-Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice.

Preparation

Before setting out a pilgrim should redress all wrongs, pay all debts and plan to have enough funds for his own journey and for the maintenance of his family while he is away. Certain Governments even allocate funds to assist pilgrims. Many religious rites are performed according to the Qur’an and tradition. The pictures we usually see are of a great throng of humanity circling the Ka’bah (a cubical structure made of stone). Their circling of the Ka’bah, the symbol of God’s oneness, implies that all human activity must have God at its centre. It also symbolizes the unity of God and man. It is circled seven times and a prayer is recited each time round. According to some traditions, the Ka’bah is the sole remnant of the original structure built by Abraham and Ishmael. While making their circuits pilgrims may kiss or touch the black stone. Perhaps the single most important reason for kissing the stone is that Muhammed did so.

Stoning of Satan

Another rite is The Stoning of Satan. According to the Qur’an, Satan tempted Abraham and Ishmael three times to stop the sacrifice. Each time they responded by throwing stones at Satan. As pilgrims throw seven pebbles at the three pillars, they remember the story of Satan’s attempt to persuade Abraham to disregard God’s command to sacrifice Ishmael. Throwing the pebbles is symbolic of a humans’ attempt to cast away evil and vice, the number seven symbolising infinity.

Prayer Points

* While performing the Hajj a Muslim really seeks God. Many are known to have had visions of Jesus. Pray that they may also have visions of Jesus and turn to follow Him (Joel 2:28).

* Pray for divine appointments, that on their journey to Mecca Muslims would meet Christians who would witness to them.

* That God would put a desire in their hearts to look past their traditions and to look towards Jesus and what He has completed at the cross (John 4:23).

The Hajj - Video

This was produced by CNN

Related

• About Ramadan (56)
• The Five Pillars of the Islamic Faith (17)
• Prayer in Islam (3)
• The Night of Power (8)
• Arafat Day - all Christians please pray (12)

Muslims are supposed to pray five times a day at specific times while facing the direction of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Muslim prayer is formal and ritualistic yet many Muslims do make every effort to be sincere and upright in performing their prayers. Muslim prayer is characterised by rules of respect and attitudes of politeness toward Allah. (Please note that all Arab speakers use this word for God - whether Christian or Muslim, though their ideas of God are significantly different.)

"Praying correctly and at the appropriate time is one of the greatest indications of (Muslim) faith and a great sign of true religion". Prayer is to be done with heart and body cleanliness, with cleanness of clothing and in a ceremonially clean place. The washing of the hands, nose, face, forearms, ears, and feet in preparation for Muslim prayer is important.

The words

Muslims place very strong emphasis on the exact postures and the words of their prayers (which are always in Arabic). Almost all Muslim prayer is concerned with reciting specific phrases from memory. In the course of the five regular prayer times a Muslim will prostrate himself before Allah a total of 34 times and he will repeat the following phrases:

"Allah is greater"
"Praised be my mighty Lord"
"Allah hears the one who praises him"

He will also recite the "Al-Fatiha" or another text from the Qur’an 17 times, the "Shadada" (Islamic creed), and the greeting of peace to all Muslims.

Answered Prayer

Muslims can make requests to God privately after they finish their ritual prayers. However, this is not done as often as Christians typically make requests. Muslims do not believe that God binds himself to his people through covenants. This is a key concept for understanding their attitudes toward answers to prayer and their lack assurance of God’s steadfast love towards them. In addition, because of the fatalism of Islam, Muslims generally have little faith that their requests will alter their circumstances. They generally believe that Allah’s desires (for good or ill) will always be done despite their activities or requests. Trusting in God for specific responses to prayer in the Christian sense is not practised among Muslims. This is a huge difference between Muslim and Christian religious experience.

When Christians speak of prayer they mean direct two-way communication with God. Muslims never expect God to speak back to them directly at any moment and certainly not during prayer. The vast majority of Muslims will say that God only speaks through the Qur’an. Even Mohammed is said only to have heard from God indirectly through an angel. Christian prayer, on the other hand, is a combination of requests, thanksgiving and praise. The Bible says that we should "nter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name" (Ps 100:4).

Let us Pray…

* Muslims need to come to know the Christ of Christian prayer. Pray that Muslims would come to believe that God Himself wants to communicate directly with them. Pray this specifically for any Muslims that you may know personally. Pray for the Muslims in your city, region and nation.

* Pray for newly-converted Muslims, that they may develop real confidence in God as one who keeps His covenants, makes promises and who hears and answers prayer.

* Christians need to share their prayer experience with Muslims in humility. Pray that God will give us wisdom when describing our Christian prayer experience so that God would be glorified and Muslims could understand Him better.

Related

• About Ramadan (56)
• The Five Pillars of the Islamic Faith (17)
• The Hajj Pilgrimage - Journey of a Lifetime (8)
• Cartoons, Prophets and the Islamic Faith (1)
• The Night of Power (8)
• Customs and Behavior (2)

In September 2005, not long before the month of Ramadan, a Danish newspaper decided to publish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Little did they realize that they were igniting an explosion that would ripple throughout 2006.

As Muslims around the world eventually began to protest in anger and outrage, more Western newspapers and magazines picked up the cartoon and republished them, claiming that they were defending freedom of speech. These publications invoked more outrage. Embassies and churches were burned and people were killed. In the West, we watched with puzzlement. Why were the Muslims so upset about these cartoons of Muhammad? After all, people have mocked Jesus for centuries, but we don’t go around killing people. Surely freedom of speech is far more important than a bit of scorn! After all, many in the West have fought and died to defend the right of free speech. Surely the Muslims realize this.

Shame-based cultures

In the East, the feelings are quite different. Most Muslims live in what are known as shame-based cultures. These cultures are based on shame and honour rather than right and wrong. Almost every decision that they make is made by considering what is honourable and what is shameful. Sociologists tell us that in the West we live in what are known as guilt based cultures where most decisions are made on the basis of right and wrong. Therefore in the West, when necessary, we will lay down our lives to defend our rights. In the East, people will lay down their lives to defend their honour. In addition, Muslims even have a legal term known as "honour killing." They believe that the shedding of blood can wash away shame. Through this concept those who bring shame on a family or a tribe can be put to death, whether they are an enemy or an immediate family member. In some strange way, the Danish cartoons created a very volatile situation where the rights of the West and the shame of the East collided. Both sides are defending what they believe is of utmost importance. Both sides are willing to fight to the death.

Where do we stand as Christians?

Where do we stand as Christians? Jesus died on the cross, not only to remove our guilt, but also to take our shame. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden shame came upon all mankind. Some cultures are far more sensitive to this shame than they are to the guilt that Westerners often experience.

No matter, Jesus died to free us all from the stain of sin, and this includes both shame and guilt. The only way to really rectify the situation is for each side to recognize that the answer is in the death of Jesus on the cross. Jesus is the only one who can both set things right and also restore the honour that was lost. Jesus took our guilt and our shame upon himself. The reason he was mocked and ridiculed was because our shame was being laid on him. If only we were as enthusiastic about sharing the gospel message as we are about defending our rights. What a different place the world would be! The Lord Jesus honoured the Father through his obedience unto death. He has removed our shame and guilt. Let us live in such a way that we honour the Lord in word and deed.

Source

Roland Muller is the author of numerous missionary books. His two books: Honor and Shame, Unlocking the Door, and MMC explore the topic of shame-based cultures further. http://rmuller.com (in a new window)

Related

• Customs and Behavior (2)
• Veils and Clothing (1)
• Cross cultural (culture of) Marriage (0)
• Islam - a peace-loving or militant religion? (5)
• Ummah / Qibla - Community and direction (0)
• Muslim Fatalism and its consequences (1)