30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World | www.30-days.net » Ramadan http://www.30-days.net What Christians should know about Islamic background, history and culture. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:11:00 +0000 en hourly 1 About Ramadan http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/ramadan/ http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/ramadan/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:06:40 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/reveal/ramadan/ Ramadan 2012 / 1433 – 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 2012 (or 1433) are 20 July – 19 August.

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Coinciding with Ramadan, we produce a booklet for the Christian world called, “30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim world” (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 22 August-20 September, but last year the dates for Ramadan were 01-30 September. (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.

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

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)

“Why Pray?” Video

Clock from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/ramadan/feed/ 99 Quick Links to National Sites http://www.30-days.net/ministry/natsites/ http://www.30-days.net/ministry/natsites/#comments Sun, 29 May 2011 11:46:07 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/reveal/natsites/

Quick Links

Social

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/ministry/natsites/feed/ 0 DVD – About the World of Islam http://www.30-days.net/ministry/dvd-world-of-islam/ http://www.30-days.net/ministry/dvd-world-of-islam/#comments Fri, 27 May 2011 16:31:42 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/reveal/dvd-world-of-islam/

More Resources to help you pray:

Recommended:

DVD: MAGDALENA: Released From Shame (Dec 2008)

One woman caught in adultery; another, rejected and ignored because of her promiscuous lifestyle … (by the ‘Jesus Film’ producers) DVD Length: 80 minutes

Description: Watching with amazement, Mary learned from Jesus a new way to look at people. He also radically transformed her life by healing her from demon possession–releasing her from shame. Mary Magdalene acts as both narrator and participant in “Magdalena: Released From Shame,” as she traces through the story of lives that have come into contact with this man, Jesus, and have been powerfully released from shame. A must for all women!

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

  1. MORE THAN DREAMS
         For decades, a phenomenon has been recurring in the Muslim world. Men and women, without any knowledge of the Gospel and without any contact with Christians, have been forever transformed after experiencing dreams and visions of Jesus Christ. Here are five stories of former Muslims who now know Jesus as their Savior, recreated in docu-drama format. Produced in their original languages with English subtitles.

    2. 7th Edition

  2. Operation World Professional DVD-ROMby GMIThe Enhanced eBook – Professional DVD‐ROM Edition is a high‐powered research and mobilization platform that takes Operation WORLD beyond your bookshelf and empowers you to bring the data to life …

    The Professional DVD‐ROM Edition contains:
    • A fully searchable PDF of the Operation WORLD book in color
    • Extended information on each country giving you new insights to share
    • Multi‐media content including audio, video, and PowerPoint slides
    • Extended Rights to reproduce content for your school or ministry
    • Additional maps and data tables not available in the printed book
    • The ability to utilize Operation WORLD anywhere a PDF can be read
    • Enhanced eBook content including ability to build your own Operation WORLD map!

  3. Malatya DVD

    Malatya DVD

    Malatya – the DVD:Malatya is a feature-length documentary about the first martyrs of the Turkish Church. “Stunned after viewing Malatya, the story of the first martyrs of the modern Turkish Church” –Max LucadoOn April 18, 2007 three men were tortured and killed inside a Bible distribution office in Malatya, Turkey. The three were leaders in the small church of Malatya and their killers were five teenagers, each carrying a note that read, “We did this for our country. They were attacking our religion.”

    Includes sixteen-pages full color booklet with pictures and information about Turkey, audio/ visual prayer guide, rich soundtrack of Turkish music and special message from the makers!

  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

    Inside IslamA 100-minute in-depth program produced by The History Channel. Find out what the Qur’an says about war, violence, and suicide, and how these words have been co-opted by extremists. Learn about classical Arab Islam, and hear from experts like Khaled Abou el Fadl (“speaking in God’s Name”) who debate the challenges facing Islam today, including a crisis of authority and deep divisions among Islam’s many sects.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/ministry/dvd-world-of-islam/feed/ 2 Quick Facts http://www.30-days.net/ministry/quick-facts/ http://www.30-days.net/ministry/quick-facts/#comments Thu, 26 May 2011 11:36:44 +0000 TDI http://30-days.net/reveal/quick-facts/
We distribute between 250,000 – 400,000 booklets annually in various languages.

We also have email, Twitter and Facebook versions.

Our national websites (in different languages) do well. Here at the International www.30-days.net site we had:

Web site Statistics:

  • 2011: 686,053 visitors and 3,529,824 pageviews
  • 2010: 476,755 visitors and 2,680,764 pageviews
  • 2009: 340,664 visitors and 1,728,566 pageviews
  • 2008: 246,157 visitors and   717,646 pageviews
  • 2007: 194,179 visitors and   742,116 pageviews
  • 2006: 168,330 visitors and   446,535 pageviews

(Older statistics were lost when we switched hosting services.)

This site is powered by WordPress and the current theme is part of the Genesis Framework by Brian Gardner of RevolutionTwo fame (now StudioPress).

This site was hit by a virus but was cleaned up as Norton Safe Web shows. (Please contact us if the status changes!! Thanks.)

Did you know:

Thousands of churches, ministries and prayer groups join in prayer for Muslims around the world, and distribute 30-Days Ramadan prayer booklets to their constituency.

Millions of Christians have participated worldwide since 1993.

* Many Christians have commented on how much they have learned about Islam, and how their negative attitudes about Muslims have been changed as they read about and prayed for Muslims.

* New Prayer Guide booklets are available annually coinciding with Ramadan.

* Order multiple copies (bulk discounts) for your church, prayer group, ministry, conference, class, mailing list….

Endorsements

The 30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World is a 10/40 Window project, endorsed — among others — by the Global Prayer Track formerly of the AD2000 & Beyond Movement, YWAM, OM, OD, Frontiers and most major missions organizations, the Evangelical Alliances of Europe, Transformations Africa and by major churches and ministries around the world.

Please promote 30-Days to your constituency!

Most Used WordPress Plugins

Over the last few years I found the following plugins most helpful on this site:

  • Akismet (by Automattic): Comes bundled with WordPress, Akismet blocks 99.9% of spam from reaching your blog.
  • Broken Links Checker (by Janis Elsts): I only activate this occasionally to check for broken links, but it works well.
  • Dagon Design Form Mailer (by Dagon): There are many Contact forms available, for some reason I stuck with Dagon’s.
  • Dagon Design Sitemap Generator (by Dagon): This sitemap is internal and displays the way I want it. See our detailed sitemap for example …
  • fbLikeButton (by Dean Peters): Another “Like Button” which allows Facebook users to like an article, share it and so forth, effective!
  • Google XML Sitemaps (by Arne Brachhold): This plugin generates an XML sitemap to help Google, Yahoo, Bing and Ask.com to better index the site.
  • Greg’s Comment Length Limiter (by Greg Mulhauser): Long comments are unreadable and unhelpful, but I can limit them using this plugin.
  • HeadSpace2 (by John Godley) / or All in One SEO Pack (by Michael Torbert): SEO plugins so you can add keywords, etc. Not needed for many new Themes, but still helpful.
  • (Move Comments) [Deactivated until it's needed. This by Apostolos Dountsis works well]: Sometimes I move posts and want to move the comments too…
  • Page Links To (by Mark Jaquith): I moved some posts and pages and found this plugin helped clean up the links.
  • RefTagger (Transform Bible references into links by Logos Bible Software): RefTagger supports all of the Bible book names and their standard abbreviations.
  • Related Posts by Category (by Sergej Muller): I used to rely on categories to cross-reference posts, not so important now-a-days.
  • Subscribe to Comments (by Mark Jaquith): Just a nice touch for those who post comments and want to see who responds.
  • What Would Seth Godin Do (by Richard K Miller): Offers new and returning visitors different greetings, a friendly plugin.
  • Widget Logic (by Alan Trewartha): Brilliant, lets me put different Sidebar content (widgets) on different posts, pages, home, whatever I need and want!!
  • WordPress Exploit Scanner (by Donncha O Caoimh): My blog got hacked a few times, but to be honest, of all the “AntiVirus”-type plugins, I’m not sure which ones work the best.
  • WP-DBManager (by Leters Chan): A must have, to optimize, backup and otherwise manage the database from within the WP-Dashboard.

Plus a few others which are site-related.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/ministry/quick-facts/feed/ 25 How to Pray Creatively during Ramadan | 26th – 27th some ideas http://www.30-days.net/ministry/prayidea/ http://www.30-days.net/ministry/prayidea/#comments Wed, 25 May 2011 10:05:52 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/reveal/prayidea/ Pray the Night of Power. Suggestions and ideas for personal and group prayer.

These are some creative prayer ideas and tips on how to use the 30-Days Muslim World Prayer Guide materials in a group or for your personal prayer time.

Organizing group prayers

You can use these materials to pray creatively by yourself in your own prayer times, and also to join with groups of others to pray together. We would encourage you to find creative ways to involve as many people as possible with you in this prayer focus. Jesus gave some special promises of blessing for Christians who come together to pray and agree as a group.

You could organise some weekly or twice weekly meetings over the 30 day Ramadan period with your church, your youth group, your committee or leaders’ meetings, your women’s meetings, home Bible studies, cell groups, children’s groups; in fact, any occasion when your Christian friends and associates meet together.

A Social Occasion

Take a social occasion and turn it into a prayer event as well. Have others join with you in a special meal using the prayer topic for that day. Find out all you can about that particular culture – including food and dress, music, sports, etc.

Facilitator

It is helpful if one person is chosen as the leader/facilitator of the group for that time of prayer. This person can give direction and cohesion to the prayer time, and assist the group in using the following guidelines.

Focus

As you pray through the Prayer Guide that are suggested for each day, ask and expect the Holy Spirit to lead you in prayer, revealing certain areas of detail and specific focus for you to pay particular attention to (Romans 8:26).

Take notes and keep a journal of your prayer times. Particularly note any Scriptures that God may prompt you to read concerning that day’s topic.

It is helpful if the group focuses its prayers for one subject area at a time, rather than chopping and changing all over the place. Each person should wait before moving on to a different topic, until every person has been able to pray out their prayers over the current subject area (1Corinthians 14:40). Make sure that all have an opportunity to pray for that area or need if they want to.

Be Creative

Look for ways to make your times of prayer varied and interesting. God is infinitely creative, and has made us in His image, so we can expect creative ideas and prayers to flow as we seek Him. For example, using a map or reading out a short article on a particular country or need related to the day’s prayer theme can add interest and spark new ideas of needs to pray for. Photographs and pictures, maps or even radio, television and video documentaries can do the same.

Strategic

“The Night of Power” is a strategic night of prayer. Consider setting aside this night for an all night prayer time with your church or mission group. ["Day 26" can be confusing. The reason is night precedes day in the Islamic Calendar. In the past the prayer focus was on Day 27, however, for many the Night was already over....]

Believe

Let us believe God for an outpouring of His Spirit on our Muslim neighbours worldwide. Let us pray and believe for the fulfilment of Revelation 7:9, that every group, including the peoples of Islam, will be represented before the throne of God on that final day.

Make It A Different Prayer Meeting – Specific for “The Night of Power”

During Ramadan our mission committee floated the idea of holding a prayer night on the Muslim “night of power” when God often works in miraculous ways throughout the Muslim world. (‘Night of Power’ prayer nights can be used throughout the year!)

It won’t be another “dull” prayer meeting.

We recognise that “prayer meetings” are seen by many as dull or boring and often have a corresponding lack of attendance – “just another night out”. As we wrestled with this, the idea came to use a format that has been used in various ways by our creative ministries team. So began our journey to create various prayer “stations”. The aim was to cover as many of the senses and prayer styles as possible and yet be informative and not too disjointed.

Set up the meeting room

Our venue was the church auditorium, from which half the seating was removed giving wings at either side which were lit. On the entry side was information on Islam (including Ramadan, the Night of Power, Muslims and sin, Muslims and Jesus) with prayer focus points and information on several countries, sourced from the “30 Days of Prayer” booklet and added to by pictures and library books. Prayer points were highlighted. One of these stations focussed on ‘dreams and visions’. It looked at the importance of dreams and this night of revelation to Muslims and had scripture and prayer points. It also had some testimonies of Muslims meeting Jesus through dreams.

The other side focused on Islam in our country, from similar sources. This side also contained a trestle covered with newsprint on which was the outline of a world map (traced from a wall map) and felt pens for people to write prayers. Our national stand also had hand outs available for people to take away on how to witness effectively to Muslims and also how to reach Muslim students in our country (these were printed off the 30 Days promotional/resource CD).

Both seats and floor cushions were provided at these stations for those who wanted to use these.

Set the Welcome and Ambiance

At the entrance was a “Welcome” sign and a “please leave your shoes at the entrance”. Headscarves (borrowed from the children’s Playgroup and previously washed) were available for women to wear if they so wanted. These added colour to the entrance as well. We had people do a right turn as they came in the door – most folk naturally turn left – reflecting Arabic language which is written from right to left. On the path to the earlier stations we invited folk to “join with us on a journey through the Muslim world and pray that the people of Ishmael would know the one true God and Jesus as the Messiah (Isa-al-Masih).”

In the centre we left the pews, which were used when we called people together at an appointed time for corporate prayer, lead by our pastor. As a conclusion of this time, small groups went to pray at the various stations. This central area was dimly lit and had a power point presentation running for the duration of the night. Pictures had been sourced from the internet with prayer points and scriptures interspersed. From the sound desk, Arabic style worship music was playing quietly throughout the evening.

Women Only Corner

One of the side rooms off the auditorium was used to focus on the women and children of Islam. The door was curtained and a “Women Only” sign placed beside it. The idea was to reflect a Muslim home and the hospitality of that. Outside the door, like the guest lounge in an Asian home, we had two couches, plus a wall display with pictures and a poem. A table was set with a jug of water and glasses for people to help themselves, along with some snack food which would be similar to the “iftah” with which Muslims break the fast after sunset each day during Ramadan. For this, I used patty pans containing a date, dried apricot, chocolate truffle and some chocolate raisins. Inside, the curtained room was set up as a family room with a kitchen table and similar chairs. A greater number of pictures and prayer points were on the display board here, focusing on women and children – some Mission agencies have calendars which are great for pictures. One table was set with water and food as in the “guest room” and more people partook in the privacy here. (I had a comment from one of the guys, “What did you have in there?”) On another table was a collection of books, again focusing on women in the Muslim world, and paper and pen to record those who wanted to borrow these. This gave it a “homework” feel. A cassette recorder was playing Arabic style music here also. The different timing from the main room gave some clash of sounds as in a busy Asian neighbourhood. It also represented the ministry of songwriters working in the Muslim world, the men amongst which cannot otherwise minister to women. This room was well used during the evening.

Jesus at the center

A spotlight was focused on a beautiful wall hanging that we have in our auditorium, as a reflection point to consider the work of Jesus and His centrality in the continuing work of the kingdom.

We had quite a number of positive responses to the whole evening and felt that it was well worth the effort that was put in. We hope this helps you with creative ideas when you pray during Ramadan and especially on the “Night of Power”.

(From a church in New Zealand)

Tools

Ideas for Praying in Groups – Want to pray with a group once per week or even one day to cover the whole 30 days of Ramadan? Here is a flexible idea to pray 30, 15, 5 or 3 minutes in groups for all the material. That breaks down to 15, 7.5, 2.5 or just 1.5 hour slots – great for churches!

Downloads

  • download the Praying in Groups Idea (pray_in_groups_events.pdf [57 kb])
  • download the Group Prayer Schedule (pray_groups_schedule.pdf [56 kb])
  • Are Your Prayers On Target? A Guide to Victorious Prayer? – A two page brochure filled with biblical references about God’s joy to hear us pray. Designed by us to help encourage your faith when praying during Ramadan. (rk_prayerbrochure.pdf 162 KB)
  • “When You Fast … ” A Biblical Guide To Victorious Fasting – A two page brochure including practical tips, health pointers and many starting bible references to begin cross-referencing. Also designed by us to help encourage your faith. (rk_fastingbrochure.pdf 142KB)

[These require a newer version of the free Adobe Reader software.]

Video – creative ideas how to pray

That’s My King! [no live band] from Albert Martin on Vimeo.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/ministry/prayidea/feed/ 2 The Islamic Calendar http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/calendar/ http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/calendar/#comments Wed, 18 May 2011 12:40:11 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/reveal/calendar/ In recent editions of our “30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World” booklet we included the moon in various phases near the titles in all the prayer articles. This is because our month of prayer takes place at the same time as the Muslim month of fasting called Ramadan. This month of Ramadan is determined by the Muslim lunar calendar (corresponding to the lunar cycle from one crescent moon to the next). The Muslim calendar is 354 days long and “retreats” each year by 11 days compared to the Western “Gregorian” Calendar. Therefore the Muslim lunar months do actually “shift” annually over a complete 33-year cycle. Ramadan is often, but not always, 30 days long.

Do you use the moon?

Western urban dwellers hardly dream of using the moon for the calendar, yet for many peoples around the world the lunar cycle is still a major way of understanding time.

In the Bible it is written that God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years” (Gen 1:16). The Jewish calendar was specifically based on the lunar cycle. The names of the days of the week in the Arab or Muslim calendar have obvious origins from Jewish and Christian influence in Arabia.

The following is the list of the days of the week used especially by Arabs and in Islamic nations in general

1. youm al-ahad (first day) – Sunday
2. youm al-ithnayna (second day) – Monday
3. youm ath-thalatha’ (third day) – Tuesday
4. youm al-arba`a’ (fourth day) – Wednesday
5. youm al-khamis (fifth day) – Thursday
6. youm al-jum`a (gathering day) – Friday
7. youm as-sabt (Sabbath day) – Saturday

The first day of the week is Sunday, which is called “youm” (day) “al-ahad” (the first). There is also a Sabbath day (the seventh day), which certainly has Jewish roots, although its original significance as a day of rest has been lost. The present Muslim day of rest is “youm al-jum`a”, meaning the “day of assembly”, which corresponds to the Muslim day of mosque-centred worship (Friday). A Muslim “day” starts at sunset on the evening before the next day: this follows the biblical idea found in Genesis: “And there was evening and there was morning, one day.”

Pagan Origins

It is particularly noteworthy that the Muslim names for the days of the week are remarkably less pagan than their Western counterparts. For example, the word Thursday was originally “Thor’s day” (Thor being the chief god of the Vikings) or – in Latin contexts – Jove’s day (Zeus’ day), which gave rise to words like “jeudi”, the French for Thursday. All the other names for days of the week used in most European and Western countries have similar origins.

How the numbering works

The Muslim numbering for years starts with Mohammed’s leaving Mecca to live in Medina in AD622 – an event called the Hegira. So for example, the year 2007 equates to the 1,428th lunar year since the beginning of the Muslim calendar.

It was not until the rise of the Ottoman Empire that the crescent moon and sometimes a pointed star became symbols that were strongly associated with the Muslim world. (These were not originally Islamic symbols: some Muslims want to remove them from Islam completely.)

Please note: The moon has never been an object of worship for Muslims, though it was an object of worship among Arabs before the rise of Islam.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/calendar/feed/ 2 Praying for Muslims: With Love and Compassion http://www.30-days.net/ramadan/praying/ http://www.30-days.net/ramadan/praying/#comments Tue, 17 May 2011 10:10:08 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/reveal/praying/ Every Muslim is unique and wonderful in God’s eyes and we should be careful not to generalise or presume that all Muslims are the same. Still, there are some issues regarding praying for Muslims to help us pray more effectively.

Every Muslim is someone whom God loves. Some Christians do not pray for Muslims because of prejudices or fears. Let us pray by asking God to give us a heart filled with love and compassion towards Muslims. We also need to pray in faith and confidence that God will hear us and will move powerfully in answer to our prayers of love and compassion. (John 14: 12-14)

Praying for Muslims: God’s Character

Muslims believe in the uniqueness of an all powerful and supreme Allah. Similar to Christians and Jews, Muslims believe that Allah is creative and eternal. Muslims also believe that Allah is unknowable and that it is impossible to ever really know him or have a relationship with him as a personal saviour. According to Islam, Allah holds himself apart from mankind. When praying for Muslims, pray that they will have a full revelation of the true God and His loving character. (Hebrews 8:8-9)

Praying for Muslims: Against Fear

The Muslim worldview is strongly influenced by an awareness of the supernatural and the presence of good and evil spirits known as jinn. Jinn are greatly feared and are often thought to be responsible for illnesses and misfortune. Superstitions control many aspects of a Muslim’s everyday life and often result in them living in constant fear. This fear reveals a heart cry and desperate need that can only be met in the person and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray against the fear that influences many Muslims. (1 John 4:18)

Praying for Muslims: The Relationship with God

Galatians 4:22-25 tells us that Ishmael was born as a result of works resulting in slavery. Islam means submission and a Muslim understands that he is a servant of Allah. While this is also a Biblical aspect of our relationship with God, it is incomplete. As Christians, through Jesus, we know that we move from being servants to becoming sons and daughters. Pray that Muslims will also understand that God desires for everyone to know Him as children and not as slaves. (Galatians 4:7) (Matthew 18:3)

Praying for Muslims: Assurance of Salvation

Islam teaches that a person must do enough good deeds to outweigh the bad deeds in order to make it to paradise. Even then, there is no guarantee for a Muslim of salvation. As a result of this belief, it is difficult for many Muslims to fully understand the basis of forgiveness of sins. It is also difficult for Muslims to understand repentance. When we pray for Muslim’s to get saved, we are really praying that they will be convicted of sin and know true repentance. We are also praying that they would experience God’s total forgiveness and thus be able to forgive others. And, we are also praying that they would know the assurance of salvation through Jesus, something Islam can never offer them. (Ephesians 2:8-9.) (1 Peter 5:6) (Matthew 6:14-15)

Praying for Muslims: The Work of the Holy Spirit

Never underestimate the work of the Holy Spirit as you pray for Muslims. Allow God to teach you how to pray and to share His heart with you concerning them. Vast numbers of Muslims have come to Christ as a result of supernatural encounters. Many have dreams and visions of Jesus. It is only God who can open blind eyes and soften hearts. Only God can bring true conviction of sin and create new life. (Romans 8:26) (John 16:8)

Video: God-o-nomics

God-o-nomics from DanStevers.com on Vimeo.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/ramadan/praying/feed/ 9 The Five Pillars of the Islamic Faith http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/beliefs/ http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/beliefs/#comments Mon, 16 May 2011 14:26:06 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/reveal/beliefs/ 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.

Video: Foundations

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/islam/basics/beliefs/feed/ 22 Glossary of Islamic Terms http://www.30-days.net/islam/glossaries/glossary-of-islamic-terms/ http://www.30-days.net/islam/glossaries/glossary-of-islamic-terms/#comments Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:55:36 +0000 TDI http://30-days.net/reveal/glossary-islamic/ PLEASE NOTE :: This Islamic Glossary was compiled from both Shiite and Sunni Muslim branches. It is an interesting reference and gives ideas into culture and thinking, not just the learning of new words. Where two words are repeated, one is from the Shiite glossary, the other the Sunni glossary. The 30-Days Editors

A B C D E F H I J K M N P Q R S T W Z

* Aaron: see Harun
* Adam: The first man and the first prophet of Allah
* Adhan: The call for daily ritual prayers (Salat)
* Akhirah: Belief in life after death

* Ali: Son-in-law and cousin of the prophet Muhammad; the one whom the Shiites follow
* Allah: "Allah" is the Arabic word for "God"; it’s not God’s name – the God of Islam
* Allahu Akbar: "God is the greatest"
* Ayatollah: Means "Sign of God". The highest rank of Shiite clerics
* Ayisha: Muhammad’s second wife; daughter of Abu Bakr (1st caliph)
* Azan: The Muslim call to prayer

B | Top

* Basiji: The mobilized – a group of people who are voluntarily mobilized to go to the frontline of battle
* Behesht: Paradise – a place holding pleasure and joy
* Bismillah: "In the name of God" – it’s used by Muslims to ask for God’s blessing on any action and is found at the start of almost every surah (chapter) of the Holy Qur’an

C | Top

* Caliph: The title of Islamic leaders (successors) after Muhammad’s death

D | Top

* David: see Dawood
* Dawood: a Prophet of Allah mentioned in the Qur’an and the Old Testament.
* Deen (or Din): Religion or the religion and way of life of Islam
* Du’a: Supplication / A personal prayer to Allah, in contrast to the 5 ritual daily prayer rituals. It’s not the same as a wholly spontaneous personal prayer, since particular texts are laid down for various du’as

E | Top

* Eid: Islamic holidays. The four Eids are listed below.
o Eid ul-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah
o Eid ul-Fitr falls on the 1st day of Shawwal
o Eid-e Ghadeer
o Eid-e Mubahala

F | Top

* Fard: An obligation, something which must be done
* Fatiha: The opening chapter of the Holy Qur’an
* Fatwa: A verdict, especially of a Mujtahid
* Fatwas: "Religious Decrees" Fatwas are given by the highest rank of Muslim clerics and are an interpretation of Islamic law
* Fitrah: The charity due on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, on the night after Ramadhan.
* Five Pillars of Islam: The duties carried out by a Muslim as part of their faith
* Foroo-e-Din: Branches of Islam

H | Top

* Hadith: A saying, action or story of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
* Hajarul Aswad: The Black Stone (see Ka’bah)
* Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca that is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Compulsory for a Muslim once in a lifetime. This happens in the month of Dhu-Ul-Hijja
* Haram: That which is unlawful in Islam. It is necessary to abstain from the acts which are haram.
* Harun: The brother of Musa (Moses) and Prophet of Allah mentioned in the Qur’an
* Hezbollah: Means "the party of Allah". It is one of the leading political parties in Iran
* Hijab: Islamic clothing worn by women to protect their modesty. How much hijab covers is often a matter for local customs
* Hijra: or Hegira or Hijrah: The migration of Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers from Mecca to Yathrib (now Medina)
* Hira: The cave wherein Prophet Muhammad (S) sat for worshipping Allah

I | Top

* Iftar: The breaking of the fast / Breakfast
* Ihram: The state of ritual purity required for undertaking the Hajj or Umra. The special garments worn in this state are also called Ihram
* Imam: A teacher, or leader of the Muslim worship. Leader in Arabic (the term has another meaning in the Shi’a community – Pontiff)
* Imam: A charismatic leader among Shiite Muslims, who believe that in every generation there is an iman who is an infallible source of spiritual and secular guidance. The line of imans ended in the 9th century, and since then the ayatollahs serve as the collective caretakers of the office until the retun of the expected iman
* Injil: The New Testament
* Iqamah: The announcement of the beginning of prayer
* Isa: The son of Mariam (Mary). He is a prophet of Allah. (Isa means Jesus)
* Ishmael: see Ismaeel
* Islam: The faith of Muslims – it actually means "surrender or submission to Allah"
* Ismaeel: The son of Abraham, Prophet of Allah and the father of the Arabs.

J | Top

* Jesus: see Isa
* Jihad: Muslims use the word Jihad to describe three different kinds of struggle: a believer’s internal struggle to live out the Muslim faith as well as possible; the struggle to build a good Muslim society and the struggle to defend Islam, with force if necessary (Holy War)
* Jihad: A holy war (striving or fighting in the way of Allah) by the order of the Imam
* Jinn: A type of creature having, like humans, free will / The belief of angels and evil spirits
* Jum’ah: Friday

K | Top

* Ka’bah: The cubic house built more than 3000 years ago in Mecca, towards which all Muslims face for their Salat (prayer). It contains the Hajarul Aswad or the Black Stone
* Kaffarah: Alms to be given as penance on different occasions
* Khums: "a fifth", obligatory tax-like charity
* Kifie: An obligatory Islamic rule. If one person performs the act, then it is not required for others to perform. For example, the burial of a deceased Muslim is obligatory on any one person to perform
* Koran: The Islamic holy book (Qur’n or Qur’an)

M | Top

* Madina (Medina): means city, and Medinatu’l Nabi (the city of the Prophet) was the name taken by the citizens of Yathrib, the town to which Muhammed migrated during Hijrah
* Mahdi (Arabic, ‘divinely guided one’) The name given by Sunni Muslims to those who periodically revitalize the Muslim community. Sunnis look forward to a time before the Last Day when a Mahdi will appear and establish a reign of justice on earth. Shiites identify the Mahdi with the expected reappearance of the hidden Iman.
* Mecca (Makkah): Islamic holy city in Mecca province, Saudi Arabia, 64km / 40 miles east of its Red Sea port Jedda. Birthplace of Muhammad and site of the Kaba. Between 1.5 and 2 million pilgrims visit Mecca annually. The city is closed to non-Muslims.
* Minaret: The tower of a Mosque from which the call to prayer is made
* Minbar: The pulpit in a Mosque
* Mihrab: A niche in a Mosque showing the direction of Mecca
* Moses: see Musa
* Mosque (Masjid) : A building (or place) where Muslims worship together
* Muhammad (S.A.W.) is the Last of the Messengers of Allah to mankind
* Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar
* Mullah (Arabic, ‘master’) In Islam, a scholar, teacher or man of religious piety and learning. It is also a title of respect given to those performing duties related to Islamic Lay.
* Muezzin: The official who calls people to prayer
* Musa: a Prophet of Allah mentioned in the Qur’an and the Old Testament
* Muslim: A follower of the Islamic faith

N | Top

* Nafilah: Recommended prayers after or before the daily obligatory Salat
* Naar: The fire of Hell
* Niyya: The declaration of one’s sincere intention to worship (this is usually made silently in one’s mind)
* Noah: see Nuh
* Nuh was a prophet of Allah mentioned in the Qur’and and the Old Testament

P | Top

* pbuh: "Peace be upon him" – used after the name of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to indicate one’s respect (also used after the names of other prophets)
* pbut: "Peace be upon them" – plural of pbuh

Q | Top

* Qiyam: The standing during the Salat for recitation of Suratul Hamd and the second Surah, and the standing after the Ruku’
* Qiyamat: The day of Resurrection
* Quiblah: The direction of Mecca
* Qur’an: The Holy Book of Islam

R | Top

* Rajab: The seventh month of the Islamic calendar
* Ramadan: The month of fasting / the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar
* Ruku: The bow made in salat

S | Top

* S.A.W. stands for Sallal-lahu ‘alayhi wa-alihi wa-sallam in Arabic, and means Blessings and peace of God be with him and his household. It is a prayer which is said after the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
* Sadaquah: Voluntary giving to charity, as opposed to the Zakat charity required in Islam
* Salam: A salutation. It is also the last recitation at the end of Salat
* Salat (Salah): The obligatory ritual prayer carried out five times a day
* Salat-ul-Jum’a: Friday prayer at a mosque
* Sawm: Fasting during daylight
* Shaabaan: The eighth month of the Islamic calendar
* Shahadah: The Muslim declaration of faith – "There is no God but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God."
* Shaitan: Satan, the enemy of mankind
* Sharia (Shari’a): the sacred law of Islam, applies to all aspects of life, not just religious practices
* Shawwal: The 10th month of the Islamic calendar
* Shi’a (Shiites or Shi’at Ali): Prominent in Iran and Iraq. After the murder of Ali, the son-in-law and nephew of the Prophet Mohammed, his followers continued to support his claim to the Muslim caliphate and became known as Shi’at or Shi’a Ali (‘partisans of Ali’). They believe that Ali and his followers were both temporal rulers and Imans. The most important group is the
‘Twelver’ Shiites, who believe that there were twelve imans – Ali and his descendents – after Muhammed, and that the twelfth did not die, but disappeared, and one day will return to bring justice to the world. The dispute over leadership of the new Islamic world after the prophet’s death in the seventh century led to the biggest schism ever within Islam. Compare to Sunni

* Shi’a: A follower of the twelve Imams (A.S.) (20%)
* Sujud (Sajdah): The prostration position in prayer, with forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes all touching the ground
* Sufism: The mystical movement in Islam ( follower of it is called a Sufi)
* Sunni (Sunnis): Islamic movement representing ‘orthodoxy’ in Islam. They comprise about 80 per cent of all Muslims. They recognize the first four caliphs as following the right course (rashidun) and base their sunnah (‘path’ of the Prophet Mohammed) upon the Koran and the Hadith or ‘traditions’ of the prophet. They are organized into four legal schools. The other major Islamic group is made up of Shiites
* Sura(h): Any chapter of the 114 in the Holy Qur’an (Koran). It literally means a sign or revelation

T | Top

* Tafseer: A term used for a commentary of any book, specifically the Holy Qur’an
* Tahur: The cave wherein Prophet Muhammad (S) stayed before finally migrating to Madinah
* Takbir: The process of concentrating on prayer to the exclusion of everything else
* Takbirah: Saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest)
* Tawaf: Going round the Ka’ba seven times on Hajj or Umra

W | Top

* Wahhabis (Muwahhidun or unitarians): An Islamic movement which derives from Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, a religoius reformer from Uyaina near Riyadh, and Muhammad ibn Saud, the ancestor of the present rulers of Saudi Arabia. The alliance led to the unification in the 18th-c of most of the peninsula under the Saudi banner. The modern reunification of the Kingdom was carried out in 1902-32 by King Abd al-Aziz, known as Ibn Saud. The movement maintains that legal decisions must be based exclusively on the Qur’an and the Sunna
* Wudhu (Wudu): Ritual / spiritual wash of the face and hands before Salat

Z | Top

* Zakat (Zakah): Compulsory donation of a set proportion of one’s savings

Contributions

With contributions from Br. Hasnain Kassamali . Many definitions adapted from

* Articles of Islamic Acts by Ayatullah al-Khui, Islamic Seminary Publications, 1989
* al-Ahkam al-Shar’iyyah (The Islamic Religious Rules) according to Ayatullah Sayyid Abu al-Qasim al-Musawi al-Khu’i (R.A.), by Sayyid Muhammad Taqi Jalali. Trans. Miyaniji Musabji. The Islamic Community, 1986.
* Resalah (Epistle) Concise Commandments of Islam, According to the verdicts of Hadhrat Ayatullah Uzma Sayyid Muhammad Redha Musavi Gulpaygani (R.A.). A Translation of Mokhtasarol Ahkam. Dar al-Quran al-Karim, 1992.
* Kitab al-Irshad. The Book of Guidance. Shaykh al-Mufid. Trans. I.K.A. Howard. Muhammadi Trust.
* Know Your Islam. Muhammadi Trust. Compiled by Yousuf N. Lalljee, 1976.
* Manaseke Haj, according to the verdicts of Ayatullah Gulpaygani. 1993, published by Islamic Universal Association, 20 Penzance Place, Holland Park, London, W11 4PG
* Western Civilization through Muslim Eyes. Sayyid Mujtaba Rukni Musawi Lari, trans. F.J. Goulding.
* The Tendency of Rationalizing the Laws of the Shari’ah. Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi, 3360 Sexsmith Road, Richmond, B.C. Canada V6X 2H8.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/islam/glossaries/glossary-of-islamic-terms/feed/ 1 Glossary of Christian Terms http://www.30-days.net/islam/glossaries/glossary-of-christian-terms/ http://www.30-days.net/islam/glossaries/glossary-of-christian-terms/#comments Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:53:23 +0000 TDI http://30-days.net/reveal/glossary-christian/ Unlike some glossaries, most of the words below are in English. The historic languages of Christianity are Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek and Latin. The Old (Jewish) Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. Latin increasingly became the language of the bible in the Western half of the Roman Empire from the 5th century. In the last few hundred years the bible has been translated into most major language groupings. The bible remains the most printed and most popular book in the world. (This glossary relates to Bible words and sometimes come with a biblical reference to explain more.)

A B C D E F G H I J L M O P R S T W

* Abraham: The father of the Jewish nation. He and his group left Ur and started a new life in Canaan. He is also called the Father of all those who have faith

* Adam and Eve: The first people according to the book of Genesis. They lived in the Garden of Eden

* Agnostic: Someone who says we cannot know whether God exists

* Amen: The final word of a prayer; means "so be it" in Hebrew

* Apostles: The twelve followers of Jesus; means "a person who is sent to preach the gospel"

* Armageddon: the ultimate conflict between good and evil

* Ascension: When Jesus went back to heaven, 40 days after the resurrection

* Atheist: Someone who does not believe there is a God

* Atonement: Making amends for your sins or wrong deeds. Trying to put things right

B | Top

* Blasphemy: Blasphemy is the act of swearing using God’s name, saying bad things about God, or doing disrespectful things against God

* Blood of Christ: Jesus Christ died on the cross taking the penalty of death for sins. His blood being poured out (shed) on that cross is what covers sins. We are "cleansed" of our sin by His blood. [Romans 5:9]

* Born again: (also reborn) To be spiritually born after one has already been physically born. When one enters into a relationship with Christ, a new life has begun. The old life is past. [John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17]

C | Top

* Catholic: 1) the universal Church with confesses Jesus Christ as Lord. 2) Churches with episcopal order. 3) Roman Catholic Church recognizing the primacy of the Pope

* Christ: Jesus Christ, son of God and Savior of mankind

* Christian: One who believes and worships Jesus Christ

* Church: The people who gather together to worship God. Not necessarily a physical building. [Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 11:18]

* Communion: (also The Lord’s Supper; Last Supper) The sharing of bread and wine to remember the death and sacrifice of Jesus. The bread represents His body and the wine His blood. [1 Corinthians 11:23-26]

* Commandments: Laws of conduct written on stone and given to Moses by God at Mt. Sinai

* Confess: Confess is used in two major ways in the Bible. The first type of confession is the confession or admission of sin. The second kind of confession is the confession of faith. This is where the Christian declares his or her faith, usually publicly, or declares his or her faith as a part of witnessing

* Covenant: A legal promise between two people or groups. Some kinds of covenants apply equally to both sides like a marriage, or only one side like God’s promises.

* Covenant: An agreement or pact. In the Bible, it refers to an agreement between God and man. The Old Testament Covenants included the rules that Jews lived by to stay in grace with God. In the New Testament, there is a new covenant; our salvation is now the acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins

* Cross: Representation of Christian faith, Jesus died on the cross to take away all sins

D | Top

* Disciple: A disciple is a student and follower – Christians are disciples or students of Christ

E | Top

* Epistle: A letter. Most of the New Testament is a series of letters from apostles to churches and from apostle to apostle. The letters of Paul are called the Pauline Epistles.

* Eternal life: To have a relationship with God that never ends. It cannot be earned or bought. It is a free gift through faith in Christ. [Romans 6:23]

F | Top

* Faith: To trust or believe in something or someone. Often mistakenly portrayed as being blind or that you need to give up rational thought. The only way a person can be forgiven of their sins is through faith. [Acts 10:43, Ephesians 2:8]

* Fast: Process of denying self body of food for certain period of time; usually done as repentance of one’s sins or for the love of Christ

G | Top

* God: Creator of time and space. Christians believe there is one God, but three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All are God equally, they are not separate or smaller parts of God. [John 1:1-5, Matthew 28:20]

* Gospel: Word of the Lord

* Grace: Receiving something we don’t deserve. By His grace, God forgives sins and gives us His love even though we don’t deserve it. We cannot earn His grace; it’s His gift to us when we accept the sacrifice that Christ made for us on the cross.

* Guardian Angel: Angel that guards over you

H | Top

* Heaven: The ultimate paradise, God’s kingdom

* Hell: The place reserved for the devil (Satan) and his followers – all who do not accept Jesus

* Holy Spirit: God; Sent to help believers live more like Christ by giving guidance, strength, and love. He is inside of every Believer in Christ. [John 16:5-15]

* Holy Trinity- God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This makes up the Godhead – there is only one God

I | Top

* Incarnate: (to take on bodily form) Jesus Christ became fully human by being born in the flesh. He did not stop being fully God. He is both fully God and fully human. [John 1:14]

* Intercede: (intercession, intercessor) To go between two groups or people who are against each other, and preventing one from harming the other. To plead on behalf of another before a judge or king. An advocate, or defense lawyer. [Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25]

J | Top

* Jesus Christ: God; Became fully human to save us from everlasting death. Both completely God and completely man. We know He was fully man because He died on the cross. We know He was fully God because He rose from the grave. He conquered sin and death for us

* Justification: The process of being made good or perfect. To be justified is to be right. Jesus makes us right with God. And this cannot be accomplished by works (good deeds). [Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16]

L | Top

* Lamb of God: Jesus refers to Himself as the Lamb of God several times in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, lambs were used as sacrifices and their blood washed away sins. Jesus came as the final sacrifice, taking the place of the lamb

* Lord’s Supper (Communion): The night of His arrest, Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples. This is known as the Last Supper. He offered them bread as a symbol of His flesh that would be sacrificed for us and wine as a symbol of the blood He would shed for us. When we take the sacrament of communion, we do it in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice for us

M | Top

* Martin Luther: Major revolutionary who brought about a great change ushering in the Protestant Church

* Mediator: Someone who works out disagreements between people or organizations.[1 Timothy 2:5]

* Mercy: Not receiving what we deserve. We don’t receive punishment for our sins because of Jesus

* Messiah: The Anointed one from God. Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah [John 1:41]

* Missionary: Person who preaches the Christian faith

O | Top

* Omnipotence: Having all power; a characteristic of God. There is nothing as powerful as God. All the forces of the universe combined do not even come close to His power

* Omnipresence: Having all presence; a characteristic of God. He is able to be everywhere at the same time. There is no place that God cannot go

* Omniscience: Having all knowledge; a characteristic of God. He knows everything that was, is or ever will be

P | Top

* Passover: Festival celebrating the liberation of the Israelites from the Egyptians

* Patriarch: A father. Biblical patriarchs refer to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who are considered the fathers of the Hebrew nation

* Pentecost: Pentecost is a Jewish feast day celebrated 50 days after Passover. It has significance to Christians because that first Pentecost after the crucifixion was when the Holy Spirit was sent to the Christians as the Comforter

* Pharisee: The Pharisees were a group of extremely devout Jews who were intent on obeying the Laws of Moses to the letter. Their error was in missing the spirit of the laws. Today when Christians talk about someone being like a Pharisee, they are talking about a person who is rigidly applying the Scripture to their lives and missing the spirit of love that Jesus wants us to have

* Pope: Religious head of Roman Catholic church

* Prayer: Plea/talking to God

* Prophet: A messenger from God. A person is only considered a prophet if their prophecy is true and consistent with God and His word

* Propitiation: To turn away wrath or punishment. Jesus turned away the wrath of God. [Romans 3:25]

* Protestant: Christians who do not accept the Pope as the head of the Church; have a few different beliefs than Catholics. Originally started by people who protested against the wrongdoing of the Catholic Church

R | Top

* Reconcile: To reconcile is to restore a relationship. We are separated from God by our sin. When we accept the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins on the cross, we are reconciled with God. Reconciliation is an important part of Christian doctrine. [Colossians 1:20-22]

* Redeem: (Redemption) To receive something in exchange for something else. Our sin was exchanged for eternal life. [Ephesians 1:7] To redeem is to purchase for a price. The price paid for our redemption was Jesus’ life. We didn’t have to pay the price of our sin Jesus did it for us. He is called the Redeemer for this reason

* Remnant: Remnant refers to a small, leftover portion. It generally refers to the small group of Jews who remained faithful to God through the Old Testament times. In the Book of Revelation, it refers to those who become or remain faithful to God during the tribulation

* Repent: Repent means to turn away or to turn around 180 degrees. When Christians talk about the need to repent from sin, they’re saying that we need to turn away from those things that we know offend God. Repentance- Feel sorry/to make up for wrong doings – without this step people do not become Christians

* Resurrection: The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of Christianity. When Christ sacrificed Himself on the cross, He shed His blood for our sins. When He came back to life, He proved that He had conquered the penalty of sin, which is death. It means To come back to life and never die again. [Romans 6:9]

S | Top

* Sabbath: Seventh day of the week, a Saturday or Sunday for most countries

* Sacrifice: Giving up something that is valued a lot by a person or offering of animal to God for special favor or sign. To make an offering in payment for a debt. [Hebrews 11:11-16]

* Salvation: Salvation is the gift of eternal life that God offers us. In order to claim the gift, we accept the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins. We ask Jesus to wash away our sins so that we can come before God blameless. The price of sin is eternal death but the gift of salvation is eternal life. By taking the penalty for all our sins, Jesus can offer us the gift of salvation. [John
3:14-17]

* Savior: A person who saves or rescues others from danger or death. [2 Timothy 1:10]

* Scripture: The inspired word of God. The Bible. [2 Timothy 3:16]

* Sin: Missing the mark. Sin is what separates us from God; it’s those things we do that we know are wrong but do them anyway. Our goal as Christians is to strive to eliminate sin from our lives; to hit the mark every time and do those things that please and honor God. Sin is a turning away from God’s love. Doing something wrong and disobeying the command of God

T | Top

* Testament: A witness or evidence given for belief. The Bible is divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is about events that took place before Christ and the New Testament is about the advent of Christ, during Christ’s presence and after Christ

* Ten Commandments: Laws of conduct written on stone and given to Moses by God at Mt. Sinai

* Theology: A way of believing about life as it relates to God.

* Trinity: There are three persons, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, but one God

W | Top

* Worship: To pray to, to give honor and acceptance to God in Jesus name

Contributions

With contributions from the Bible Gateway, of Gospel Communications Network, Teen Reachout and several others. Thank you

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