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Day 25 of 30
Written by Karamat from the Mahabba team
Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!
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Daily verse
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Thought for the day
Lovefast 25: Fasting (in common)
As a Muslim child in Kashmir, fasting for me was a rite of passage, I had seen my elders do it and, for many years, I had aspired to grow up and be like them. Then one day, around the age of 8 or 9 years, I joined my family in getting up very early to have a big breakfast. “Eat as much as you can, you have a long day ahead,” said my mother. She was right. The evening meal was a long time coming. This was how fasting began for me. In later years I managed to fast for more and more days until one day I managed to do it for all the days of Ramzan. That year I enjoyed my Eid more than before. I felt I had earned it.
For 25 years now I have been a follower of Christ. I have learnt that fasting is something talked about in the Bible, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. For example, we learn that Ezra and his community petitioned God by humbling themselves through fasting and God answered their prayer. In the verse above, from Matthew, Jesus says ‘when you fast’ not ‘if you fast’. In the verse Jesus also makes it clear that we should not fast for show (as the Pharisees did and as I did when I first began fasting).
When we deprive ourselves of something, it's a way to get serious with God. It's a conscious way to have a deeper conversation with our Heavenly Father. Modern day Christians fast in many different ways, by giving up what is important to them in their normal routines of life.
On occasions I have fasted by denying myself music, which is an integral part of my daily routine. It can be a little sacrifice such as when I am going on a short car journey or it can be for a longer period. One time I fasted from music during the whole of the 40 days of Lent. The first few days were really challenging but then I got into the flow. Having consciously spent more time with God certainly had an impact on me.
Prayer for the day
Thank you Lord, for the fasting Muslims in our community. Help us to learn from their discipline and dedication.
Daily action
Please note: actions were written before the COVID-19 pandemic. Please consult the latest advice from your local public health authority or government and adhere to any current restrictions on travel or social situations.
Go through your normal life and its routines. Is there anything that you can do without for a period of time? If so, this could be an opportunity for you to be more conscious of God and his provision for you.
Watch this video of British converts to Islam fasting during Ramadan for the first time.
Your turn
Let us know how it went! Leave a comment on our online community platform, Discourse, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media.
Resources
Guidance on hosting iftars
A reminder of some some helpful guidance and food for thought from the Church of England in light of past media coverage of churches hosting iftar meals.
Also, please consult the latest advice from Public Health England or your relevant authority for guidance on travel and social situations.
You can read and discuss the guidance and recent events on Mahabba's online community area, Discourse.
Alternatively, a PDF version is available here. If you've not registered for Discourse, you can do so quickly here.
Prayer materials
Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?
There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:
Pray Together as a Congregation
Small Group Session
Night of Power Prayer Meeting
Prayer Walk Guide
What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.
Partners of 30 Days of Prayer
Please see the footer on the 30 Days of Prayer website