Lovefast 3: Influential Muslims
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Day 3 of 30
By Ted Bearup 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
Thought for the day
Influential Muslims
Each year, a body with Jordanian royal sponsorship publishes a list of the most influential 500 Muslims and ranks them in order, ‘Top of the Pops’ style. The top 20 positions are dominated by kings, presidents and heads Islamic bodies numbering millions, but in among them, at number 9 in the world, is the director of a school in Yemen.
His name is Habib Umar bin Hafiz. His school attracts people in from all over the world to learn Sufi Islam. Habib Umar and his associates reach out across the world via the internet. I know a band of his followers who meet weekly in a large room over the dry cleaners ten minutes’ walk from my home.
They meet each week to recite a liturgy that celebrates the birth of Muhammad, to sing and to eat together. They seek to raise their awareness of God through meditation and recitation. They are part of a lively and growing network across the UK, seeking a deeper life. Pray for these men and women as they search after God that they might find him.
Prayer for the day
I am in the House of Mercy, and my heart is a place of prayer - Jelaluddin Rumi
A person is where their heart is…so be sure to place your heart accordingly - Habib Umar bin Hafiz
Pray for Sufis, men and women, as they search after God that they might find him, perhaps in a way they did not quite expect…
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.
Read up about Sufis - you can read about Habib Umar here (http://www.ghazali.se/artiklar/personligheter-i-islam/shaykh-al-habib-umar-bin-hafiz/) including his direct line from the prophet (his religious pedigree)
Watch this video on many shades of Islam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KmlI0bb_H4
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
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.