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My Muslim Friends at Christian Festivals
Are you looking for advice on how to engage with your Muslim friends about Easter? Here is a collection of links to articles, videos, presentations and books with ideas for engaging with Muslims at Easter.
As Christians around the world prepare for Christmas, many also choose a way to mark Advent with special daily devotions, services and activities. Here is a short list of Advent-related resources curated by Mahabba.
My Muslim Friends at Muslim Festivals
Muharram is the first month in the Islamic calendar, with the first day of Muharram being the Islamic New Year. Shias mourn during Muharram, while Sunnis do so to a much lesser extent.
Many of our Muslim friends will go on the Hajj or want to make the pilgrimage. Find out more about this significant event and how to engage your friends on this issue.
Mawlid (or Maulid) al-Nabi means 'birth of the prophet'. Some Muslims observe it with praise, fasting, public processions, poetry, family gatherings and decorations. One Mahabba member recounts their experience.
Eid al-Adha is a Muslim festival that commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. It is a wonderful opportunity to talk to our friends about the Lamb provided as a sacrifice. Some of our Mahabba group members share ideas on how to do so.
The 30 days of Ramadan are a great opportunity to meet Muslim friends as they are desperately seeking Allah, as they fast and pray to draw nearer to God. Here are some thoughts and ideas for engaging with Muslims during Ramadan.
Key Questions
Iftar is the meal when people break the fast at sunset during Ramadan and is an opportunity for Muslims to show generosity. It can take a number of forms and non-Muslims can also be invited to partake in this hospitality.
Making the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia once in a lifetime is a religious duty for all Muslims “who have the means”. Learn more about why your Muslim friends want to go on the Hajj or Umra.
Iftar is the name given to the meal eaten at the end of a day of Muslim fasting. Often mosques will organise community Iftars and invite civic and faith leaders along with the general public.
Tools
Links to videos of the Nativity in English or Arabic that you can share with your Muslim friends at Christmas.
Holy Injil Luke - new and improved translation from the original Greek into Muslim-idiom English, using religious terminology and names Muslims are familiar with
Sharing the Gospel
When sharing your faith with your Muslim friends it is important to know about the basics of their beliefs and practices and to share in a manner that is sensitive to their culture and individuality. Most importantly, remember that your are their friend and view the relationship in that light.
What do our Muslim friends make of Hallowe’en? Read our article with ideas on how to talk to Muslims about Halloween and find links to other blog posts about Halloween from Mahabba members’ experiences.