What Christians Should Know About Ramadan (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

Every year, millions of Muslims around the world enter a sacred season called Ramadan. They fast from sunrise to sunset. They pray more. They give more. They seek God with sincerity and discipline.

And as Christians, we watch.

Some of us feel curious.
Some feel cautious.
Some feel confused.

So let’s talk about it — honestly, respectfully, and biblically.

Not with fear.
Not with hostility.
But with truth and clarity.

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What Is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is considered the holiest month in Islam because Muslims believe this is when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. That means no food. No water. No marital intimacy during daylight hours. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called iftar.

But Ramadan is not just about hunger.

It’s about:

• Self-discipline
• Repentance
• Prayer
• Charity
• Spiritual renewal

Muslims observe it because they believe God commands it. In Islam, fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars — foundational acts of obedience.

For them, it is a sacred duty.

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Why Understanding Ramadan Matters for Christians

Here’s the reality: You probably know someone observing Ramadan.

A coworker.
A neighbor.
A business partner.
Maybe even a family member.

If we claim to love our neighbor, shouldn’t we at least understand what they’re doing?

Ignorance breeds suspicion.
Understanding builds bridges.

And bridges create opportunities for gospel conversations.

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A Christian Perspective on Fasting

Now here’s something important: Christians are not strangers to fasting.

In the Bible, fasting appears often.

• Exodus — Moses fasted forty days (Exodus 34:28).
• 1 Samuel — Israel fasted in repentance (1 Samuel 7:6).
• Matthew — Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2).
• Acts — The early church fasted before making major decisions (Acts 13:2–3).

Fasting, biblically, is about humbling ourselves before God.

Jesus said:

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites…” (Matthew 6:16, NKJV)

Notice something powerful.

He said when you fast. Not if.

Fasting is a biblical spiritual discipline. But here’s the difference:

Christian fasting is never about earning salvation.

It is about drawing near to the God who has already saved us through Christ.

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The Core Difference: Grace vs. Works

This is where we must be clear — lovingly, but firmly.

In Islam, Ramadan fasting is part of a system of obedience that contributes to one’s standing before God.

In Christianity, salvation is not earned through fasting, prayer, or religious performance.

The Bible says:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV)

That’s the dividing line.

One system says: Do enough, and maybe you will be accepted.
The gospel says: You are accepted in Christ — now live in gratitude.

That changes everything.

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How Should Christians View Ramadan?

Not with mockery.
Not with fear.
Not with compromise.

But with clarity and compassion.

1. We Respect People — Without Adopting the Belief System

We can respect the discipline and sincerity of Muslims observing Ramadan without affirming Islamic theology.

Jesus called us to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31). Love does not require agreement. It requires kindness and truth.

2. We Use It as an Opportunity for Conversation

Ramadan opens doors.

You can ask:

• “What does fasting mean to you?”
• “What are you praying for this month?”
• “Can I share what fasting means in my faith?”

Conversations like these are not arguments. They are seeds.

3. We Examine Our Own Spiritual Discipline

Here’s a hard question.

If millions of Muslims can fast an entire month with strict discipline…

Why do many Christians struggle to pray consistently for ten minutes?

Ramadan can actually challenge us.

Not to imitate Islam.
But to deepen our own walk with God.

Let it wake you up.

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What Does the Bible Say About Other Religions?

The Bible does not mention Ramadan specifically. It was instituted centuries after the New Testament.

But Scripture is clear about spiritual truth.

Jesus said:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6 (NKJV)

The apostles proclaimed:

“Nor is there salvation in any other…” — Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

As Christians, we believe salvation is found in Christ alone — not in rituals, months, or human effort.

That conviction should not make us arrogant.

It should make us urgent.

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A Heart Check for Us

Before we point fingers, let’s ask ourselves something uncomfortable.

Are we as serious about seeking God as our Muslim neighbors are?

Do we hunger for righteousness the way they hunger for sunset?

Do we sacrifice comfort for spiritual growth?

Ramadan may not be ours.

But spiritual hunger should be.

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Final Thoughts: Truth With Tears, Not Pride

We don’t mock Ramadan.
We don’t fear it.
We don’t participate in it as a religious obligation.

But we do pray.

We pray that during this season of seeking, many Muslims would encounter the true Light of the world.

And we examine ourselves.

Because in the end, this isn’t just about Ramadan.

It’s about this question:

Are we truly living in the freedom and grace of the God’s Word?

Let Ramadan remind you that people are searching.

Searching hard.

And we carry the message of grace and hope.

We earnestly pray that more and more people will come to the truth.

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