This thirty day Ramadan prayer guide will help Christians to pray for and graciously interact with Muslims during the fasting month of Ramadan. Even in the West, most Muslims find conversations on spiritual topics normal, and Ramadan is a time of emphasis upon sin, eternal destiny, and other important matters for those who fear God, so meaningful conversations are quite possible. The 30 days of abstinence during daylight includes nightly feasts with family and fellow Muslims gathering to keep religious observance.

This Ramadan Prayer Guide gives thirty days of instruction in four different ways for Christians reaching out to Muslims: First, some basic information on Islam; Second, a focus for prayer; Third, a Bible passage to meditate upon; Fourth, a suggested question to begin a conversation with a Muslim friend.

The First Ten Days

2/28, Day 1: Ramadan is traditionally split into three equal sections of ten. The first ten days focus on repenting of sins and asking forgiveness of Allah. An appropriate greeting to a Muslim throughout Ramadan is “Ramadan Kareem” (generous Ramadan). Pray for Muslims to encounter the generous grace unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Meditate: John 1:14-17. Ask and Listen: What is grace and how is it received from God in Islam?

3/1, Day 2: Muslims celebrate Moses receiving the Torah on this day. Most Muslims are taught the Torah has been corrupted, yet the Qur’an affirms no one can change the Word of God. Praise God that He protects His Word and that His true plans will endure. Pray the awareness of God’s righteous demands instruct Muslims of everyone’s need for a Savior and that they see how Christ the savior fulfilled the Law of Moses. Meditate: Matthew 5:17-20. Ask and Listen: What is required to fulfill God’s Law?

3/2, Day 3: Some Muslims commemorate the peace treaty of the “Battle of the Camel” between Aisha and Ali on this day. The Sunni and Shia divide was held off here with a temporary peace. Pray that Jesus be evidently the One who is the true and lasting peace. Meditate: Ephesians 2:14. Ask and Listen: What divides people from others and how can there be lasting peace?

3/3, On Day 4, some Muslims remember the beginnings of the military campaign led by the Prophet’s Uncle, Hamza, against the Quraish tribe, eventually resulting in the retaking of Mecca and the whole of Arabia. Pray that Muslims understand the teaching “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.” Pray also that the Lord would overcome any resistance Muslims may have in seeing Jesus as Lord. Meditate: Titus 2:11-14. Ask and Listen: Are you Sunni or Shia? What are elements of the faith that are meaningful to you?

3/4, Day 5: In mosques, each night 1/30th of the Qur’an is read aloud in Arabic during Ramadan to hear it all within the thirty days. Pray that when Muslims hear about Jesus they will be drawn to His words in the Gospels (Injil). Meditate: John 1:1-18. Ask and Listen: Do you read God’s Word? Why or why not?

3/5, Day 6: Going without food or drink from first light to last makes the meal before dawn (suhoor) vital. Traditionally, a musaharati (like a town crier) loudly wakes everyone to meal and prayers. Phone Apps do the job for most, now. Pray that by God’s Spirit many Muslims awaken to His call to follow Jesus. Meditate: Ephesians 5:14-17. Ask and Listen: Is self-discipline valuable to you in your relationship with God?

3/6, Day 7: The second meal of each day is called Iftar, begun at sunset, and it is usually a feast! Pray that a hunger for Jesus Christ as the Bread of Life be deeply felt by Muslims, and that it be met in Him.  Meditate: John 6:35. Ask and Listen: Do you experience spiritual hunger? If so, what do you do to be fed?

3/7: Day 8: An observant Muslim who interrupts the fast due to illness is required to complete the fast at a later date. Pray that God be made known by Jesus to Muslims seeking salvation from their sins, rather than through the burden of inevitably incomplete obedience. Meditate: Matthew 11:28-30. Ask and Listen: Do you fast? Why, or why not?

3/8: Day 9: Ramadan is a time for abstinence during the day—from food and water and sexual intercourse. If a Muslim is sexually active before sunset, he must fast continuously for 60 more days after Ramadan, or feed 60 of the poor. Pray those diligently seeking to obey God would find rest and hope in the work of Christ. Meditate: Matthew 15:1-20. Ask and Listen: What makes a person impure before God? How and what removes impurities?

3/9, Day 10 is a day of remembrance for two events: first, the death of Muhammad’s first wife, Khadija, who was key in his developing the faith; and second, the Battle of Badr the only battle mentioned by name in the Qur’an. The strategy employed and its success are seen as proof that Allah blessed Muhammad. Pray that God would speak through dreams to Muslims and that they would recognize Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Meditate: John 14:1-7. Ask and Listen: What helps you be confident in your faith?

The Second Ten Days

3/10, Day 11: The second set of ten days of Ramadan focuses Muslims on saving themselves from the fires of hell. Descriptions and presentations of hell are given and taught, with a desire to make Muslims pray more earnestly for mercy and for Allah’s pardon, for there is no assurance of paradise for anyone. Pray that, more than a fear of hell, Muslims would desire to know God and His forgiveness. Meditate: Luke 23:32-43 Ask and Listen: What awaits us after death?

3/11, On Day 12, Muslims remember that the Injil (gospel) was given to Jesus, passed down from Heaven, in the tradition of divinely inspired books, following the Torah and the Zabur (The Psalms of David). Pray that Muslims have access to the words of Jesus and that they would read them.      Meditate: Mark 1:1-5 Ask and Listen: How do you receive and understand God’s Word?

3/12, Day 13: A tradition, from the Fatimid Caliphate (10th – 12th century) is a lantern known as a fanous. The tradition of hanging colorful lamps on streets and in houses originated in Egypt and has been incorporated around the Muslim world as a sign of hope and a light in darkness. Pray God’s enlightenment shines in the hearts of Muslims. Meditate: John 8:12-30. Ask and Listen: What do you think of when you see a fanous?

3/13, Day 14: A tradition of the meal after sunset (Iftar) is to begin by eating dates. This tradition originates with Muhammad in his early observance of Ramadan. He also drew a link to Mary, relating how an angel advised her to eat dates when she was in labor. Pray that Muslims be nourished by the true spiritual food that is found in Christ. Meditate: John 6:55. Ask and Listen: Tell me about Iftar and how your family usually observes the first meal after sunset.

3/14:  Day 15 of Ramadan was the birthday of Muhammad’s grandson, the fifth Sunni Islamic Caliph, Hassan Ibn Ali who was also the second Imam in Shi’ism. He is most remembered for abdicating from power, after which the Umayyad dynasty rose and Islam spread rapidly. Pray for peace in Muslim-majority lands across the world. Meditate: John 13:35. Ask and Listen: What are some traditions of Ramadan that you particularly appreciate?

3/15, Day 16: Most dua (personal prayer) taught on the sixteenth day focuses on the need for mercy on Judgement Day. This is accompanied by vivid descriptions of what will happen on that day. Pray for those seeking salvation from the penalty of sin, that they are drawn to Christ, and that Christians share the hope of Christ. Meditate: Matthew 25:36-40. Ask and Listen: Do you have personal prayers that God has answered? Are there prayers you are still waiting for God to answer?

3/16: The 17th Day commemorates the death of Aisha, Muhammad’s third wife, who was influential after his death (she remains the most influential woman for the Sunni). Some Muslims mark this night as the Mi’raj when the Prophet flew from Mecca to Jerusalem and then into the heavens for visions of new truths from previous Prophets. Pray the mystery of God made known in Christ be revealed to Muslims. Meditate: Colossians 1:27. Ask and Listen: How does God communicate to people today?

3/17, the 18th Day celebrates King David being given the Zabur, (Psalms). Few Muslims know much about the Zabur. Pray that the Psalms be read by Muslims and Jesus be encountered through them. Meditate: Psalm 23. Ask and Listen: May I share one of David’s most beloved psalms?

3/18, the 19th Day marks the assassination of Ali, the fourth Rightly Guided Caliph. Shia Muslims believe he should have been the first Caliph rather than Abu Bakr. All agree Ali was the cousin and first follower of Muhammad. Aside from this, Sunni and Shia Muslims are divided over the person of Ali. Pray that divisions between Muslims drive many to Jesus. Meditate: John 21:22-25. Ask and Listen: What do you understand is necessary to be a follower of the Prophet?

3/19, the 20th Day is when the regaining of the Holy City of Mecca in 630 AD is remembered. Muhammad was building his caliphate in Medina, but the Meccans resisted joining. By a show of force, the city was taken peacefully. Pray Muslims desire the Prince of Peace, and that He reveals Himself to them. Meditate: Isaiah 9:6-7. Ask and Listen: What do you know about the life and teachings of Jesus?

The Last Ten Days

3/20, Day 21: The last ten days focus on Al-Qadr (Divine destiny). Muslims pray more on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights because one of these nights symbolizes when the Angel Gabriel first brought Muhammad revelation. Prayers during this night multiplied 1000x more than at other times. The 21^st also commemorates the deaths of Moses and Joshua, as well as the miraculous ascension of Christ before he was crucified. Pray the Lord reveals the truth about Christ’s crucifixion. Meditate: Acts 1:1-11. Ask and Listen: Where is Jesus now?

3/21, Day 22:  Ramadan dua (personal prayer) is intense, but also part of daily activity for many Muslims the rest of the year. Pray that many cry out to Jesus by grace through faith and that His Spirit gives them assurance of salvation in Him. Meditate: Ephesians 2:1-9. Ask and Listen: What are ways God has shown His love for you?

3/22, Day 23: For Shia, this is Ramadan’s holiest night (the 27th for Sunnis), Layath Al-Qadr, night of divine destiny. For both, this night is when Allah might be more willing to grant entrance to Paradise and forgive all of one’s sin. Pray the Father’s love be revealed through His Son, by His  Spirit. Meditate: II Corinthians 13:14. Ask and Listen: What do you understand prayer to be, and may I pray for you?

3/23: On Day 24 Muslims remember the death of Abu Lahab, uncle and opponent of Muhammad. After Abu Lahab died, many dreamed of him in hell, but due to one good deed he had done, not in the worst of hell. The lesson? Even if you think you’re going to hell, still do good to suffer less. Pray for Muslims who are suffering, for it is often seen as a consequence of their sin. Meditate: Genesis 37-50. Ask and Listen: Why do bad things happen to people?

3/24, Day 25: Muslims are taught that before creation, Allah wrote every action in the Book of Al-Qadr.  How prayers affect one’s Divine destiny is a mystery much debated in the past and present by Muslims. Pray on behalf of Muslims, that God would have mercy on them and give them grace to believe in Christ as Savior. Meditate: Ephesians 2:10. Ask and Listen: What is the relationship between faith and works, in your understanding?

3/25, Day 26: This is the eve of Laylat Al-Qadr for Sunni Muslims and a night when all Muslims persist in getting hearts and minds ready to be in the right place to pray well and perhaps have their destiny changed by Allah. Pray Muslims see the Father as revealed in Jesus. Meditate: Romans 8:28. Ask and Listen: Do you believe God is distant or near when we pray? Why?

3/26, The 27th Night, for the majority of Muslims, is the Night of Power, when angels are given annual decrees over what will happen in the year. Many believe more sins can be forgiven and more blessings can be received on this night. Pray the Holy Spirit works powerfully in the lives of Muslims. Meditate: Hebrews 4:12. Ask and Listen: Tell me how you observe Laylat al-Qadr?

3/27, The 28th Night: Some Muslims continue to observe the Laylat al-Qadr with more prayers and (in some countries) retreats and lessons until Eid, so as to try to change their destiny. Pray that Muslims meet Christians by whom they encounter the reality of “Christ in you the hope of glory.” Meditate: Colossians 1:25-28. Ask and Listen: Is it possible to help others reach paradise, and if so, how?

3/28, Day 29 End of the fast (Eid Al-Fitr) begins once the new moon is seen from Saudi Arabia. On Eid, Muslims must not fast — a special offering is taken up (zakat) and special prayers are prayed, followed by feasting and communal celebrations. Pray as Christians can be invited to eat Eid Al-Fitr.  Pray for clear witness of the hope of salvation through faith in Christ. Meditate: Revelation 21:1-8. Ask and Listen: What do you believe paradise/heaven is like?

3/29, Day 30:  The Hadith teaches if a believer voluntarily fasts all of Ramadan and the 6 days after Eid, all fasting requirements for the year are fulfilled. Those who did not faithfully keep the entire fats during Ramadan, continue fasting until they meet all the required days. Pray as Muslims leave a season of communal restraint that the desire for freedom in Christ increases and that He meets them. Meditate: I Timothy 4:8. Ask and Listen: How did Ramadan go for you this year?

This Ramadan Prayer Guide is provided by the ministry of ReachAcross. ReachAcross is dedicated to helping Muslims follow Jesus.