Showing Hospitality on Eid

Hospitality in Muslim Communities

Gathered on the floor, around a tray full of lamb, dates with cream, vegetables, and bread, sat an array of unlikely people. We had all come together for celebration of divine Love revealed.

The guests were a mix of local people – only some of whom knew the Love being celebrated on this day. Three different languages were used around the table as everyone was welcomed.

The host explained, ‘Because this feast of Eid is so important to us we wanted you, our friends, to join us in the festivities.’ He went on to share the story that gives the ‘Love with Us’ celebration its significance. He shared how even though we slaughter a lamb for our feast, we no longer need to, because Love became the Lamb, restoring what was broken.

‘We decided to celebrate this year’ he continued, ‘by telling each other how this great Love has personally changed our lives. After sharing our stories, the meal was enthusiastically eaten with games following. Before leaving, everyone received the gift of a flashlight with words, spoken by Love Himself, attached, “I am the light of the world. He that follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”

This celebration took place in West Africa but is a good example of how followers of Jesus can share their own celebrations and hospitality with Muslim friends. After this event, the host was told by one of the guests, “You know, we grow up hearing that people like you are horrible, but we have never had the chance to hear a little about what you believe right from your mouth. The time at your house was a really good opportunity for us.”

Prayer Ideas:

• Ask God for inspiration on how you can demonstrate care for and offer hospitality to Muslims near you.
• Pray for Christians in majority-Muslim areas, who are sharing celebrations of Love with their communities.
• Be inspired by John 2:1-11 in your prayers.