Looking ahead to a weekend which will involve Eid al-Fitr, the ninth anniversary of 9/11, and a Qur’an burning in Florida that is getting worldwide attention and nearly unanimous denouncement, what are some things that Christians could be doing on a one-to-one basis with American Muslims? Is it a time for prayer? Engagement?
Prayer in Islam is generally not meant to bring one’s self into direct personal contact or communion with Allah. Even when Muslims speak of prayer as communication with Allah they are never thinking that Allah will actually speak back to them. The communication is always one way. In the very small Sufi Muslim minority one can speak of meeting God. However
Muslim scholars believe that while the Koran was revealed over a period of 23 years the Night of Power is considered the night in which the first revelations of Islam and the prophethood of Muhammed began. This night is in celebration of the arrival of the Koran. The whole Night of Power, from sunset to dawn, is the holiest night of the year. It is believed that there are groups of special angels who are only seen on the Night of Power. These angels perform special purposes.
The 9th day of the month of Dhu'l-Hijjah marks a significant day for Muslims, yet it is a day not so well known or talked about. The day is the Day of Arafat