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Understanding
the Islam World
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30 Days of Prayer to Focus on
Muslim World` It wasn't long ago that the thought of reaching the
Muslim world with the gospel was considered not just difficult, but
impossible. Today, there is faith in the hearts of Christians around
the world that this is possible. In fact, it is happening before our
very eyes. People are meeting Jesus Christ personally everyday.
Christians are witnessing to Muslim neighbors and friends and are
going into the mission fields. Many churches and prayer cells are
asking how to pray for - and reach - the Muslim world. From November
17 to December 16 - which coincides with the Muslim fast of Ramadan -
20 million Christians worldwide will pray and fast for the Muslim
world.
 
The many distribution centers of 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus
booklets report that there is an overwhelming interest for this
year's prayer event. Orders are pouring in for the booklets and for
materials on contemporary Islam and how to witness effectively to
Muslims. Let your faith rise to this cause as we begin November 17 to
pray and fast. E-mail others and get your church involved. Spread the
news as widely as possible. We have a marvelous window of opportunity
to pray and see God's will for the lost be answered. Prayer is a key
and a ministry we all need to concentrate on right now. Basic
information on the 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus can be found at <http://www.hfe.org/prayer/ramadan/30days.htm>.
Here you will also find a list of the global distribution offices for
30 Days booklets for adults and children. Information on contemporary
Islam can be found at <http://answering-islam.org>.
We are convinced that God is doing miraculous things among
adherents of Islam all around the world, in order to bring them to
saving faith in Jesus Christ. I also believe He wants to do the
same among the Muslim peoples of Bashkortostan. Jesus is
well-respected within Islam and its holy book, the Koran. As we
pray for eyes of of Muslims to be opened to Jesus as Saviour,
opportunities will arise for evangelism and church-planting. We
have a dream to see 700 new house/apartment churches to spring up in
Bashkortostan by 2007. Will you help make this vision become
reality by partnering with us in prayer? Take just a moment to
sign up for the daily e-mail version of the 30 Days Prayer Guide,
which will be released daily from Nov 17-Dec 16. Also, we encourage
you to get copies of the print version of the prayer guide.
Click on the first link above to find information for ordering copies
for your family, bible study groups, mission groups, etc.
Use the guides during private/corporate times of worship. God is
most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Find
satisfaction in Him as you intercede for the Muslims of Bashkortostan
and the rest of the world.
Contact Info so that folks/churches/groups can order the print
version of the 30 Days Prayer Guide
NORTH AMERICA - English & Spanish (will send globally)
PO Box 26479,
Colorado Springs, CO 80936-6479, USA
FAX: 1-719-380-0936
Email: WCNNews@aol.com
http://www.ywam.org/prayer
and check
http://www.ywam.org/books/centasia for the latest advocacy tool /
prayer guide highlighting Central Asia - "Praying Along the Silk Road"
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Islam 101
The prophet
Mohammed founded Islam in Arabia during the 7th century
AD. Arab travelers introduced the religion to North
Africa in the 10th century and it spread through the
trans-Saharan trade routes to West and Central Africa.
The Qu'ran (Koran) is the holy book that contains the
religious laws and doctrines of Islam. Muslims believe
it is the direct words of God as revealed to Mohammed.
Islam is the religion of Muslims. The Arabic word
Islam means submission to Allah. Muslim means one who
submits. Allah is the Arabic work for God.
All Muslims work to fulfill what they call the Five Pillars
of Faith. Most Muslims believe that in doing so, they
can atone for their sins and merit a place in paradise. |
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The Five Pillars
of Islam
- Shahada - the
profession that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is
the prophet of Allah.
- Salat - ritual
prayers that are prayed in Arabic, facing toward Mecca
five times each day. Prayers are preceded by a ceremonial
washing of face, hands, and feet.
- Zakat - the giving
of alms, or sharing 2.5% of one's wealth with those in
need.
- Saum - a month long
fast from dawn to dusk, during the Islamic lunar month of
Ramadan.
- Hajj - a pilgrimage
to Mecca required of all able-bodied Muslims who can
afford it, at least once in a lifetime.
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