New York: More than traditions

As Christians, many of us celebrate Christmas with a family gathering. We feast, give gifts and pray. 

Similarly, Muslims around the globe observe Ramadan. This marks the time when Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to the prophet Mohammed. This is the month of fasting, so followers of Islam can fully invest time and work to get closer to Allah. At the end of the celebration they dine, feast and pray to Allah.

Alexandra GrandaOne of my Muslim friends invited me to the big end of Ramadan celebration called Eid ul-Fitr at the South Asian neighborhood at Queens Borough. It was a community party that lasted from sundown Thursday until Saturday sunrise. People from different parts of United States traveled a long journey to celebrate the last day of Ramadan. I had the opportunity to join my friend and her family on the first night of the celebration. I wanted to share truth to her, but due to so many circumstances I was unable. 

Though prayer from many friends, she heard the gospel a few days ago. Praise the Lord, she responded positively. She heard the message of Jesus Christ, and she asked many questions. Although she had just finished her fasting, she had no desire to be closer to her religion. But because she was born Muslim, she thought she had no choice other than to follow it.

There are many other Muslim friends who feel stuck in tradition and religious rituals because of their background. It shocks me every time when I see them be unfulfilled in their religion. Because they feel unfulfilled, they fast longer, pray longer, work harder and do more sacrifices to feel closer to the Holy One. 

Many of them still don’t know the way to God is through Christ. I was reminded of Romans 10:14: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

My friend’s family members have been practicing Islam for generations. Just like her, there are many people who do not question their religion. 

As Christ followers, we have truth, and God has revealed himself to us to take the same message to the nations. Pray that more people will respond to the call to go and make disciples of all nations. Pray that the Spirit of truth will call my friend and other Muslims who have heard the Good News this summer. 

Alexandra Granda, a campus missionary from the University of Texas Pan-American, is serving with Go Now Missions in New York City.