| What would you be doing if Christmas were three days away? Muslims are doing many of those same things right now in preparation for Eid al Adha, the biggest celebration of the Islamic year. While they’re not setting up the Nativity Scene and scheduling people to play Mary, they may be buying a goat!
By killing, sharing and eating the goat, Muslims commemorate God’s call to Abraham to sacrifice his son and God’s provision of a ram in the son’s place. The Bible says “Isaac,” while the Quran simply says, “son.” Muslims assume it was Ishmael. Unless you’re the goat, Eid al Adha, which happens Monday and Tuesday, is a festive time of fun and family celebration. Special prayers are offered, gifts are given and families gather to eat and enjoy each other’s company. If you’ve been wondering how to initiate something with a Muslim co-worker, class mate or neighbor, now is a perfect time. Here are three simple ways to connect:
If you have a deepening friendship with a Muslim, this Eid al Adha might provide a good chance to delve a little deeper into the idea of sacrifice. The provision of God in Jesus is such a core idea for Christians and foreign to many Muslims. Grab Fouad Masri’s, Adha in the Injeel on Kindle for insight and conversation points. Thank you for reading Muslim Connect. If you enjoy it, please share it with a friend. |
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