4 Ways Christians Can Pray for Muslims During Ramadan

Followers of Jesus know that He is the Light of the World (John 8:12). He casts out the darkness of sin, death, and hopelessness. As He said, “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark” (John 12:46, NLT).  

Not only is Jesus the Light of the World, but He is also the Way (John 14:6). Everyone is lost in the darkness of the world and their sins. Jesus is the only way that leads to restoration with the Father. Those who do not place faith in Jesus remain in the dark, lost in sin.   

Let us pray that as Muslims celebrate Ramadan and admire lantern decorations, they will place faith in the Light of the World. He is the only path to salvation and the only light that can cast out the darkness. Ask the Lord Jesus to open the eyes and hearts of Muslims to the truth of who He is and what He has done. Pray for eternal and joyous light to enter their lives through a personal relationship with Christ.  

Muslims complete the period of fasting and reciting the Quran because they want to please Allah. They also give to the poor and do acts of charity (known as zakat). For Muslims, these deeds are necessary for spiritual cleansing and strengthening their faith.  

As much as seeking devotion to God and helping others is good, there is no number of charitable deeds we can do to make ourselves clean or to gain salvation. According to the Bible, the good we do cannot outweigh the bad, for we are all sinners who go astray (Romans 3:10-12, 23). Nothing we do can save us from the inner uncleanness of sin. We must be washed and made new.  

We cannot earn salvation through doing good deeds, but we can place faith in the deeds of another. Scripture tells us that the basis of our salvation is what Jesus did on the cross by dying for our sins and being resurrected on the third day (Romans 10:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Those who place faith in Him receive the washing of renewal and rebirth by the Holy Spirit (see Titus 3:4-8). Believers have a new life in which they will want to do good, not out of obligation, but because of their love for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10).   

This year, as we take our requests to the Lord regarding our Muslim friends, let us pray that they become discontent with trying to earn salvation and favor from God. Pray that Muslims will see that they could never fast or give enough to cleanse themselves from sin. Ask the Lord to use that stirring of discontent to lead them to Himself so they accept the gift of salvation that He freely offers. Then, they will learn of the joy of serving Jesus and doing good for others from a place of love.    

If you want more ideas for praying for Muslims during Ramadan, consider using a prayer guide. There are many available online, including those offered by Christian ministries and organizations, such as Frontiers’ Taste and See prayer guide. Within these prayer guides, you will find specific prayer points for each day of Ramadan. 

Another way to get involved and pray for Muslims during this time is to commit yourself to praying for a nearby mosque in your city. Doing so can help your prayers be more specific as you think of individuals in your town who need to hear the good news of Jesus.  

Finally, be willing to reach out to a Muslim and befriend them. Praying for Muslims during Ramadan can open our hearts to these individuals. We start to see them as human beings created in the image of God, possessing worth and value. Stereotypes fall away, and we develop a desire to share the good news of Christ with these people who need Him. As you pray, let God work in your heart and see if there are opportunities for you to get involved in befriending and talking to the Muslims who might already live and work in your city or neighborhood. 

Ramadan is a significant month of fasting, praying, and giving that Muslims observe around the world. Christians should not ignore this time when Muslims are seeking closeness to God. We can pray for them to encounter the true God of the Bible and that they would hear the gospel. As the church, we can come together and pray that numerous Muslims around the world would place faith in Jesus and experience the freedom and joy of knowing Him.  

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Ozbalci

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.