Friday, August 30, 2019
Muslims use the Hijra calendar. The word Hijra refers to Muhammad’s escape from the Arabs in Mecca who were trying to kill him. Under cover he fled to Medina where the Jews welcomed him. The Hijra calendar counts years starting with that event. It follows the lunar system, so a year has only 354 days.
Muslims the world over use this calendar to date their religious celebrations and past historic events. It is an important community tie that binds them together.
During this time, the Muslim New Year begins.
God of history, of past, present and future, I bring Muslims to you as they celebrate the beginning of their new year. During this time of rejoicing and festivities, show them, O God, that they can find everlasting joy in Christ the Lord.
While they are commemorating the escape of Muhammad from his enemies, bring to their attention the fact that Jesus Christ, who could have escaped from his enemies, refused to do so. He was determined to accomplish what he had come for, and went to the cross where he suffered and died to redeem us.
Change the hearts of many Muslims this week, and transform them by the power of the Holy Spirit to become new creatures in Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment (Job 36:11, NIV).