“I personally fast during Ramadan every year. It speaks to Muslims’ hearts when we are fasting with them.” says Noor, a Christian, who is Feba’s Ministry Specialist in the Middle East. “During Ramadan nearly all Muslims fast. As we develop programmes we take things that we have in common with Muslims, to talk about these things on air. One of these is fasting because we also fast in Christianity.” 
Many Muslims are curious to know more about what the Bible says about fasting. Our programme producers discuss special Ramadan topics during their daily programmes on FM in Iraq and on short wave throughout the Middle East. The presenters lead lively talks about fasting in Christianity, sharing Bible stories about Moses, the prophets and Jesus.
They also explain why Christians fast. “When Muslims fast, they are doing this to please God,” explains Noor. “Everything that a Muslim does in his life, even when he prays, when he pays money to help the poor; they do this because they are afraid of God. God is not like a father to them; they do all these things to please God.” So the Iraq radio team share their perspective, the Christian worldview about fasting and prayer.
Talking about good health
Healthy eating is another practical topic that draws out many opinions. Although people fast all day during Ramadan they start eating in the evening, and they keep on eating and eating until the morning. Even in the morning they wake up very early to eat before the fast starts again at daybreak. So although people are fasting, overall they eat more during Ramadan. So the radio presenters talk about healthy food and unhealthy food, about moderation. 
Being sensitive to others
During the programmes, they are also talking about sensitivity, how to be tolerant with other people and how to live with one another, because Christians and Muslims are living together in the same countries. During Ramadan sometimes Christians are not sensitive to Muslims who are fasting.
Noor continues: "In some Muslim countries no one is allowed to eat on the streets, and they close restaurants during the day. But in other Muslim countries that's not the situation, so we, as Christians, need to be sensitive. When Muslims see a person eating, they say that it’s like a temptation for them to go and eat, and break the fast. I personally fast and use this opportunity to witness to Muslims and to tell them what real fasting is.”
Word on the street
The programme producers regularly go out of the studio and into the streets to meet listeners. Of course right now that means they’re discussing current events like Ramadan and the flooding in Pakistan. They interview anyone who wants to talk about issues. Dialogue between Muslims and Christians in the community provides opportunities to understand one another, build relationships, encourage peacemaking and share faith.
Praying together
Please join us and other Christians around the world who are participating in this international prayer focus on the Muslim world. 30-Days International produces the well-known 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World Christian prayer guide coinciding with Ramadan each year. To find out more about Ramadan and this special time of Christian prayer, go to http://www.30-days.net
Read more about Feba's work in the Middle East.