Eid Celebrations are soon to Begin

Boys in crisp, white kandoras (long dress shirt which is the national dress) and girls in brand new dresses ran in and out of the large room which was used for visiting with guests.  Ramadan (the month of fasting for Muslims) will soon be over and the Eid (festival for the end of Ramadan) celebrations are beginning which includes lots of visiting.  Children are excited about the gifts they will receive.

John and Sharon were visiting Emirate friends and their extended family a few years ago.  About 24 family members live in a family compound out in the desert. Others of the family live in the city, but they all gather during the holiday.  It was sweet watching the patriarch, close to 70 years old, interact with the youngest, about nine months old. John’s friend, Ahmed, owns or manages about 200 camels.

“What gift did you get?” John asked one of the boys.

 “Cash”, the boy responded.

“What are you doing with your money?” John queried further.

“Saving to buy another camel!” the boy said with a twinkle in his eye.

No visit with an Arab family is complete without an abundance of food!   Beginning with dates and coffee, and followed with other fruit, nuts, and chocolate.  But that was just the beginning.  Lunch was served with John and Sharon feasting on basmati rice and lamb parts including the intestines!

In past years, Ramadan has looked very different than it did prior to the pandemic. Before, most restaurants would be closed until sunset, unless they purchased a special license to be able to serve food during daylight hours. If it did serve food it had to be behind heavy curtains or screens. However since the “end” of the pandemic restaurants are wide open without any restrictions at all.

Prayer Requests

• Pray for Emiratis to engage and befriend believers.  Pray that they will hear the Great News of Jesus and respond to His beckoning call.

• Pray for Christ followers who will visit their Muslim friends this holiday.  Pray that God will turn the conversations to spiritual matters and Truth will be heard.