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Servants works in a number of Islamic settings, including India and Indonesia.  This month is the month of Ramadan (also known as Ramazan), the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts about 30 days. It is a month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God.  Each day this month we will be putting reflections, stories, and information about Islam on this website to help you learn more and pray for our Muslim friends. 

Introducing Ruksana...

Ruksana came to us mid 2007 asking for help to find a job, to cover her 3 kids' schooling expenses. Under guidance from an education rights lawyer, she began working in our neighbourhood to get children enrolled in school, and to improve the standard of local government schools. She has taken every opportunity to learn, and to serve others, and has become very confident and competent.

Now, 18 years after marriage, Ruksana still lives in the same little 8x8ft room in her in-laws home, but she's a changed woman. She has recently passed 12th class by distance education, and expertly helps many people who come to her with a wide range of problems.

She is a devout Muslim, and usually puts a high priority on keeping the fast during Ramzaan. This year she is expecting a baby around Eid, so won't be fasting, but would appreciate your prayers for a safe delivery.

These are the things that Ruksana has asked us to pray for ...

• * She has a 'normal' delivery rather than need a caesarean (which will be more expensive/difficult);
• * Her husband Salim can fast during Ramadan without the giddiness he sometimes gets; &
• * Their children study well at school.

Did you know ...

Ramadan/ Ramzaan: The 9th month of the Islamic calendar is devoted to fasting, prayer, recital of the Quran, almsgiving and abstinence from such distractions as TV. Eid is celebrated on the 1st day of the 10th month, by giving gifts, visiting relatives and enjoying special foods.

Learn More ...

* an inspiring film about the hard work of transforming violence into reconciliation is "The Imam and the Pastor". Find out more or buy the DVD at http://www.iofc.org/imam-pastor

* Abrahamic Alliance International is a coalition of Jews, Christians and Muslims aiming to understand each other better and work together to help those in need (see http://www.abrahamicalliance.org)

* New Internationalist's little book "No Nonsense Guide to Islam" (http://www.newint.com.au/shop/guide-islam-513.htm) is a useful general guide to Islam which attempts to be objective and factual