<> Ask the Pastor Rev. Walter Snyder A few people came up to me this week and commented that they regularly read this column. That makes me feel good. Even better, a couple people told me that they are faithful readers even though they don't agree with all the positions I take. This tells me at least two things. One, people in Deep East Texas are willing to be challenged by ideas other than their own. Two, my goal of showing varying positions in a non-confrontational fashion is bearing fruit. Last week's comments on other cultures is followed by a question about Islam. Q: Can you explain the Moslem holiday of *Ramadan*? A: You wouldn't happen to be a fan of the Houston Rockets, would you? Already, the sports pages have mentioned the beginning of this holy time for the Islamic faith, since Hakeem Olajuwan is a devout, practicing Muslim. *Ramadan* is the ninth month of the Moslem year. Literally, it means "the hot month." The name is also used for the fast that takes place during this month. It is observed by eating nothing from sunrise to sunset. Strict observance involves not even taking any fluids during this time. Olajuwan himself follows this most orthodox practice. You can imagine how tough this must be on him, especially when the team plays day games. He won't even allow himself the tiniest sip of water. During the month, Muslims are encouraged to read the whole *Koran* (or *Qu'ran*)--the Islamic holy book--in commemoration of the Night of Power, which falls during *Ramadan*. The Night of Power is when, it is believed, Muhammad first received his revelations from the angel Gabriel. If you have Muslim friends, you can wish them, *"Ramadan Mubarak!"* This means, "Have a blessed month of fasting." The month ends with a celebration called *Idul-fitr* (Feast of Breaking the Fast). Following the lunar calendar of Islam, it will come to various parts of the world on either the 20th or the 21st of February. When this day comes, a proper greeting is, *"Id Mubarak!"* ("Have a blessed feast.") Thanks to A. Chande for the text of the greetings. Islam itself is the only major religion established after Christianity. The name means "submission" in Arabic, and emphasizes submission to *Allah* (God). One who submits is said to be a Muslim. Muslims object to being called Muhammadans, since this places the emphasis on their chief prophet rather than on their God. The "five pillars" of Islamic religious practice are its creed (*shahadah*): "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is his apostle (prophet);" five daily prescribed prayers; the month of fasting; at least one pilgrimage in one's life to sacred places in and near Mecca (*hajj*); and giving alms to the poor. Hopefully, this takes some of the mystery out of *Ramadan* and Islam. For Muslims, this is the holiest time of the year. In some ways, it compares to a combination of the Jewish holidays of Passover and *Yom Kippur* or the Christians' Christmas and Easter rolled into one. This summary shows that we have many differences with Islam. If we are serious about our faith, this may lead us to the desire to evangelize Muslims. This is difficult overseas, since most Islamic nations do not allow open displays or expressions of non-Islamic religions. However, the world is coming to the United States--including Deep East Texas--and our religious freedom allows us to openly speak of our Savior. If you get to know Muslims better, you'll find that most of them have great respect for both Jews and Christians, since we are also considered "people of the book." Besides Muhammad, Islam has five other prophets--people we have in common: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Of course, they understand Jesus differently than do Christians, just as they differ with Jews about the Old Testament prophets. Still, the ugly stereotypes about Muslim people are vastly out of line with the reality. Yes, there are some who wish to pursue a holy war against the United States or the Christian Church. Most, however, are content to live in peace, to learn what they can about others, and to follow the teachings of their faith--which teachings are, officially, no more violent than those of Christianity. Remember to send any religion questions you might have to: "Ask the Pastor," P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; e-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or stop me on the street to chat. Walter Snyder is the pastor of St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1996 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.