Festivals of fear – why Ramadan and Easter can be times of fear and isolation for persecuted Christians

Apr 15, 2022 by Jill

from Open Doors UK and Ireland, Christian Today:

For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time of togetherness. However, for many Christians around the world, it can be a time of anxiety, loneliness, or even danger – especially if they are converts from Islam.

The holy month of Ramadan runs until Sunday 1 May. Adult Muslims (with a few exceptions) are expected to fast between sunrise and sunset, ending the day with the evening feast or Iftar. It’s a time for prayer and solemn reflection.

It’s also a time of increased pressure for Christians in many Muslim-dominated areas in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. A wave of Islamist radicalism across the world has eroded much of the peaceful coexistence that traditionally existed between Muslims and Christians.

Christians, especially converts, feel increasingly ostracised during the month of Ramadan – so much so, that many do not even eat in public and keep an even lower profile than usual.

“Many Christians struggle during Ramadan from an increased inferiority complex,” says Mary*, a field worker for the charity Open Doors, which supports persecuted Christians.

Read here