We may think that Muslims only offer prescribed memorized prayers in Arabic. They are required to recite these namaz which they believe hold merit before Allah. Many Muslims here have a prayer schedule posted on their fridges to inform them of the exact minute they should devote to praying. The azan on the internet coming live from Mecca can alert them, too. Sometimes while I am chatting in their living rooms they excuse themselves to take time out to say their required namaz. Christians can be astonished at such ritualistic scheduled to-the-minute praying. When I asked Bassma if I could come see her the following week at 1 p.m. she said, “I will be doing my namaz then.” I was amazed that she thought that far ahead. But in addition to doing required namaz they also make extemporaneous prayers in their own language from their hearts called dua. These are their personal requests or desires. Muslims have longings and wishes just like we do and implore Allah to grant them their desires. They hope Allah will answer their dua.
An advertisement promotion for an Islamic book about the protocol of making dua stressed the need to know the techniques that would make dua accepted and answered faster, and the behavior or etiquette which may be hindering dua from being accepted. Along with the advertisement was an article about the joy of making dua at the Multazam(a small wall to cling to) at the Kaaba in Mecca. If one really wants a dua to be heard and granted the Multazam, in the front row, is the most desired place to be. It’s a small space which is as close as you can get to the golden doors of the Kaaba. My heart aches for Muslims who don’t know about the Throne of Grace which we all can go to anywhere at anytime. The door to the Throne is always open and welcoming. No ablutions are necessary. No pursuit needed to get to the front row. No airfare needed. No need to cling to a special wall – if you get a chance.
“That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16 (Bible)My Muslim friend was grieving over the loss of a family member. After I prayed for her in the name of Isa al Masih she sat there dazed with tears running down her cheeks. She didn’t understand that I went right to the Throne of Isa al Masih on her behalf. He heard her cries and saw her distress. Muslims know our praying is different. And it is because we have access to the very Throne of God which Isa al Masih has made possible. We cling to Isa al Masih - the very best place to go when making dua.
Dear heavenly Father, I cling to Jesus. Thank You that You invite everyone to cling to Him. Amen.
