Ramadan Is Wide Open for the Gospel and This Missiologist Has the Proof
Missiologist Dr Emil Shehadeh reveals how Ramadan creates a unique spiritual openness among Muslims backed by research with 4833 Muslim background believers
How Christians Can Share the Gospel With Muslims During Ramadan, According to Missiologist Dr Emil Shehadeh
A leading missiologist has urged Christians to view the Islamic holy month of Ramadan as a powerful opportunity to share the Gospel with their Muslim neighbours and colleagues.
Dr Emil Saleem Shehadeh, a semi retired medical doctor with a PhD in Islamic Studies and founder of the Evangelical Muslim Outreach Collaborative, wrote for the Lausanne Movement on February 13, 2026, outlining practical strategies for Christian engagement during Ramadan.
Shehadeh emphasized that successful evangelism relies on "relational engagement" rather than debate. His research with 4,833 Muslim background Christians revealed that most encountered Christ through personal relationships rather than public outreach or media.
During Ramadan, many Muslims are actually in a spiritually seeking mood.
Dr Shehadeh said this makes the period particularly conducive to respectful dialogue about faith.
Among his nine practical recommendations, the missiologist encourages Christians to show respect by avoiding eating conspicuously near fasting Muslims, asking thoughtful questions about their fasting experience, and accepting invitations to iftar meals as expressions of friendship.
He also recommends reciprocating with hospitality, including sharing Gospel materials, and suggests that Christians consider fasting spiritually by skipping breakfast as a way to open conversations about Christian fasting practices.
A key finding from Shehadeh's research showed that 17% of Muslim background Christians cited concerns about "works based" salvation understanding when leaving Islam. He encourages believers to emphasize grace centred salvation, pointing to Ephesians 2:8 9, which states that salvation comes "by grace through faith."
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Shehadeh urged Christians to centre conversations on Christ's character and sacrifice rather than critiquing Islam, noting that the person of Jesus emerged as Christianity's most compelling aspect for Muslims in his study.
Missiologist Reveals Why Ramadan Is the Best Time for Christians to Witness to Muslims
The article was published as part of the Lausanne Movement's series designed to help believers interact purposefully with followers of other faiths. Ramadan 2026 began around February 18, with the simultaneous start of the Christian season of Lent creating what many see as a unique moment of parallel spiritual reflection across faiths.
Shehadeh, who was born in Israel and grew up accompanying his parents across Galilee spreading the Gospel among all communities including Muslims, brings decades of personal experience to his recommendations. His recommended Scriptural passages for conversations include Matthew 4:1 17, Romans 5:1, John 3:16, and Luke 23:43.
The Crusader's Opinion
This is exactly the kind of bold, strategic thinking the Church needs more of. While the secular world tiptoes around Islam and tells Christians to stay silent, Dr Shehadeh reminds us that we have a Great Commission that does not come with exceptions. Ramadan is not a time to retreat. It is a time to engage. 4,833 Muslim background believers found Christ through personal relationships, not through silence or political correctness. Every Christian with a Muslim neighbour or colleague has an open door right now. The question is whether we have the courage to walk through it. Grace is free, salvation is real, and Jesus transforms lives. That message does not take a holiday during Ramadan.
Take Action
- Read Dr Shehadeh's full article on the Lausanne Movement website and share it with your church leadership
- Invite a Muslim neighbour or colleague for a meal this Ramadan and build a genuine friendship rooted in Christ's love
- Support Christian outreach to Muslims through The Shepherd's Shield
- Support persecuted believers from Muslim backgrounds through Open Doors or Voice of the Martyrs
- Pray daily for Muslims to encounter Jesus during Ramadan using the 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World prayer guide
