If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations – “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used) – according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. (Col 2:20 – 23)

Col 2:20-23 is an apt description of Islam as a religion. Do not taste pork and alcohol. Do not wear silk (for men). Do not touch the Qur’an if you are ritually impure (applicable to a menstruating woman, for instance). These regulations have an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion but have no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. In addition, although the majority of Muslims in Oman are Ibadhi, there is a sizable minority of Shi’a Muslims along the coastal areas as well. 

One controversial Shi’a ritual called “zanjeer zani” encourages its followers to slash themselves with chains in remembrance of Hussein who was killed as a martyr in Shi’a Islam. This is done as a way to mourn the anniversary of his death known as the Day of Ashurah. However, this bloody practice is far from universal among Shi’a Muslims and is condemned by the majority of Shi’a Muslims. Nevertheless, it is an example of asceticism that causes much severity to the body. 

Prayer: O God, we thank You for the grace which saves us apart from our own moral performance. We don’t deserve Your goodness. We actually deserve hell, but thank You that Your Son Jesus lived the perfect life we should have lived giving us His very righteousness as a result. Thank You for a real relationship with You that will last into all eternity. As you have regenerated our spirits, regenerate the souls of our Muslim friends in Oman, particularly the Shi’a Muslims. Pour out Your Spirit on them through Your Son, so that being justified by Your grace, they might become heirs with us according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:5-7). Amen. 

Worship with us!: O Praise the Name by Hillsong. May Omani Shi’ites praise the One who suffered and died for them!

Matthew 18:14 Focus—‘Your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost.’ 

Please bring these towns and villages before the Father:

Harah, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 52

Abu Mili, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 51

Mihaymir, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 50

Al-Wuqbah, Yanqul district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 1,907

Al-Buwayrdah, Yanqul district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 1,831

Falaj as-Sidariyin, Yanqul district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 1,817