Last Saturday, Muslims across the world were ushered into the holy month of Ramadan which will coincide with the Christian Lent.
Without doubt, millions of Muslims and Christians around the world usually observe these periods of fasting, which are often times for reflection, and spiritual renewal.
Understandably, while the two faiths have distinct traditions and practices, there are, of course, striking similarities between Ramadan and Lent. These are:
Fasting is usually a season of shared discipline
One of the most obvious parallels between Ramadan and Lent is the practice of fasting. In Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink to focus on their spiritual growth and devotion to Allah. Similarly, many Christians observe a fast during Lent, giving up certain luxuries or habits to focus on their spiritual journey. Saying it point blank, the purpose is one and same – spiritual journey.
It is often time for reflection and renewal
Both Ramadan and Lent are periods of intense reflection and renewal. Muslims use Ramadan to re-examine their relationship with Allah, while Christians use Lent to reflect on their relationship with God. Both faiths emphasise the importance of self-examination, repentance, and spiritual growth during these periods. As we get involved in this spiritual exercises, it only makes deeper sense if we devote time to engage in self-examination. This is one sure way to guarantee that we become truly our brother’s keeper.
It is time for charity and compassion
Another shared value between Ramadan and Lent is the emphasis on charity and compassion. Muslims are encouraged to give generously to those in need, not necessarily people they share same faith with during Ramadan, while Christians are encouraged to practice acts of kindness and charity to anyone irrespective of religious beliefs during Lent. After all, if we choose only to be kind to people of our household or those we share same faith with, what blessing would that attract to us from God because anyone, including the worst of sinners, is capable of doing good to his/her own.
It is also a time for forgiveness
It is not in doubt that both Ramadan and Lent are periods of forgiveness and reconciliation. Muslims seek forgiveness from Allah during Ramadan and they also strive to make peace with others whether people of same faith or not, while Christians seek also forgiveness from God during Lent. Like their Muslim brothers, they also seek peace with others. Both faiths emphasise the importance of seeking forgiveness and making amends with others. This is the real essence of both exercises. If only we stay through to this, the world will not only be better off, we will get our portions of the blessings that God assigns to us.
As we observe the holy months of Ramadan and Lent, it is important to remind us of the deep connections that exist between different faiths and cultures. Despite our differences, we share a common humanity and a common quest for spiritual meaning and purpose. So, by exploring the parallels between Ramadan and Lent, we can deepen our understanding of each other’s traditions, values and foster greater respect, empathy, and cooperation. This is God’s mindset for humanity and this is what brings about the desired blessings in obedience to God’s instruction that we o serve the holy months of Ramadan and Lent.
Oyewole is the Director of Public Affairs and member of the Governing Board of the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners
