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As Muslims embark on their holy month of Ramadan and Christians begin Lent, both groups will engage in fasting.
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours, while Christians observe fasting at specific times during Lent.
Lent, marked by millions of Christians worldwide, begins on Ash Wednesday, which falls on 18 February 2026.
There are many who wonder why both fasting periods commence on the same day.
Ramadan is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, starting with the sighting of the crescent moon, whereas Lent follows the Gregorian calendar.
Both fasting seasons involve seeking spiritual connection, which emphasizes the practice of intermittent fasting.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, during which churches conduct special services, similar to how Muslims start Ramadan with the sighting of the moon.
Both fasting periods allow believers to deepen their relationship with their Creator.
For Christians, Lent is a time to reflect on the events leading to the death of Jesus Christ, while Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims.
What is intermittent fasting?
Intermittent fasting is a type of time-restricted diet where individuals maintain a significant gap between their last meal of one day and their first meal of the next.
During this practice, individuals typically consolidate their meals into a shorter time frame within the day.
Most intermittent fasting approaches involve fasting for up to 16 hours and eating within an eight-hour window.
During Ramadan, it’s customary to have one meal (sahoor) just before dawn and another (iftar) right after sunset.
For Christians observing Lent, some choose to eat only once a day, typically around 6 PM or later, depending on their beliefs surrounding breaking their fast.
Intermittent fasting mainly modifies mealtimes rather than the meals themselves.
While many believe intermittent fasting can aid with weight loss and promote health benefits, others argue that although fasting may help bodily repairs and extend life spans, it is not necessarily the most effective strategy for weight loss.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has extended greetings to Christians as Lent begins, encouraging them to use this season to share love.
“As we begin our journey through Lent, let us ask the Lord for the gift of true conversion of heart, so that we may better respond to His love and share it with those around us,” the Pope stated in his X post.
In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has shared a message with both Christian and Muslim communities, acknowledging their simultaneous observance of Lent and Ramadan.
Tinubu noted that it’s uncommon for both fasting periods to align, highlighting that “we share much in common and we are one people under God.”
“For Christians, the Lenten season is a time for fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following the example of Jesus Christ. For Muslims, Ramadan is a sacred period that signifies total submission to God Almighty and represents one of the five pillars of Islam.”
Things to know about Ash Wednesday
- No meat consumption – One of the rules for Ash Wednesday in the Catholic Church is that members aged 14 and older must abstain from meat on this day.
- Recycling ashes – The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are made from palm leaves that were used to celebrate Palm Sunday the previous Lent.
- No “Happy Ash Wednesday” greetings – It is not appropriate to greet someone with “Happy Ash Wednesday,” even if it is well-meaning.
Things to avoid during Ramadan
- No food or water during fasting hours: Fasting is the most significant aspect of Ramadan, which is why abstaining from eating and drinking between dawn and dusk is essential.
- No harboring grudges: Ramadan focuses on forgiveness, which is why it’s important not to hold ill will against anyone.
- No chewing gum: It is advisable to refrain from chewing gum or smoking during Ramadan.
- No loud music: Consideration for those who are fasting or praying during this holy period is important.
- No wasting time: Ramadan is a spiritually important time, so it’s wise to use it for prayer and self-discipline.
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As we observe the concurrent onset of Lent and Ramadan, it’s an opportunity to reflect on shared values of discipline, reflection, and spiritual growth observed by both faiths. Through fasting, believers of different backgrounds come together in their quest for spiritual connection and personal improvement.
In conclusion, whether through the lens of Lent or Ramadan, this period serves as an invitation to all for introspection, compassion, and unity. The essence of both fasting rituals reminds us of the importance of faith in guiding our paths and nurturing community. Let us embrace this special time and honor each other’s journeys.
