Key points
- Muslims begin fasting with the advent of Ramadan
- The fasting ends with Eidul Fitr
- Christian observance of Lent begins on March 5
- Lent will extend until April 17
ISLAMABAD: As the crescent of Ramadan graces the sky, the sacred month unfolds its blessings across the globe.
In Pakistan, Muslims have started gathering for daily Taraweeh prayers starting last Saturday night, embracing the spirit of devotion.
They embarked on their first fast last Sunday, embarking on a journey of spiritual reflection that will last for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
This year, the Muslim and Christian communities will embark on their fasting journeys nearly in unison.
The Christian observance of Lent, known as “As-Sawm-ul-Arba’in,” will commence on March 5 and extend until April 17.
Talking to WE News English, Zeeshan Masih, a resident of Sector G-7 of Islamabad said that, “Lent spans a period of 40 days, a time for Christians to reflect.”
Fasting and praying
“Lent commemorates the 40 days of Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness. It is a period marked by forgiveness and culminates in the joyous celebration of Easter,” he said while speaking about the Christian tradition.
He said there is not much difference between the fast of Muslims and Lent of Christians but the duration of it. “Our fasting has no time restrictions, for instance after taking our meal, we could have it for 24 hours or 36 hours depending upon our will,” Zeeshan maintained.
Ramadan holds immense significance within the Islamic calendar. This month marks the commencement of the Quran’s revelation and embodies the fourth pillar of Islam—fasting, which is obligatory for all Muslims as prescribed in the Quran.
Spiritual practices
During Lent, Christians limit their food consumption and abstain from meat on Fridays, with obligatory fasts observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
On these days, they may partake in a single meal. Following these key dates, they continue to fast every Friday, adhering to the tradition of consuming only fish on those days.
Throughout the remaining days of Lent, Christians engage in spiritual practices such as reading the Holy Bible, attending church services, aiding the less fortunate, caring for the ill, visiting those incarcerated, and sharing the teachings of their faith with others.
In parallel, during Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset, embracing a month of reflection and devotion.
Yet, exceptions are made for certain individuals, including pregnant or nursing women, those menstruating, individuals who are ill, and travellers, who may be exempt from fasting.
However, they are encouraged to compensate for any missed fasts or to provide for the needy as a form of redemption.
Spiritual elevation
Both communities view their respective fasting months as vital opportunities for seeking forgiveness and making amends for past wrongs, often extending their compassion to those in need through charitable donations.
Though Lent and Ramadan differ in their specific meanings and practices, they both serve as profound spiritual observances.
Lent commemorates the 40 days of Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness, while Ramadan is underscored by the Quranic verse: “Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183).
As Ramadan concludes, Muslims celebrate with Eid al-Fitr, while Christians embrace the joy of Easter; both festivals are marked by feasting and festive gatherings that magnify the spirit of community and gratitude.
