TECH4GOOD
This month, the faithful of two great religions celebrate a period of profound spiritual significance. For Muslims worldwide, Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, commemorates the month the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). For Christians, Lent is a solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks before Easter Sunday.
The cornerstone of Ramadan is fasting – abstaining from food, drinking, and engaging in other sensual activities from dawn to dusk. Fasting during this holy month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, fundamental practices that shape a Muslim’s life and spiritual growth. It is a time for Muslims to purify their souls, refocus attention on God, and practice self-discipline and sacrifice, and it is seen as an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a closer bond with Allah (SWT). Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all adult Muslims, except those who are ill, traveling, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, or menstruating.
But fasting in Ramadan goes far beyond simply feeling hunger or thirst. It’s a symbolic and deeply personal experience. We detach from worldly desires to connect with something more profound – our inner compass, our relationship with God. It is about refraining from food and drink and evil actions, thoughts, and words. It is the total commitment of the person’s body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint, a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one’s self on the worship of God. Acts of charity, known as “Zakat,” are also emphasized, reminding Muslims of their duties to help those less fortunate and strive for social justice.
On the other hand, Christians honor Lent by observing fasting, repentance, moderation, and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time to reflect on Jesus Christ — his suffering and sacrifice, life, death, burial, and resurrection. It is a time for introspection and contemplation. Holy Week, the last week of Lent, is a time of intense reflection and devotion as it commemorates the events leading up to Jesus’ death by crucifixion and subsequent resurrection.
While the specific practices of different Christian sects may differ, the underlying message of Lent resonates with all Christian faithful. It’s a call to self-reflection, self-denial, and, ultimately, heart transformation. It reminds them that true joy comes from a life lived in service to God and others.
The number 40 holds deep meaning in Lent. It reflects Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and facing temptation in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. By following Jesus’ example, the Christian faithful enter a period of self-denial, not for self-punishment, but to grow closer to God. The aim is to detach from worldly distractions and heighten their spiritual awareness. It is also a time to confront their human limitations and mortality. By acknowledging their weaknesses, Christians become more receptive to God's grace. Lent is ultimately a season of renewal and reconciliation with God.
The joyous festival of Eid al-Fitr, a day of thanksgiving, marks the conclusion of Ramadan. Muslims gather in large congregations for a special prayer and give charitable contributions to the less fortunate. This is a time for community, family, festive meals, a reward for a month of fasting, and an opportunity to share blessings with others. It’s a time to express gratitude for the strength and blessings received during Ramadan.
For Christians, the culmination of Lent is the glorious celebration of Easter Sunday. It marks Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, the ultimate victory over sin and death. It’s a day of immense joy, filled with special church services, family gatherings, Easter egg hunts for the kids, and festive meals after a period of penance and reflection.
While Ramadan and Lent have distinct roots and practices, their core messages are strikingly similar: they call for reflection, self-discipline, empathy, compassion, and a renewed commitment to something greater than ourselves. Both transcend individual spiritual growth and have the potential to advance global peace and harmony.
Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for Christians transcend individual spiritual growth and have the potential to foster global peace and harmony. These periods of reflection, self-discipline, and compassion highlight the shared values among faiths, encouraging the faithful to look beyond their differences and find common ground in pursuing a more just and empathetic world. In doing so, they set a powerful example of coexistence, showing that despite our diverse paths to the Divine, our journeys can converge in the universal quest for peace and goodwill among all people. ([email protected])
(The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convener of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), Vice President of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president of UP System Information Technology Foundation.)