Muslim leader Julie Siddiqi and Christian leader Steve Chalke join forces to explore the significance of Lent and Ramadan for an increasingly fractured society.
Julie and Steve have released a short video on social media and for schools about Ramadan and Lent, which this year coincide. Both believe that in a society where interfaith dialogue and understanding is increasingly strained by disinformation and division, this once in 30-year opportunity creates a moment to reflect on the reality that there is far more that unites the historical faiths than divides them.
More than that, in a society marked by rising fragmentation and social tension there is much to learn for the whole of society from the ancient practices surrounding Ramadan and Lent.
Ramadan is the name of a month and is a very important time of year for Muslims. It is observed worldwide as a 30-day period of dawn-to-sunset fasting, prayer and community. It commemorates the revealing of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims fast to cultivate self-control and gratitude, while using the time to draw closer to God.
Lent is the 40-day Christian solemn season of prayer and fasting. It runs from Ash Wednesday through to Easter and commemorates the 40 days of temptation that Jesus spent in the desert. Participants often give up luxuries or habits, such as chocolate, social media or alcohol to practice self-discipline.
Steve Chalke said:
“Lent has often been misunderstood. It’s not primarily about giving up sweets, or beer, or chocolate, as healthy as that might be. Instead, Lent is about something altogether far deeper. Not so much a temporary break from ‘stuff’ to lose a bit of weight or save some money; but rather an opportunity to create the space, away from the distractions of the contents of the fridge or wine rack to probe the bigger questions of life, purpose and focus.
“Jesus spent 40 days and nights fasting in the desert. That takes discipline. But at the beginning of his public work, he knew just how important it was to confront his inner temptations, to focus on the task ahead, what it would require of him and how he chose to go about it. Fasting by giving up something you normally enjoy might provide a good challenge. But it’s the prayer and reflection that are the important bit. An opportunity to explore your spirituality and connect again to God, to myself and crucially to my neighbour.
“Ramadan or Lent, rivals or friends? For me they are both extraordinary opportunities for self-control, self-discovery and spiritual growth.”
Julie Siddiqi said:
“I am so grateful for my friendship with Steve. We learn a lot about each other’s lives, and we are so often reminded just how much Muslims and Christians have in common while also respecting our differences. Ramadan and Lent happening at the same time this year really encourages us all to reach out more not less.
Ramadan is a special time of inner reflection, connecting to God and being in community together. Muslims love talking about Ramadan so I would encourage people to reach out to each other to have those conversations and for us all to learn more about others. I am really worried about the rise in populist ideas and how much ‘othering’ is happening in our country. This is the perfect antidote to a lot of that.
Only by coming together and understanding each other better can we truly connect and build bridges.”
