When I received the ashes on Wednesday while attending a silent retreat, I felt a deep sense of connection with Muslim colleagues and friends, as I knew that on that very same day they commenced the month of Ramadan. The holy month of Ramadan is marked not only by the spiritual practice of fasting from sunrise to sunset, but also by intensified prayer and charitable giving.
This means that for both Christians and Muslims these are days of ‘turning our faces to God’; days of introspective spiritual renewal, as well as of personal and communal transformation. I wonder what this means for cities like Birmingham, where nearly one in three people profess affiliation to Islam and similar numbers consider themselves Christians. I wonder what potential impact this time of seeking closeness to God may have in our local communities.
I am not naïve enough to think that all the greatest challenges faced locally and globally can be resolved in one month of prayer and fasting, but I would like to think that the common struggle of Muslims and Christians journeying through our respective holy times can help us influence our disposition to build healthier relationships and to serve more fittingly the most vulnerable among us. There is so much need of that today.
An example of good initiatives inspired by the convergence of Lent and Ramadan is the letter written by a Muslim friend, Kamran Shazad, together with a Church of England Bishop, calling for this to be a time when we commit deeply to protecting Creation, both in nature and in the lives of the most vulnerable. You can read it here: Ramadan, Lent and the call to protect Creation – Muslim News UK
You can also mark these holy days personally by trying to reach out to Muslim neighbours, colleagues, and acquaintances, wishing them peace and blessings as they journey through this month. Even more, find out whether a local mosque is hosting an open Iftar (the fast-breaking evening meal) I am sure you will be most welcome to join! Then, you could always return the favour by inviting them to celebrate Easter with your community!
The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in Rome has also published a message for the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (the festival which brings Ramadan to a conclusion). The message speaks of a Providential Convergence of Calendars. May Divine Providence inspire you to mark this time with gestures of kindness and friendship toward Muslims, Christians, and people of all faiths and none.
