Ramadan: A Comparison to Lent
By Christine Rygiel
Lyman Briggs College
Michigan State University
LB492
Dr. Luckie
November 27, 2012
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Christine Rygiel
Trodden Path Productions
Final Draft
Ramadan: A Comparison to Lent
Ramadan is a very sacred holiday for all Muslims. It is a time of spiritual
reflection combined with self-sacrifice. Some people are actually not aware that
Ramadan is closely related to the Christian holiday Lent. Both have similarities and
differences in their religious reflections. Even though the faiths have different
religious backgrounds when comparing the holy books called the Quran and Bible,
they are actually more alike than one might first think.
Calendar Appearance
Ramadan is the twelfth month in the lunar calendar that Muslim’s follow
religiously. Lunar calendars exactly follow the astronomical new moon. Since it
follows the moons shadow, the month normally last 29-30 days. The calendar is
roughly 354 days long, which is actually shorter than the Gregorian calendar that is
normally followed by Christians. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the lunar calendar
does not synchronize with the seasons and repeats every thirty-three Islamic years.
Reason for Holiday
Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramida or arramad, translating to
scorching heat or dryness. Muslims worldwide observe this month of fasting, which
is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The reason Ramadan is celebrated in the twelfth
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month is because of the sacred man, Muhammad. In 610AD, Muhammad wandered a
desert near Mecca when one night the angel Gabriel told Muhammad that he was
chosen to receive the words of Allah. After, Muhammad found himself speaking the
verses that would later be transcribed as the Quran. Muslims celebrate this night as
the most holy night of the year, Laylat al-Qadr. This night falls during the last 10
days of Ramadan.
Slightly related, Lent normally falls sometime in the spring. It lasts exactly
forty days, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending on East Sunday. This is a time for
spiritual reflection in the Christian faith. The reason lent is celebrated is because it is
the time when Jesus Christ gave himself up for all mankind. In the bible, it states that
Jesus Christ died on Good Friday, then two days later he was resurrected on what is
now called Easter Sunday. Prior to resurrection, Christ Himself, knowing he was
eventually going to die for the world’s sins, said that his disciples would fast once He
has departed. Since Jesus stated it, it is part of the law of God for Christian people
through the written scriptures published by His disciples.
Fasting and Its Rules
Back to the Muslims, Sawn, translated as fasting, has some strict rules that
must be followed. From sunrise until sunset, Muslims must abstain from food,
drinks, smoking of any kind, sexual relations with significant other, and sometimes
swearing. Sawn is wajib, meaning obligatory, for every adult Muslims. Children are
strongly encouraged to practice and complete as many fasts to prepare for later life,
but success is not expected. But with every rule, there are exceptions. Those who
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are ill, travelling, old-aged, pregnant/breastfeeding, or going through a menstrual
cycle are allowed to abstain from fasting. Although, most insist on fasting no matter
what in order to satisfy their spiritual needs. If a Muslim does miss a day for
whatever reason, they are expected to complete additional days at the end of the
month.
Comparing to Christians, fasting occurs during the forty days of lent, only on
the days of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which are deemed the days that are
the only true fasting days. It is required for those who are between the ages of 18
and 59. Unlike Muslims, fasting for Christians allows one full meal during that day,
with small snacks allowed before and after if absolutely necessary. In other words,
Christians are asked to reduce the amount of calories they normally intake each day.
In addition, meat is not allowed on those two days in addition to every Friday during
lent. Like Islam, Christianity has some of the same exceptions; including the ill,
old/young aged, pregnant or nursing, hard laborers, and guests who cannot excuse
themselves without antipathy. Additionally, some Christian’s give up certain types
of luxuries during lent, which may include, but not limited to, desserts, television, or
even laptops.
Reason for Fasting
One might ask, why fast? According to the Muslims, whatever the Quran
states, one must follow. Looking in chapter 2 Revelation 185, it is translated,
“The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed
the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the
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guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And
whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and
whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other
days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for
you; and that you should complete the period, and that you
should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps
you may be thankful.” [Quran 2:185]
It is clearly stated in the Quran that one must fast. Allah is said to help them through
this hardship. It is also noted that Ramadan is a time of religious reflection,
enhancement and improved devotion and worship to god. For both Christians and
Muslims, fasting is related to ideologies of controlling the body and becoming one
with the soul. It is suppose to redirect the body and mind away from worldly
activities and attempts to purify the soul by freeing it from harmful froths. Fasting
supposedly teaches discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and compassion for the less
privileged. It is more of a holiday to celebrate praise and thanksgiving.
In comparison, Christian tradition of fasting is one in a different direction. It
is more of a character development to remove the effects of sin through this act of
self-punishment. In Christian terms, it is a time of penance. According to the Gospels
of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, “Jesus spent time fasting in the desert before the
beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satin.” Fasting
may occur after the sacrament of reconciliation and always occurs during the forty
days of Lent. Reconciliation consists of a Christian man or woman confessing their
sins to a priest behind closed doors. After confessing, the priest will then offer
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encouragement and advice in the form of penance to perform. Fasting may be a form
of penance, in addition to prayer and good deeds. Once the penance is accomplished,
one may rejoice because their sins have been forgiven through their own selfsacrifice.
Important Meals/Reflections
During the month of Ramadan, there are three important meals. Suhoor is the
pre-fast meal that is celebrated before dawn each day. This meal generally consists
of a couple dates and a cup of water, although it may vary around the word to
include bread, fried pastries, and nuts. The fajr prayer, which literally translates to
dawn, is said. It is the most essential and obligatory congregational prayer to be held
by Muslims together in their mosques. Next, iftar, is the breaking fast meal that is
celebrated after sunset each night. The meal typically begins with eating a few dates
– just as Muhammad used to do. The main course may consist of breakfast foods,
ethnic foods, or even leftovers, and it also varies around the world. The meat of
choice is normally halal lamb or halal chicken in various forms, and drink of choice
is typically water. For dessert, traditional homemade sweets are made; for example,
baklava. Finally, eid ul-fitr is celebrated at the end of month of Ramadan (next new
moon) and the beginning of shawwol, the next month in the lunar calendar. This
final day is the festivity of breaking fast. Muslims customarily dress in their finest
clothing, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and
enjoy visits with friends and family.
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During lent, there are not real important meals when comparing to Ramadan.
There is no pre-fast meal or post-fast meal. Breaking fast is simply eating any type of
food or drink that may be considered a food (i.e. milkshakes but not milk). Unlike
Muslims, drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are no considered breaking fast
substances. The end of Lent, though, is celebrated on a day termed Easter Sunday.
Easter, as implied in the bible, is when Jesus Christ was resurrected after being
nailed and dying on a cross. Christians celebrate by stating, “He has risen.” This is
normally a festive time where families gather and thank Christ for sacrificing His life
for the world’s sins. Traditional meals normally include leavened bread, ham, and
fine wine. Before breaking the fast and regaining their luxuries, Christians must
attend mass on Easter Sunday. This final day is a day of rejoicing.
Additional Information
In addition to fasting, one more component is expected; charity. Charity is
one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims with savings are already required to give a
fixed percentage. However, during the month of Ramadan, they are expected to give
beyond what is required from the commitment of zakat (poor rate). Helping the less
fortunate is a very important component in the Islamic faith.
Christian’s may substitute giving up a luxury during Lent for a Lenten
discipline such as charity work. In contrast to Muslims, Christians are not required
to give above and beyond what is expected of them. On the other hand, both
religions believe that almsgiving means love and makes one closer to God. They both
believe that it is an essential component of faith.
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Conclusion: Ramadan vs Lent
With all the examples given above, it has become quite clear that the Islamic
and Christian holidays of Ramadan and Lent, respectively, are quite similar. They do
have their differences but the resemblances outweigh them. Their faiths are both
based around philosophies that were taught and preached. The followers want to
become closer to God and help the less fortunate. With the two similar yet different
reasons for fasting stated between the two religions, it must be noted, “It is with the
growth of Christianity and Islam especially that… fasting became widespread” (1).
Taking the reasoning’s given above, each faith should show respect to the other
because overall they both are demonstrating the same thing; respect, self-discipline
and sacrifice.
Personal Experience
Trodden Path Productions decided to take on the challenge of living the life
of American Muslims for our class documentary. This consisted of wearing a hijab or
fasting for fifteen days per person. I decided to take up the challenge of doing both. I
have fasted before during Ash Wednesday and various days during Lent because of
my Catholic faith. Throughout my life, I found it rather tough to fast on those sacred
holidays, and abstain from eating meat on Friday’s during Lent. Now, the Catholic
version of fasting seems like a walk in the park. It took an extreme amount of selfdetermination to refrain from food and drinks from sunrise to sunset for fifteen
days straight. Although they are fasting for different reasons, they are one in the
same.
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Through this experience, I have gained a more thankfulness for the food that I
may eat when I am hungry. I also learned patience. I found out at the beginning I was
not psychologically prepared in taking on the Ramadan challenge, but after learning
that fasting is more of a mental game, I began winning. Overall, this involvement in
Ramadan has taught me that as long as I believe in myself, I can do anything. Fasting is
not only for repent; it is a way to become closer to God. I will use this new
understanding of life in the real world as I continue my educational journey at graduate
school.
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Resources:
1. Tamney, J. “Fasting and Modernization.” Journal for the Scientific Study of
Religion. Vol. 19, No. 2 (Jun., 1980), pp. 129-137.
2. Tamney, J. “Muslim and Christian Attitudes toward Fasting in Southeast Asia.
Review of Religious Research. Vol. 19, No. 1 (Autumn, 1977), pp. 3-15.
3. Fallers, L. A. and Fallers, M. C. “Notes on an Advent Ramadan. ”Journal of the
American Academy of Religion. Vol. 42, No. 1 (Mar., 1974), pp. 35-52.
4. Dugan, K. “Fasting for Life: The Place of Fasting in the Christian Tradition.”
Journal of the American Academy of Religion. Vol. 63, No. 3, Thematic Issue on
"Religion and Food" (Autumn, 1995), pp. 539-548.
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