Can A Christian Learn from Ramadan?
What can Christians learn from Muslims during Ramadan? Is there wisdom that can be obtained from the 30-day fast – one of Islam’s five Pillars?
Searching for articles, essays or thoughts written by Christians about Ramadan, I could not find any substantial writing from a Christian perspective on how Christians could receive a spiritual benefit from Ramadan. It seems to me, for Christians in the United States to embrace the practice of Ramadan and the rituals surrounding it perhaps may be seen as some form of heresy for acknowledging the beauty of such an observance or even attempting to do it for the same reasons Muslims do.
Nearly 2-billion Muslims around the world commenced Ramadan at sunset on August 21. At this time, the Ummah Wahida (One Community) is fasting – there will be no eating, no drinking of any liquid and no sexual relations from sunrise to sundown. During the day a Muslim is supposed to not engage in the usual secularity of life in their speech and action. They are to continue to give prayer and supplications five times per day at the Mosque, in the home or where ever a Muslim believer is facing the East towards Mecca bowing to Allah in the most prostrate position. Work days in Muslim countries are shorter and families tend to stay together throughout the day. In the evening the Iftar (dinner) is served to break the swam (fast) – all and all the focus at this time is still on Godly things.
A moment of sincere reflection for Muslims on the status of the poor and downtrodden; the sacrifice of level one of Abraham’s Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a reminder to followers to give to the least of these, be thankful to Allah for his blessings and to pray for all people in a most troubled world. The greatness of Ramadan is manifested by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH – Peace Be Upon Him) when he revealed the Holy Quran, it testifies: “Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Quran as a guide to mankind ...(2:185).”
In Amsterdam, Van der Kuil, Director of the Dutch Christian charity Vastenaktie began a 40-day Lent or a “Christian Ramadan” in March which there is a 40 Day fasting period likened unto Jesus Christ in the Bible who fasted for 40-days and nights in complete prayer and supplications to God.
Ramadan’s attention focused on surrender and letting go daily life sustaining habits, a Christian (in which fasting is a choice), can make a stronger connection with Allah, their community and family to know their mektub (destiny) through fasting, prayer, meditation and cheerfully giving to the poor.
Beyond respecting the time for Muslims or Christians participating in an Iftar, there are spiritual lessons a Christian can gain from learning about and observing the practice as an observer; perhaps in some instances attempting the fast for an entire day or more may enlighten us more about how to uplift humanity.
Dr. Abdelhamid Jaber, a prominent Professor of Middle East Studies and Political Science at Rutgers University and a political analyst spent a 25-year career at the United Nations on Middle East and North Africa Affairs. A leader in the tri-state Muslim community in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, he says Ramadan is a time to share with the Christian and Jewish community the importance of humanity and unity. “Ramadan is a time for humankind,” says, Jaber. “It is a time for people to live to become better human beings. It is a time to get closer to solidarity, giving, and feeling connected with others.”
Prof. Jaber furthers talk about the common messages between the three great Monotheistic religions – the notion of treating someone as you would like to be treated, the worship of one God and the one belief in helping those who can’t help themselves are all tenants of Ramadan that Christians as well as Jews can share. Prof. Jaber is holding a high level Iftar in New York City on September 10. The Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations H.E. Ambassador Nassir Abdulaziz AI-Nasser will keynote to hundreds of guests. “We expect to have the Police Commissioner, presence from Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office, distinguished religious, community and political leaders from all faiths will be in attendance,” says Jaber.
As a Christian who worships the Shabbat, I believe Ramadan is a wonderful way for Christians to remember their Muslim brothers and sisters in prayer for their sacrifice, but also a time to step up our efforts to think more about those who are struggling during this economic downturn. Is there an opportunity to take thirty days and find thirty ways to give something valuable to someone less fortunate than us? Can we attempt to pray more frequently throughout the day or even at the same time Muslims pray, praying to God for world peace? During my last visit to the UAE, I shared with my dear friend from the Emirates because of the Azan by the Muzzein before dawn, my faith in God as a Christian strengthened. I was constantly reminded that God is omniscient and omnipresent.
Afsheen Shamsi, Public Relations Director for the Council of American-Islamic Relations says, “Ramadan on a spiritual level is an opportunity to get back in touch with God and engage in more prayer to be at peace with oneself.” On a practical level, her organization has partnered with an organization called Muslims Against Hunger - they are feeding 3000 people in 30-days.
For Christians in the United States professing to know God and claim to hold our Christianity dear, Ramadan is a great time to think about how we treat and engage Muslims in our community. Pew Research and Zogby International Polls have shown a steady and significant level of anti-Muslim sentiment in America. Negative perception about Muslims from self proclaimed Evangelicals is quite high. Reasons for this are based in media stereo-types, unsubstantiated/hyperbolic terrorist fear and just plain ignorance for not taking the time to find out who Muslims really are and what they believe in. Ramadan is a time to check our prejudices and match our claims to love our neighbors as ourselves.
On the first day of Ramadan I fasted with my Muslim brothers and sisters during my vacation in Sicily. I understand the burden my friends will carry fasting the rest of the 29-days is greater. It was difficult for me, but I made it through appreciating sacrifice for someone who might be without food, shelter and clothing - later giving back to make sure that perhaps one less person goes hungry tonight in Sicily.
Today I came upon an old woman sitting on a dirty street corner near a prominent gelato shop in Palermo banging a plastic bowl on the sidewalk begging for money to buy something to eat. As everyone walked by her, I stopped, bent down low to her level and gave her some Euros, smiled and said, “Prego Signora.” As people looked at me a bit surprised, I felt good inside because I blessed someone I did not even know. Tonight, I will go again to the Mediterranean al mare (the sea) to pray and observe Muslim families from Pakistan and India break their fast having their Iftar on the beach; speaking rapidly and joyfully in Italian.
With the exception of two persons, when I shared about my one day fast with some of my Christian friends, there was an awkward silence. My spirituality and connection to Allah/G-d/God is beyond a dogma, but taking the good from something like Islam or Judaism and applying the learning to be a more self actualized person – even in dealing with mine enemies. It’s important for all Muslims to know there is great respect and tribute as your Christian sister remembers Ramadan with you. A Salaam Walaikum!
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I thank you for your sincere effords in trying to explain to No-Muslims about the importants of Ramadan and what you think they can learn.
But at times it appears you ramble a little too much about things you believe, readed,heard or even feel when speeking to Muslims.Bu
So to write an artical that reaches across Religous bounderies, I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you speak to Muslims who are not lable mordorant, cicurlar. But Muslims who are not willing to satisfy the ideology of mankind, But Muslims who worship, live souly to satisfy Allah ( the creator of the Heavens and earth and all between ) And that you find read authentic books of the WAY ( the Sunnah ) of the prophet Muhammad ( pbuh). That will give you the truth about how Muslims and Ramadan is "supposed" to be observed. And then and only then will you be armed with imformation that will guide you to make TRUE and accurate statements that will break the Religous bonderies, wether some like it or not. Peace my friend
Don't stop there. At the end of the fasting period they prepare for a day of celebration on the following morning. waking up early they put on their best clothes and the first thing they do is to ask God and their elders forgiveness. After this they go to the mosque to pray follow by a visit to the graves of their departed ones. There they give thoughts to their departed loved ones and clean their graves.
By the way they are not allowed to swallow their saliva during fasting.
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Khanti,
Thank you for your comments, but I am not sure where you are completely coming from with your information. Is it meant to educate or make a point beyond that. It is difficult to read your motive with this comment, but thank you any way.
To ask for forgiveness from your elders for any wrong done is the most beautiful aspect of any spritual practice. By doing this practice a good conscience is developed. There is a sense of guilt. There is a respect for elders especially parents.
No other religion in the world practice that.
As much as you are pointing to the practice of other religion and your own. I wish to clarify what little we know towards other people's religion especially the good side which is universal. I come from a multi racial country with all the main religion practiced. I also know some beautiful hindu story. By the way I am a Buddhist.
Should be '...main religions practiced.
There's really no reason for Christians to observe Ramadan -- all they need to do is look back into their own tradition and revive the practice of praying, fasting and giving alms mandated since ancient times. Ancient Christians kept Wednesdays (the day Judas bargained to betray Jesus) and Fridays (the day Jesus was crucified) as fast days, along with 40-day seasons like Lent and Advent -- eating no food during the day, eating inexpensive vegetarian fare in the evening, distributing what they saved on food to the poor, attending church and praying at home more often. Many still do, particularly in the Orthodox, Coptic, Ethiopian and Byzantine Catholic churches. And such practices are not unknown among many Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and others. It's all part of what Jesus taught in Matthew 6:1-18.
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SensibleJoe,
Thank you for your feedback and information. No one is saying a Christian has to observe Ramadan. If you re-read the piece you will see what it is really saying. I think we can learn from this practice as can others learn from Christianity and Judaism. Thank you.
Uh....no.
No, let's not go 'here'.
Let's just drop the whole 'faith-based' facade altogether - for the sake of the world and us 'meek' who would appreciate all you 'faith-based' type just move on along to where you're headed - and be sure to leave the keys - just in case...... (ORGANIZED religion = the bane of civilization)
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Mommadona,
You sound pretty angry. Perhaps you need some prayer? It is not wise for you to judge those of whom you do not even know or for that matter know anything about when it comes to what is "faith based." Tell me people if people of faith are the bane of your own existence as well?
Learning from various religions can be good, but it is in what is learned. If it is taking care of your society and fellow persons, that is good. If it is simply to be pious and increase your worship of your god, gods or goddesses by fasting and praying and through that letting in conceit that your specific religion has the only correct answers for all mankind, then that is wrong. I think her statement is that the Christian faith says that the meek will inherit the earth (Psalms 25:8-13, Psalms 37:7-11, and Matthew 5:5 among others) and that the meek accepts that any religious or nonreligious answers will be different for each person. Of course, if she meant something else, I would like to hear it.
I appreciate and wish much strength in the fast to my Muslim brothers and sisters during Ramadan!
I also want to point out that similar fasting has been part of the Christian tradition from earliest times and is still very active in the Eastern Christian tradition. Eastern Orthodox Christians regular participate in ascetic fasts throughout the year. For approximately 200 days out of the year they eat vegan with no alcohol or oil. They do eat during the day, but they eat less, and like with Ramadan, the money they save should be given to the poor. Moreover, they should pay special attention to what is coming out of their mouth as well as what is going in: they should have kind words for their brothers and sisters in the world and generally increase their acts of love to people in the world. There are two longer fast periods: before Easter (49 days) and before Christmas (40 days). Some people begin the Easter Lent with no food or water for 24 hours.
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Thank you so much for this additional education and enligtenment.
I had a baked potato for lunch.
Was it vegan or did you add cheese, butter, or sour cream?
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Okay. You are both are funny LOL!
Veggie chili and cheese.
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