Fasting for Christians and Muslims‎: The Similarities

For a month from June 6, 2016 Muslims have begun celebrating the holy month of Ramadhan. They do this by a total fasting from food and water from sunrise to sunset. Fasting is called SAWM in the Arabic language. It is the fourth pillar of Islam. The 1st is the profession of faith in the Oneness of God (by the invocation of “Allah-u Akbar”. God is great!) and in Muhammad’s (“peace be upon him”) role as the final prophet and legislator. The 2nd pillar is SALAT or prayer recited five times a day. The 3rd pillar is ZAKAT or alms which is considered as justice. The 5th pillar is Pilgrimage.

In spite of the fact that it was inspired by the strict Lenten fast in the Orient, theologically and anthropologically Muslim fasting is equivalent to Christmas.‎ According to tradition Ramadhan is the month when the Qur’an descended from heaven. Islamic believers must fast from everything that is not Qur’an so that they will be filled with it — the Word. The companions of Muhammad (pbuh) believed that he was a living Qur’an. To fast from everything in order to receive the Qur’an is similar to the gesture of various Old Testament prophets like Isaiah who were told to “EAT” the sacred book. It is also reminiscent of the Christian tradition of becoming more Christlike by welcoming the descent of the Word, Jesus, into one’s personal life.

In Muslim countries, and in Marawi City where I was bishop for four years, the month of Ramadhan is celebrated by decorating and lighting the streets, and‎ by Christmas-like family feasting and by practicing generosity.