Ramadhan holds a profound significance for each of us, offering a unique journey of introspection and spiritual growth. It is a sacred time when we seek solace in fasting, draw nearer to our spirituality through prayer, and cultivate meaningful connections.
In Oman, a diverse group of spiritual leaders explores their perspectives on Ramadhan, drawing parallels with the Christian Great Lent. During Ramadhan, Muslims worldwide embark on a journey of profound spiritual devotion, echoing the sentiments of Christians during Lent.
Rev Zeresh Daniel, Pastor-in-charge of the Urdu-speaking congregation in Muscat, emphasises the shared practices of fasting and devotion, highlighting the mutual respect for religious values that exemplify interfaith harmony. “Let us embrace the physical discomfort of fasting with love and humility, honouring our respective faiths,” he urges.
His message to Muslim and Christian brethren is to let love guide our interactions and humility shape our actions, so that our sacrifice may be deemed worthy in the eyes of the Divine. He urges both communities to utilise this sacred month as an opportunity for prayer and fasting, fostering peace in conflict-ridden regions like Israel and Palestine.
Fr Abey Chacko, Associate Vicar at the Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church in Muscat, underscores the distinct yet spiritually enriching purposes served by Ramadhan and Great Lent. “Through self-discipline, prayer and acts of charity, Ramadhan fosters a strong sense of community and devotion,” he explains, echoing the sentiments of Christians during Lent.
Ramadhan, he says, is also a time for spiritual purification and seeking forgiveness for one’s sins. “Let us embrace the strengths of both traditions as we journey together, sharing in each other’s spiritual growth and emotions. The purpose of Ramadhan is to deepen one’s spiritual connection with God and strengthen one’s faith,” he adds.
Rev Christopher J R Howitz, MBE, Anglican Chaplain at the Church of Saint John, Muscat, reflects on the shared spiritual endeavours of Muslims and Christians during Ramadhan and Lent. “Ramadhan highlights the beauty of faith as Omanis honour their beliefs through fasting, prayer and generosity,” he observes, expressing admiration for the devotion of Oman and its people.
He recalls fasting himself during Ramadhan as an act of respect and an opportunity to pray for others around him who fast. “On several occasions, I have appreciated sharing Iftar with Omani friends and neighbours. All this has deepened my affection for this country and its people, and I feel more grateful to God for my time in Oman,” he adds.
Archimandrite Dimitrios Mansour of the Greek Orthodox Church in Oman delves into the sacred nature of fasting, symbolising humanity’s quest for peace and divine connection.
“Let us acknowledge this shared longing for divine communion, as believers strive for spiritual elevation and unity,” he suggests, emphasising the universal significance of fasting beyond religious boundaries.
Collectively, these perspectives emphasise the shared journey of spiritual growth and communal devotion undertaken by Muslims and Christians during the holy month and Great Lent, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and harmony amidst diverse religious practices.
“If we contemplate and delve deeply into the rituals of fasting, its meanings and the believers’ love for this holy month, we realise the longing of man in general and the believer, in particular, to return to God the Creator. Man has no means on earth to intercede for him with God on the Day of Judgment other than his deeds and earthly life. This is why Ramadhan is an opportunity for man to return to the divine and taste the kingdom while still treading on earth,” he concludes.
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