As we are now about mid-way through the holy month of Ramadan — and the Christian season of Lent — it is a good time to reflect on the value and importance of annual fasting. Since Ramadan and Lent this year began on the same date, we can also compare the two traditions, with some differences within each religion. Christians generally emphasise the spiritual aspects of fasting rather than the physical ones. Muslims emphasise both, refraining from food from sunrise to sunset while also focusing on spiritual reflection, strengthening faith, doing good deeds, and caring for fellow human beings, especially the poor and needy.

The Orthodox Christian Church, the most common branch in Eastern Europe, follows traditions similar in some ways to those observed by Muslims. Some Christians in the West observe certain aspects of fasting, such as refraining from rich food, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. During the 40-day Lent period among Christians who observe the fast, people usually do not fast on Sundays. In Ireland and many other countries with large Catholic communities, St Patrick’s Day is observed on 17 March. It is a day celebrating the patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. Cultural manifestations beyond religious services are also included, with parades, music concerts, and more — all in green.

Every evening at sunset, when the Muslim fast is broken with Iftar dinner and prayer, it becomes a beautiful celebration with family and friends, and sometimes invited guests. Ramadan becomes a festive month, both spiritually and socially. This year, since Muslims and Christians began their fasting traditions at the same time on 18 February, it is a good opportunity to ‘compare notes’ with a focus on........

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