Ramadan for Christians

Ramadan for Christians?

Like Daniel, I often wonder about Ramadan in a UK context where Muslims are in a minority. How does a key distinctive of one tradition – a holy month or a holy season – work for those of a different tradition? Is it possible to be open and inclusive while still being distinctly different and while doing so are we still welcoming and hospitable? Also of the disparity with Christianity, there are still strong fasting traditions in Christianity, especially amongst the Orthodox, it is present too amongst Catholics and Anglicans but less strongly than it used to be.

Contrary to some perceptions, openness to non-Muslims during Ramadan it isn’t a problem, just as at other times of year, possibly just not as well known as we might hope. I have been welcomed in a variety of masjids (mosques) around the country for Iftar (breaking of the fast at dusk during Ramadan). My own engagement with Muslims drove me to look at fasting in Christianity, as my own experience in Protestant traditions was similar to Hussain’s. I have been interviewed on Christian radio where my fasting during Lent seemed like an oddity.

During Ramadan I have taken the opportunity, while firmly rooted in my own Christian faith to:

• Read the whole Qur’an (not a long read)
• Fast as Muslims do
• Spend a couple of days on ihtikaf (retreat in the masjid) with a Muslim friend
• Enjoyed part of a Ramadan festival organized by friends in London
• Supported the Coptic Orthodox in this country in its annual Iftar meal for Muslim friends

Ramadan is a time when Islam may become more noticeable to non-Muslims as more Muslims read the Qur’an while commuting, masjid attendance increases, piety and kindness to others increases and the struggles (jihad) between body and spirit are all too evident. It has also been a time for cessation of violence, hostility and warfare.

The Christian Muslim Forum encourages Christians and other non-Muslims to be aware of Muslims and the practice of Islam during Ramadan (which for some has started today and for others tomorrow). There may be opportunities to support, encourage and show friendship to Muslim neighbours and to learn more about ‘what makes Muslims tick’. Similarly for Muslims, it will be an opportunity to answer ‘everything you ever wanted to know about Muslims but were afraid to ask’. All in the hope that these meetings and conversations lead to more safe spaces, exploring differences and healing relationships which are so important to the Christian Muslim Forum and to our society.

You can read here how one of our Christian friends is engaging with Ramadan in the USA on Facebook. You can also read a UK book A Heart Broken Open by Ray Gaston. 

We also take this opportunity to draw attention to our 15 July event and this letter from Christians and Muslims encouraging local friendship and respect.

Julian Bond
Edited by Daniel Edge