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Ramadan: Links to Christianity

Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 2 years, 10 months AGO
| April 5, 2022 1:00 AM

April 1 wasn’t just April Fuhl’s big joke (no, there’s no federally funded, politically-charged skyscraper going up by The Resort).

It also kicked off Ramadan.

The Muslim holy month — a moving date on the Muslim lunar calendar, which for millions of Americans and billions worldwide began last weekend — is a season of reflective fasting from dawn to dusk, broken nightly with a family celebration.

It’s also a time to look deeply inward, a renewal of mind and body.

In Arabic, “ramadan” derives from the infinitive “ramda,” to burn. In areas of the Middle and Near East where Islam originated, it’s indeed very hot during Ramadan, but the metaphor refers to the burning of sins. The “heat” of the body and soul’s hunger rises through the body, to purge physical and mental impurities and excess.

The Arabic word for fasting, “sawm,” means to refrain. During Ramadan every part of the body is restrained — the tongue (harmful words), eyes (improper looks, lust), mind (harmful thoughts such as anger and greed), hands (taking what isn’t yours), ears (listening to gossip or obscenities), even the feet (from going where one shouldn’t).

The whole body observes the fast, and it’s about more than food.

Observers refrain from drinking, smoking, marital relations, bad language, arguing and other human weaknesses. A purging so lives can start fresh. A renewal focused on accountability through reflection and restraint. Muslims are to make peace with those who have wronged them or whom they have wronged; strengthen ties with family and friends; and purge themselves of bad habits, thoughts, and feelings.

Why fast? By removing all the body’s desires, one is better able to reach the spirit. This is the essence of Ramadan. Each day’s fast is broken with a celebratory evening meal called the “iftar.” So if you encounter a Muslim friend in the coming month, greet her with “Ramadan mubarak” (blessed Ramadan) or “Ramadan kareem” (generous Ramadan) and speak with kindness over a twilight dinner rather than suggesting lunch.

Not to worry; the very young, old, ill, pregnant or otherwise needful of daily nutrition are exceptions to the fasting rules.

Ramadan is also a time for charity. During Holy Month, Muslims offer more donations of money and goods, meals for the poor and good works. Ramadan teaches that fasting’s sacrifice and pain brings compassion for others who suffer.

This holiest of times for Muslims originated when the Qur’an (the apostrophe represents a pause in pronunciation) was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE, in a mountain cave near Mecca by the Archangel Gabriel. Yes, it’s the same Gabriel. In fact, more figures and texts from the Bible are part of this Muslim Holy Book; all three Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam include an overlap of texts. Jesus is described as the messiah in the Qur’an.

Apropos of cross-religious respect and friendship, Muhammad, unsure of what he’d just experienced in the cave, consulted a Christian relative familiar with prophecies who confirmed its legitimacy and messages (e.g., rejecting idols, worshipping God, and repenting of sin). Muhammad lived among Christians in Mecca and considered them “people of the book,” which included Jews and Zoroastrians — all considered part of a shared community of Abrahamic faith.

Wouldn’t it be nice if that idea of a shared community were still true today.

Religious fasting is another shared practice. Before Islam and since, Arab tribal customs, Jewish tradition and Christians during Lent have observed times of fasting, meant to bond the observant with the suffering of others, express devotion to God and encourage spiritual reflection and commitment.

Fasting, self-reflection, personal growth and big holiday meals with loved ones are certainly things most, if not all, religions share.

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to an iftar or to “Eid” (pronounced “aid” — the big celebration when Ramadan ends) by one of this area’s Muslims, go with an open heart, bring a dish, and expect to laugh and enjoy the generosity all humans share at heart.

To Muslim brothers and sisters, Ramadan kareem (a generous Ramadan). May your special month be replete with blessings and wisdom.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network and oil brat who once lived in the Middle East. Email Sholeh@cdapress.com.

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