CELEBRATING SPIRITUAL UNITY
RAMADHAN
HOLDS a profound .$")$ơ) !*- # *! 0.Ǡ *ƥ -$)" a unique journey of introspection and spiritual growth. It is a sacred time when we seek solace in fasting, draw nearer to our spirituality through prayer, and cultivate meaningful connections.
In Oman, a diverse group of spiritual leaders explores their perspectives on Ramadhan, drawing parallels with the Christian Great Lent. During Ramadhan, Muslims worldwide embark on a journey of profound spiritual devotion, echoing the sentiments of Christians during Lent.
Rev Zeresh Daniel, Pastorin-charge of the Urdu-speaking congregation in Muscat, emphasises the shared practices of fasting and devotion, highlighting the mutual respect for religious values that exemplify interfaith harmony. “Let us embrace the physical discomfort of fasting with love and humility, honouring our respective faiths,” he urges.
His message to Muslim and Christian brethren is to let love guide our interactions and humility shape our actions, .* /# / *0- . -$ơ ( 4 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 + $) *)ƣ$ /Ƕ-$ ) - gions 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 /$( !*- .+$-$/0 ' +0-$ơ /$*) and seeking forgiveness for *) ǭ. .$).ǟ Ǯ / 0. ( - /# strengths of both traditions as we journey together, sharing in
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Rev Christopher J R Howitz, MBE, Anglican Chaplain at the Church of Saint John, Muscat, - ƣ /. *) /# .# - .+$-$/0 ' 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 shar$)" Ƥ - 2$/# ( )$ !-$ ) . and neighbours. All this has
+ ) (4 ƥ /$*) !*- /#$. 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 fast$)"Ǡ .4( *'$.$)" #0( )$/4ǭ. 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 0)$1 -. '.$")$ơ ) *!! ./$)" beyond religious boundaries.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
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
'$ 1 -.ǭ '*1 !*- /#$. #*'4 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.