By Slivia Nakituuka
The holy seasons of Lent and Ramadhan for Christians and Muslims, respectively, began on February 18 across the world, marking a period of fasting, spiritual growth, generosity, and communal prayer.
The rare occurrence of Ramadan and Lent starting on the same day results from the Islamic lunar calendar, which shifts approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. This alignment is expected to happen again after about 30 to 33 years.
Muslims follow the Hijri calendar, in which Ramadhan is the ninth and holiest month. During this time, believers devote themselves to God through communal prayers such as Taraweeh and fasting, which involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset. The fast is intended to foster self-discipline, gratitude, and spiritual reflection over a period of 30 days.
Many Muslims welcome the month as an opportunity for purification and renewed devotion to Allah, following the example of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
“Ramadhan is still challenging because it has started and we are still getting used to it,” said Nasrah Balikurunji Busobozi, a student at Uganda Christian University pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration.
She added that Muslims should remain committed to the fast.
“Muslims should not fall victim to pretence, such as feigning sickness to avoid fasting, because the fast is only 30 days of the year,” Busobozi said.
On the Christian calendar, Lent typically begins between February and mid-March. It starts on Ash Wednesday and lasts six weeks. Christians observe the period in remembrance of the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness, as they prepare for the celebration of Easter. Many believe that fasting during this time fosters repentance and spiritual renewal.
While Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours, Christians observe Lent in different ways. Some abstain from certain foods, others give up particular habits, and some increase their participation in church activities and prayer.
According to Rev. Fr. Dr. Vianney Kyeyune of St. Peter’s Catholic Church during his Ash Wednesday sermon, the Lenten season rests on three pillars: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. He encouraged Christians to dedicate more time to prayer and charitable works.
“Fasting is not about saving food. If you plan on fasting, give the food to someone who needs it, for example, a poor neighbour or the needy, rather than keeping it for when you break your fast,” Kyeyune said.
Kenneth Migisha, an alumnus of UCU, said Lent is about sacrifice and self-discipline. He noted that giving up food or certain habits helps believers identify with the suffering of Jesus Christ.
