March 1st, marked the beginning of the sacred month of Ramadan for Muslims, a time of fasting, prayer and charitable acts. Mustafa Cenap Aydin, a sociologist of religion and director of the “Tevere Institute – Center for Dialogue” (Rome), reflected on the significance of this period, particularly as this year it coincides with Lent. He describes this overlap as “an embrace between the children of Abraham who walk together.”
Ramadan and Lent: A Shared Journey of Reflection
For Muslims and Christians, Ramadan and Lent are times of deep spiritual reflection on shared themes. These periods of fasting and contemplation invite believers to reflect on their existence, their relationship with creation and their connection with the Creator. In an interview with Vatican media, Mustafa Cenap Aydin highlighted the significance of Ramadan for Muslims, particularly in 2025, when it precedes Lent by only five days.
“This coincidence,” he explained, “can be seen as an embrace between two brothers, children of Abraham, who walk together for different reasons. A concrete example of this shared journey is the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb. This time of year offers both Muslims and Christians a chance to better understand life’s fundamental questions.”
He also noted that the calendar alignment does not end here: this year, Catholic and Orthodox Easter both fall on 20th April and from 12th-20th April, Pesach (Jewish Passover) will also be observed. “This year,” Aydin emphasized, “presents many opportunities for interfaith collaboration, even in the realm of spiritual life.”
Fasting as a Path to Spirituality
For Christians and Muslims alike, this period is marked by fasting—not merely as a dietary discipline but as a profound spiritual experience. “From the very first night of Ramadan,” Aydin explained, “Muslims will recite special prayers and engage in moments of reflection, including contemplation of the sacred text and the repetition of God’s many beautiful names.”
On Wednesday, March 5, Christians will observe Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent’s 40-day journey toward Easter. “These journeys—30 days of Ramadan and 40 days of Lent—are steps that offer both Muslims and Christians an opportunity for renewal, a chance to rediscover who we are and how we can serve others.”
The 60th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate
Reflecting on the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II declaration on interreligious dialogue, Aydin recalled its recognition of the moral values and religious practices shared by Muslims and Christians, particularly prayer, almsgiving and fasting.
“Ramadan is not only significant for its fasting,” he noted, “but also for fostering a greater openness to others and a deep commitment to charity. This generosity, in a sense, becomes a form of prayer—whether through vocal supplication or through concrete actions for peace and reconciliation. We must actively work for peace, knowing that it cannot be achieved without the will of God, whom we call upon through prayer.”
Prayers for Pope Francis
During this sacred time, Aydin shared a special intention: “We will also offer prayers for Pope Francis, a man of prayer who lives it in every moment of his life. As Muslims, throughout Ramadan, we will be very close to him in our prayers.”
Published in Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/it/mondo/news/2025-03/ramadan-islam-mese-digiuno-preghiera-quaresima.html