Harvest of spiritual engagements as Muslims, Christians fast simultaneously

The coincidence is instructive! And as it happened last year, the confluence of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims globally observe obligatory fasting (starting from March 1) and the Lent which began after the Christians observed Ash Wednesday on March 5 should portend a good omen for Nigeria. Happily, these fasting periods are simultaneously being observed by adherents of the two predominant faiths in the country when there ishardship in the land coupled with many other anti-people occurrences. The question, therefore, is: how should the country and Nigerians position themselves to harvest the benefits of these spiritual engagements?

Responding, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Stephen Adegbite called on Nigerians to be their brother’s keeper and fear God in all their dealings with one another. He described the Lenten season as a period for Christians to pray, fast and be kind to people around them. According to him, it is not a period to show off, or be angry and frustrated but a period to do the work that is expected of them.

Adegbite noted it was a good thing for Christians and Muslims to fast together, adding that the nation is lifted when its people uphold justice and righteousness. Hesaid: “We are to be our brother’s keeper and must uphold justice and righteousness, which exalt a nation. Luckily for us this year, we are fasting and the Muslim brothers and sisters are also observing the Holy Ramadan, which is a blessing to our country and the world at large because when we seek God’s face, we would see the glory of God. It is a blessing in disguise for us, that we are having both Lent and Holy Ramadan together. The end of it will bring good tidings to Nigeria.”

For the Imam of Zakaryya Central Mosque, Mafoluku, Imam AbdulqadirAbdullateefOlamilekan, Allah commanded Muslims to fast and in doing so, they must watch their actions, communication and thoughts so that the purpose of mortifying of the soul, and establishing close tie with Allah is not in vain. He said that Muslims who obey the injunction of Allah to fast often are distinct from others because on the Day of Judgment they have a special door through which they enter heaven and it is called Al-Rayyaan.

Highlighting other spiritual benefits, the Imam said during Ramadan, Muslims develop self-discipline, empathy, and closer relationship with Allah. While urging adherents not to forget reciting the Quran, praying, and performing Duaa, Imam Olamilekan said: “Beyond its religious significance, we are strengthened and spiritually bonded with Allah, hearts are softened towards the poor, there is self-improvement, the tanks of Taqwa are filled up, and our health conditions are improved, among others.”
He emphasised that charity and Zakat are obligations for the Muslim brethren.

Similarly, Chief Imam of University of Lagos (UNILAG)Muslim Community (UMC), Prof. Ismail Musa decried the bad attitude or behaviour of both Muslims and Christians, saying they hardly obey God’s divine guidance and as a result deny Nigeria from social reconstruction and transformation. He called on clerics of both religions to remind their followers to exhibit God’s divine instructions both at home, workplaces and recreational centres, adding that it is a major problem in Nigeria.

The Chief Imam urged Muslims and Christians to use the occasion of Ramadan and Lent to change and acquire spiritual rectitude that will last and remain within their consciousness for a lifetime.

Musa said: “Historically, fasting is a consistent divine duty meant to achieve numerous purposes and in Islam, it is to attain God-consciousness which leads to God-centredbehaviour and actions.Multi-religious society such as Nigeria should be able to harvest the immense benefits of fasting by Muslims and Christians for social reconstruction and transformation, but the contradiction between what the scriptures teach and what we exhibit at home, workplaces, recreational centres is the root cause of our intractable problems.Therefore, the clergy should remind people about acting up on divine guidance.

“We read the Quran and Bible without paying attention to developingQuranic or biblical behaviour. ManyMuslims and Christians exhibit different behaviors during the season of fasting and outside it. The fasting period enables us to acquire spiritual resources that will last and remain within our consciousness for a lifetime. This means that fasting should not be restricted to Ramadan. Rather, it should be intermittent for man to maximise its benefits. It reminds us about the obligation of rescuing the poor, the downtrodden and the weak from all manners of problems. Their challenges are our challenges, their comfort is our comfort. Focusing on their plight is not optional.”

The Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Aba, and Bishop, Diocese of Isialangwa South, Abia State, Most Rev Isaac ChijiokeNwaobia, describes these fasting periods by Christians and Muslims as a good opportunity for spiritual renewal, introspection, and self-reflection. He said that the spiritual obligation would help individuals to deepen their faith, develop a stronger connection with God, and cultivate a sense of dependence on Him, underscoring that the coexistence of Christian fasting and Muslim Ramadan in Nigeria could foster interfaithunderstanding, tolerance, and cooperation. He added that it is a period of self-examination and followers of both religions to sincerely undertake introspective assessment and make a change, according to Isaiah 58:1ff.

Stressing the moral benefits of fasting together, Archbishop Nwaobia said: “Fasting during Lent and Ramadan promote self-discipline, self-control, and perseverance, essential values for personal growth and development.

“By experiencing hunger and thirst, individuals develop empathy and compassion for those in need, promoting a sense of social responsibility.
“Both Christian fasting and Muslim Ramadan encourage charity and generosity, as well promote the culture of giving and sharing. Our religious confessions and professions must begin to reflect in our values for the sanctity of life and strong attitude of being our brother’s keeper, rather than destroying our brother’s lives and properties.”

In the same vein, Alhaj (Amb) Nasir AwhelebeUhor wants Nigerians to see Ramadan and Lenten season as periods for joint action against hardship and urges adherents of both faiths to see the religious events as divine. According to him, joint Ramadan and Lenten seasonprovide an excellent opportunity to initiate aunited and sustained jihad and crusade to drastically whittle down vices and in the process, regenerate the country with the genuine fear of Allah as the driving force. He said that the hardship being experienced by Nigerians is as a result of corruption, dishonesty and indiscipline and clear transgression of Allah’s command.

To eliminate hardship and insecurity in the land, Uhor suggested that Nigerians must develop a healthy disdain for all the vices and transgressions against Allah’s laws, which He mercifully put in place for “our own good.”

He said: “In other words, we must go closer to Allah, and seek His face in our daily living. Allah instituted the Ramadan fast to provide sinful mankind a channel for close interaction with Him. During this period, worshippers are closest to Allah; they make conscious efforts at avoiding all acts that transgress Allah’s laws for as long as the fasting lasts, meaning that we should remain purified and closer to Allah.

“Now, imagine a situation where some 80 percent of all Muslims in the country fasting, shun all vices and living a life-pleasing to Allah and 80 per cent of Christians do same by living lives devoid of sin, there is no way a spiritual and moral tsunami would not be unleashed in the country with all its pleasant consequences.”

He concluded by saying that Muslims and Christians are positioned to lead themoral and spiritual rebirth the country sorely needs.
Bishop on Special Duty and General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), The Very Rev Evans Onyemara enjoined Christians and Muslims to use these periods to repent, humble themselves and Christians should follow the examples of Jesus Christ, who fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness to prepare for His earthly ministry (Matthew 4:1-2). He urged Nigerians to reflect on the collective responsibilities and strive for a just society.
Bishop Onyemara said: “During the sacred periods, Nigerians must embrace personal transformation by reflecting on their actions and making deliberate efforts toward God. Leaders in government, businesses, industries, and other spheres of influence should seize this moment to foster integrity, honesty, and justice in governance and public service.”

He also counselled that acts of charity should be amplified by Nigerians during this time and faith-based organisations, community leaders, and individuals must come together to support their neighbours and the less privileged by providing food, healthcare, and financial assistance.

“By embracing the spirit of generosity, Nigerians can create a society where love and compassion take precedence over greed and selfishness. But beyond personal and communal spirituality, this period should also be one of fervent prayer for national healing and good governance. Religious leaders should mobilise their congregations and Muslim Umma to pray for wisdom for Nigerian leaders, peace and security in the land, and for policies that promote economic stability and prosperity. If Nigerians fully embrace the principles of these sacred observances of self-discipline, charity, piety, and justice the nation can begin to heal from its wounds and forge a path toward a more prosperous future,” Onyemara said.