One of the most important things we can do is be aware of culture’s that help to make up our world. While we enter the lenten season and make our vows of abstinence to God as Catholics, the Islamic faith begins its holy month of fasting.

This event is known as Ramadan and it occurs during the ninth month of Islamic calendar. Ramadan begins when the crescent moon appears, usually in early March, and it ends in early April when the crescent moon appears once again. It is believed that during the last days of Ramadan is when Allah revealed the Islamic Holy Book, the Qur’ān, to the Prophet Muhammad. This is called the “Night of Power.”

The book was meant to be “a guidance for the people”, and is still regarded as that by Muslim’s all across the country. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dusk until dawn, meaning no food, water, or luxuries may be ingested during the majority of the day. The main purpose of Ramadan is to grow spiritually, give reverence to the Qur’ān, and build a stronger relationship with Allah.

Although the Muslim faith and the Catholic faith are wildly different, they both are centered around a God that loves us and provides for our needs. This season is just one way we can recognize the similarities and commonalities between cultures that our different from our own, and learn to respect and appreciate them. Through God we can continue learning from and welcoming others with an open heart, as Jesus did.