Lent And Ramadan Begin Together After 33 Years
Hyderabad, Feb. 18: In a rare calendar coincidence, Lent and Ramadan are beginning almost at the same time this year, drawing attention from religious communities worldwide.
Christian Lent and Muslim Ramadan fasting periods are aligning after nearly 33 years. The last such overlap occurred in 1993, making this year’s convergence significant for both faiths.
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar. Since the lunar year is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan shifts earlier each year. Therefore, a full cycle aligns roughly once every 33 years.
Lent and Ramadan Follow Different Calendars
With the sighting of the crescent moon marking 1447 Hijri, fasting has begun in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf countries. Consequently, Muslims worldwide have started observing Ramadan.
Meanwhile, Lent in the Christian tradition begins on Ash Wednesday. This year, Ash Wednesday falls on February 18. Christians will observe 40 days of fasting and prayer until Easter.
Unlike Ramadan, Lent follows the Gregorian solar calendar. Therefore, both fasting periods rarely begin together.
During these sacred periods, followers of both religions engage in prayer, fasting and charity. Religious leaders say this rare overlap offers an opportunity to promote mutual respect, peace and harmony.
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