This February and March, something beautiful is happening – Ramadan and Lent bothh started on Wednesday, February 18. Maybe this is your first Ramadan. Maybe it’s your first Lent in years. Or maybe life simply got busy and you’re now finding your way back. So, if you’re looking to get back into it, keep reading to find some helpful fasting tips for both Ramadan and Lent.
Also read: UAE: 12 Ways To Make Ramadan Charity Donations
Different Traditions, Shared Purpose
Ramadan and Lent may look different in practice, but the heart behind them is closely connected. Both are rooted in faith and are meant to help people grow spiritually. They encourage self-control, gratitude, charity, and deeper reflection.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset each day, abstaining from food and drink as an act of worship and discipline for 30 days. Lent, observed by many Christians, lasts for 40 days and often involves giving up certain foods, habits, or comforts as a form of sacrifice and reflection.
In both cases, fasting is not simply about hunger. It is about awareness. It is about learning patience, building empathy for those in need, and becoming more intentional in everyday life. That shared purpose is what makes this overlap feel so meaningful.
Tips For Ramadan Fasting
If you’re fasting from sunrise to sunset, energy and balance are key. Here are some simple, practical tips:
1. Start and End with Balance
At suhoor, go for slow-releasing foods like oats, whole grains, eggs, yogurt, and fruits. These help you stay full longer. At iftar, ease in gently. Start light with dates and water are traditional. Then build up to a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs.
2. Hydration Is Everything
Drink water consistently between iftar and suhoor. Don’t try to squeeze it all in at once. Spacing it out helps your body absorb it properly.
3. Protect Your Energy
Sleep might feel shorter during Ramadan, so small power naps (if possible) can really help. Listen to your body – this month is about reflection, not exhaustion.
Tips For Lent Fasting
Lent may look different from Ramadan, but it also requires intention and balance.
1. Be Clear About Your Purpose
If you’ve given something up , whether it’s sweets, meat, social media, or a daily habit. Remind yourself why. Tie it back to growth and faith.
2. Don’t Replace One Habit With Another
If you’ve given up one comfort, try not to swap it for another distraction. Lent works best when it creates space for something deeper.
3. Add, Don’t Just Subtract
Lent isn’t only about giving things up. It can also be about adding something positive. More devotion, volunteering, checking in on loved ones, or acts of kindness.
4. Be Kind To Yourself
Spiritual growth isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. If you slip up, refocus and continue. The journey matters more than one off day.
A Rare & Beautiful Overlap
There is something quietly powerful about knowing that so many people around the world are practicing restraint and reflection at the same time. And to add to the beauty, the Hindu celebration of Holi is also coming up in March. Which means 3 major religious events will all coincide at the same time.
This rare alignment of Ramadan and Lent is a reminder that while traditions may differ, the desire for self-improvement and spiritual renewal is universal!
