– Rose Aloysius
This year, Ramadan coincided with Lent, providing a wonderful opportunity to turn this period into a moment of interreligious dialogue and discovery.
Upon relocating to Delhi for work a few months ago, I had the good fortune of meeting Fr Joseph Victor Edwin SJ, a theology teacher specializing in Christian-Muslim relations at Delhi’s Vidyajyoti College of Theology and Secretary of the Islamic Studies Association. He introduced me to a booklet titled “Journeying with Muslims: Listening, Praying, and Working Together” by Cardinal Michael Louis Fitzgerald. Fr Edwin shared with me an initiative that some Christian friends had begun: to accompany our Muslim brothers and sisters throughout Ramadan by reading a daily excerpt from this booklet. At the conclusion of Ramadan and Easter, we planned to gather online to reflect on our shared experience.
I found the idea quite appealing, feeling a deep desire to better understand the beliefs of my new Muslim acquaintances in Delhi. On March 10, the holy season of fasting from dawn to sunset began for Muslims. Each morning, after my usual meditation on sacred Christian texts, I read a chapter from Cardinal Fitzgerald’s booklet. Day by day, I explored the titles of the Suras in the Holy Quran, reflecting on their spiritual wisdom. It felt like I was engaging in a heartfelt dialogue with Muslims.
I discovered that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a profoundly joyous occasion for Muslims worldwide, despite the fasting, as it is a time of prayer, reflection, and community. By abstaining from fundamental needs like food and water, Muslims strive to be their best selves, turning Ramadan into a joyful period of profound self-discovery. Ramadan calls believers back to their spiritual roots – a moment to pause, quiet the noise, and be more attentive to the Spirit’s guidance. I felt a deep kinship with my Muslim friends during this time of introspection and re-evaluation of my relationship with God and humanity.
The day of our online meeting arrived. It was a delight to connect across continents with friends from Islamic, Baha’i, and Christian backgrounds spanning India, Italy, Algeria, and Congo. Professor Gaetano Sabetta skillfully moderated the session, effortlessly transitioning between English and Italian to ensure everyone’s contributions were fully understood. After an initial prayer, each participant shared their meaningful experiences of Ramadan and how they engaged with those of different faiths, fostering a sense of shared brotherhood.
Professor Nadjia Kebour, a lecturer at the Missiology Department of the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, shared her observations on Ramadan’s atmosphere in Italy compared to her hometown in Algeria, where the joy of Ramadan and daily Iftar celebrations permeate the community. Despite the difference, she found deep joy in the Eid greetings from students and colleagues, feeling their genuine closeness.
Fr. Hemprey from Congo, a student of Prof. Nadija, expressed gratitude for her exemplary faith witness at their university. Silvano and Angela from Salerno, Italy, of the Baha’i faith, a minority in the country, recounted how Angela’s study of Arabic and the Quran has helped her connect better with her Muslim friends, sharing moments of prayer and support across faiths. We exchanged insights gained from accompanying our Muslim friends during Ramadan, rediscovering attributes of God such as Creator, Forgiveness, and Mercy. Fr. Edwin highlighted the profound symbolism of Sura 95 al-tin (The Fig), illustrating the fruitful life and destiny lived in communion with God.
We concluded by reciting the first Sura of the Quran, “Al-Fatiha,” together in English, Arabic, and Italian, praising God. The online session truly embodied brotherhood and sisterhood – a communion celebrating the abundant life in God, as symbolized by Easter and Eid.
My heart overflowed with gratitude for the love shared during that hour. I couldn’t help but recall our collective prayer:
“O Lord, the source of life and peace,
All praise to the Almighty ..
Our world faces numerous crises.
Listen to our prayer; your power can change and transform our hearts.
Muslims and Christians affirm profoundly that they are followers of the one God,
Children of one Father, brothers and sisters;
May all the nations unite in seeking the path of peace.
Help us bear witness to this truth throughout our lives.
Grant us understanding, mercy, and forgiveness.
Guide us to live by your law. Amen.”
