Islam and Christianity: A Comparison of Faith and Practice
This is similarities between Islam and Christianity essay in which this topic is considered. within the concept of fasting. Both Islam and Christianity share in practices of fasting and self-denial as guided by sacred texts in order to gain spiritual progression.
Islamic tradition holds a month of strict fasting known as Ramadan. During which adherents are to abstain from food, from dawn to dusk alongside self-indulging activities such as smoking and sexual intercourse. Throughout the duration of their fast, Muslims are invited to reflect on their spiritual life as well as the unfortunate who often experience this hunger. Thus, the control of the stomach becomes a means of transformation of the soul. Muslims beak their fast with an evening meal known as iftar which together with the pre‐dawn meal (suhoor) hold great significance as they become an occasion for unity, gathering Muslim communities together. Furthermore, the month of Ramadan is particularly sacred as it as a time where Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayer and reflection. Muslims also have services held at mosques every night during the month of Ramadan whereby one‐thirtieth of the Qur’an is read (tarawih). To further benefit from this holy month, Devoted believers retreat for 10 days inside a mosque in a prayerful and reflective spirit. This practice is more commonly known within Muslim communities as i’tikaf.
Likewise, Christian tradition also holds various fasts throughout the year in aims of assisting adherents to use physical experiences to transform spiritually. This can be observed specifically during the Great lent, which is one of the most important seasons and most intense fasting period in Christian churches where adherents immensely exercise penitence and self‐denial. Lent is a time where believers are encouraged to neglect the physical desires of the body by fasting, abstinence and increase in prayer as well as religious services and activities. Lent goes for the duration of 40 days mirroring Jesus’ fast in the wilderness prior to the commencement of his public ministry.
Orthodox Christianity, refrain from consuming dairy and meats during the course of Lent to further subject the body to higher levels of self - control. Similar practices are held in the Western tradition (greasy Tuesday) where Christians are given a final occasion to enjoy food, drink alongside other sensual pleasures before Lent commences. Given its relation to Christ’s death, Friday is the recommended day for acts of self‐denial in Western Christianity.
To conclude in what way is Islam similar to Christianity essay, consequently, both Abrahamic religions utilise fasting and control of the body as means of self denial for spiritual development.
