By Dianabasi Effiong
Fasting begins on Wednesday for Christians and Muslims alike as faithful of the two major religions observe Ash Wednesday and Ramadan.
For Christians, this years Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 18.
Lent is marked with a 40-day, solemn period of prayer, fasting, and repentance preparatory for Easter.
Similarly, for Muslims, Ramadan is a month of fasting, communal gathering, worship, and spiritual development.
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The coincidence of Lent and Ramadan this year is seen by the faithful of both religions in Nigeria as a period that should further reinforce the need for national unity and religious tolerance.
According to the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria), this period should be seen by faithful across the country as a spiritual opportunity to promote religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and national unity.
In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, the Vice Chairman of GIMP-Nigeria’s Governing Council, Muyiwa Akintunde, said that the beginning of the significant religious responsibilities on the same day showed how different traditions could share a moment of reflection through fasting, and spiritual fulfilment.
Akintunde said the Divine coincidence had further reinforced that both faiths were not mutually exclusive.
He added that both faiths should endeavour to coexist in harmony.
“Despite different calendars, humanity’s search for meaning often lines up in unexpected ways,” he said.
Akintunde said, “Ramadan and Lent are not only seasons of fasting and devotion but also periods of moral rebirth, compassion, and bridge-building across faith.”
Also, a concerned observer, who said that the coincidence was particularly timely, noted, “Now that God has harmonised the two obligations, at least for this year, who will you fight now?”
The President of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, has called on millions of Christians and Muslim faithful across the nation and the world to seek the face of the Lord in high expectations that all their heart cries will God answer, even as she pointed out that God admonishes us to pray and fast.
Speaking through the NTF Media, Popoola urged the Christians and Muslim faithful to fast and pray to seek the face of God in the spirit of love and unity of purpose.
”As we all go through the fasting and praying period, a time for us to be in sober reflection and selflessness amongst the people to graciously show love, kindness, and display true peace and unity, in line with the faith”.
She added that the period also allows for spiritual and personal rebirth, which should reflect positively on the fortunes of the country.
”I want to charge Nigerians to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, and the continued growth of the socio-economic life of Nigeria.
