Oftentimes, religiosity and spirituality are mistaken by people. Religious person tends to discriminate against others based on his/her religious affiliation. Anyone who does not belong to his/her religion is not worthy of receiving his/her kindness and love. However, a spiritual person perceives everyone as a human – a creation and image of God, who deserves every form of love and kindness. A spiritual person is a promoter of humanity, while a religious person brings division and bigotry into humankind. A religious person worships men of God, thinking they are worshipping God, while a spiritual person worships God of men, knowing that men are made to worship God.

There is a lot that unites people’s religion than what divides them. Over the world this year, as it had happened in some years past, one of the Muslims’ and Christians’ tenets of faith comes together simultaneously. The fasting month of Ramadan began on March 1, while the fasting season of Lent began on March 5. Invariably, the faithful from two different faiths had over 20 days of fasting together. This is not just a coincidence but a Divine reminder that God is not for division but unity and love. Love for one another irrespective of religious affiliation, race, and social status.

For almost three weeks of simultaneous fasting of the two world’s major religions was a moment of getting closer to God in humility, love and kindness. The teachings of the two religions also promote giving, which is to distribute the love of God during the holy season and beyond. Giving to the needy, not to the greedy as some believers do to win the favour of religious and society leaders. Giving to the needy should transcend the period of Ramadan and Lent. Giving should become a habitual trait of the believers in and out of the season.

This year, Ramadan fasting ended on the 29th day, not on the 30th day. This makes the Eid el-Fitr fall on a Sunday – ‘Sallah on Sunday.’ This day is an opportunity for spiritual people to lift up their spirits in prayer in both places of worship – Mosques/Eid Praying Grounds and Churches worldwide to change our world to a better place. It is an opportunity to heal our world with prayer of unity and faith. Sallah on Sunday is a testimony to what God requests of us all – unity and love.

The coincidence is no one’s making. It was not orchestrated by any religious leader but a Divine arrangement. While the Muslims finally broke their fast to celebrate their Sallah, the Christians continue in the journey of 40 days of fasting and prayer. They continue to seek the face of God for another almost 20 days. Also, some Muslim faithful observe another 6 days fasting from two days after Ramadan, which is optional. This is a season of prayer for all.

May the Almighty God we all serve in spirit endow us with unwavering love and kindness for one another to make our world a Paradise on earth where the love of God abides and abounds.