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Mary Irvine: Closer than we thought

Mary Irvine and her friend S.C. Kamaluddin compare different cultures, the feasts of Easter and Eid and the practice of Lent and Ramadan. 

Lent

Based on the lunar calendar, the dates are different each year.

40 days of fasting, prayer, moderation, almsgiving, self-denial.

Prescribed as commemoration of Jesus’ time in the desert, so that one may learn abstinence.

Easter marks the end. For many, three days of prayer, feasting and celebration.

Ramadan

Based on the lunar calendar, the dates are different each year.

29 or 30 days of fasting, prayer, moderation, almsgiving, self-denial.

Prescribed “as it was prescribed to others before” so that one may learn abstinence.

Eid al Fitr marks the end. For many, three days of prayer, feasting and celebration.

Eid al Fitr: Festival of breaking the fast

Mary Irvine/S.C. Kamaluddin (April, 2020)

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