What Easter and Ramadan Teach Us About Unity
Kenya is a vibrant mosaic of cultures and faiths. As a multireligious and multicultural society, we are home to long-standing Christian traditions, deep-rooted Islamic heritage, and a significant Hindu community. None of these faiths stand in opposition to one another. In fact, at their core, they all promote love, compassion, generosity, and unity. There is wisdom to be drawn from each, and in times like these, when global tensions and cultural misunderstandings abound; it’s more important than ever to listen, learn, and appreciate the values we share.
This year, as has often been the case, Eid and Easter are being observed around the same time. Both holy periods- Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for Christians-are seasons of fasting, prayer, self-sacrifice, and spiritual renewal. Despite their different theological roots, they echo a standard call; to reflect, give, and grow closer to God. There is no harm-indeed, there is a great benefit, when a Christian learns something from a Muslim or a Muslim gains insight from a Christian. That’s the beauty of coexistence.
And while dialogue and respect bloom in many places, they are not without their critics. When King Charles recently hosted nearly 400 Muslims for Iftar at Windsor Castle, right-wing commentators erupted. Yet this gesture of inclusion and hospitality, organized by the UK’s Ramadan Tent Project, was widely celebrated as a sign of interfaith respect.
King Charles’s admiration for Islam is nothing new; he has spoken for decades about the religion’s beauty and ethical contributions, even noting in a 2018 biography that Christianity can learn much from Islamic teachings.
Closer to home, President William Ruto also welcomed Muslim leaders and faithful to the State House for an Iftar dinner, showing that in Kenya, too, we can uphold respect, inclusion, and unity in our diverse spiritual landscape.
As we enter this sacred season for Christians and Muslims, perhaps the best celebration we can offer is within our traditions and in extending grace and understanding to others.
Ramadan: Its Ramadan’s True Success Isn’t in The Feast–But in The Person You Become
It Is the Most Spiritually Invigorating Time of The Year
Ramadan takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon and is meant to mark the historic occasion when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Among Islam’s core practices, few are as profound and transformative as the month of Ramadan. Fasting is just the tip of the iceberg; it’s also a time when Muslims experience a deep recalibration of their souls and a reconnection with the Divine. It’s a month of heightened consciousness, empathy, and self-discipline.
To understand the importance of Ramadan, one must first grasp the broader framework of the Islamic faith. Muslims live by the Six Articles of Faith, which include belief in:
- One God
- Angels
- Revealed Scriptures
- Prophets
- The Day of Judgment
- Divine Decree (that all things occur within God’s knowledge and will)
These foundational beliefs are expressed through the Five Pillars of Islam, which shape the daily religious life of most Muslims:
- Shahada – Declaring the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad PBUH.
- Prayer (Salah) – Performing five daily prayers.
- Charity (Zakat) – Giving a portion of one’s wealth to needy people.
- Fasting (Sawm) – Abstaining from food, drink, and worldly desires during Ramadan.
- Pilgrimage (Hajj) – A journey to Mecca, required once in a lifetime for those who can.
Ramadan embodies the fourth pillar; for many Muslims, it is the most spiritually invigorating time of the year.
What Fasting Really Means
From sunrise to sunset, for 29 or 30 days, Muslims abstain from among other things;
- Food and drink (not even water)
- Intimacy with one’s spouse
- Negative speech and behaviour, such as gossip or slander
The fast goes far beyond the physical. It’s a holistic discipline-fasting with the tongue, the eyes, the ears, and the heart. The focus shifts from the body’s consumption to the soul’s elevation.
It is a month of prayer, reflection, reading of the Qur’an, and acts of charity. Mosques are filled at night for special extended prayers called Taraweeh, and the faithful seek to purify their hearts, repair relationships, and rekindle a more profound sense of purpose.
If someone falls sick during Ramadan or needs to travel somewhere, they can make up for their missed fasting days after the month. People who have terminal illnesses don’t have to fast either. They can compensate by engaging in charitable acts like volunteering in humanitarian activities or providing food to needy people. Special exceptions are also made for pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children, the elderly, and people with mental health challenges.
Gratitude and Empathy
One of the most profound outcomes of fasting is a renewed sense of gratitude. That first sip of water at sunset becomes a moment of awe. A simple meal feels like a feast. When you willingly go without, you understand what millions go through unwillingly every day. Ramadan has the potential to create deep empathy for the poor, and as a result, Muslims donate more to charity during this month than any other time of year.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the conclusion of Ramadan. It is one of Islam’s two major holidays. The other, Eid al-Adha, commemorates the end of the Hajj– the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim is expected to undertake at least once in their lifetime if possible.
The true success of Ramadan is not measured by the feast; however-it’s seen in the person you’ve become over the course of the month.
Easter: The Heart of Easter Lies in The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Easter is one of the most significant and sacred festivals in the Christian calendar
Easter marks the culmination of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and reflection observed by millions of Christians around the world. Alongside Christmas, Easter is one of the most significant and sacred festivals in the Christian calendar. It is a time of thanksgiving and celebration, honouring the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of Christian belief.
According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, and on the third day, Easter Sunday-He rose from the dead, symbolizing His victory over sin and death. This event is a pivotal moment in Christian history and a divine affirmation of Jesus’ identity and mission. His resurrection represents the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan and a profound expression of God’s love for humanity, offering believers the enduring promise of eternal life.
Easter invites Christians to reflect deeply on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice and to rejoice in the power of His resurrection. It is widely regarded as the most important celebration in the Christian liturgical year, marking a spiritual triumph that continues to shape the faith and devotion of Christians worldwide.
Why Do Christians Celebrate Easter?
The heart of Easter lies in the resurrection of Jesus Christ—an event that confirms His teachings, validates His divine mission, and reveals Him as the Son of God. Had Jesus remained in the tomb, He might have been remembered as a great moral teacher or Prophet. But the resurrection offered undeniable proof of His true identity and His power to overcome death on behalf of all who believe in Him.
As the Apostle Paul writes:
“If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless, and so is your faith.”
(1 Corinthians 15:14, NIV)
Without the resurrection, the Christian message would lack its foundation, and the movement Jesus began might have ended in silence. Instead, it ignited a bold and lasting faith.
After the crucifixion, the disciples were devastated- grieving, fearful, and in hiding. However, as the Gospel of John recounts, everything changed when they encountered the risen Christ. They saw His wounds, heard His voice, and shared meals with Him. This encounter transformed despair into conviction, and their testimony became the driving force behind the early Christian Church.
Jesus Himself affirmed His physical resurrection, saying:
“A spirit does not have flesh and bones; as you see, I have.”
(Luke 24:39)
Through the resurrection, Christians believe Jesus is not only the long-anticipated Messiah of Israel but also the King and Lord of a renewed creation- a new heaven and a new earth yet to come.
Easter and Ramadan are deeply united in spirit
In the end, Easter and Ramadan are deeply united in spirit, though rooted in different faith traditions. Both are seasons of sacrifice, self-examination, and spiritual growth. They ask believers to step back from worldly distractions, seek closeness with God, and emerge transformed, compassionate, grateful, and grounded in purpose.
In Kenya and beyond, these sacred observances offer more than just personal spiritual experiences. They provide a mirror for society, reminding us that faith can be a bridge, not a barrier. They teach us that despite our differences in doctrine, we long for peace, justice, forgiveness, and love.
This season, as churches fill with the joy of resurrection and mosques resonate with the prayers of fasting souls, may we all reflect not only on our individual journeys but on how much we stand to gain by learning from one another. Whether you say Amen or Ameen or gather for Suhoor or Easter sunrise service, the message at the heart of both is clear: hope is alive, faith is powerful, and love; authentic, selfless love is the greatest calling of all.
The author is a business writer and project coordinator, Omeriye Foundation.
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