This year, the Islamic month of Ramadan, starting at sunset Feb. 18, and the Christian observance of Lent both began on the same day, sharing the common tradition of fasting.

Fasting is a time-honored tradition in many world religions, meant to build self-discipline and cleanse both the body and the mind.

Catholic Lent traditions were once more austere than they are today and have shifted into more of an optional practice not directly mandated by Scripture. By contrast, fasting in Islam is a mandatory religious duty.

Fasting during Lent is usually a personal choice, but in Islam, going without food and drink is required for the whole month of Ramadan, from dawn to sunset. The only exceptions are for the elderly, the sick and children.

Lent and Ramadan have unique meanings and are observed in different ways. Lent is a reflective season that helps people connect with Jesus, Prophet Issa, son of Mary (Maryam), and the good deeds he did for humanity. It’s a time to remember and honor the great sacrifices he made.

Ramadan encourages Muslims to reflect on Islamic teachings and steer clear of feelings like lust, envy and anger, along with actions such as violence, greed, arrogance and gossip. Similarly, fasting during Ramadan and observing Lent help believers connect with their religious roots while offering opportunities for self-improvement, reflection and personal growth.

As American Muslims, during the blessed month of Ramadan, we put aside the long hours without food and drink to reflect on those who are poor, hungry, homeless and less fortunate around the world.

Ramadan is a perfect time to practice generosity, work toward lasting solutions to end hunger and build personal discipline while focusing on self-growth. Over its 29 or 30 days, it’s a journey to grow closer to God through good deeds, seeking forgiveness, letting go of sins and expanding our knowledge.

Fasting can be tough, but if we want Ramadan to mean more than just going without food and drink, we should ask why God has commanded it and what lessons we can learn from our hunger.

The hunger and thirst we experience are powerful reminders of our connection to God. We can’t expect to suddenly stop sinning if we haven’t built the habit of self-control.

Fasting is a way to test how much control we have over ourselves. As the day passes and we start craving food or water, we practice holding back. It’s a reminder that when temptations like lust, greed or anger come our way, we need to learn to resist them, too.

We often talk about how important it is to spend more time connecting with God and strengthening our bond with Him. Every Muslim understands the value of Ramadan and the Nights of Power, knowing that one of those nights is worth a thousand months. Yet we still tend to fall short when it comes to truly reforming ourselves and getting closer to God.

Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of fasting, has increasingly turned into occasions for feasting, celebrations and fun, much like Christmas.

But what happens to the spiritual aspect we talk about in our daily lectures?

Each day, we spend half an hour reciting the Quran, attending Quran sessions and listening to scholars, continuing traditions that have been passed down through generations.

What if this year we commit to eating healthier, simpler meals in smaller portions, giving more to charity, and cutting down on waste? By building a few lasting positive habits this month, we can enter next Ramadan with an even stronger foundation for meaningful change.

These 29 or 30 days can feel like an energy boost or a spiritual boot camp, and when used wisely, they can kick-start our spiritual journey.

If we keep ourselves cozy with good food and pleasant distractions from social events and traditions, how will we find the motivation to chase the path toward the highest level of paradise? Do we choose to remain in our comfort zones and risk spiritual stagnation, or push ourselves toward infinite reward? The decision is entirely ours.

Mohammed Khaku is a prominent figure in the Lehigh Valley, known for his work as the past president of the Al-Ahad Islamic Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He has been actively involved in various social and criminal justice initiatives, serving on boards for organizations like the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute and the Lehigh Valley ACLU. Khaku has also been vocal about community issues, including political activism and social justice movements, reflecting his commitment to addressing the needs of the local Muslim community.