Every year, billions of Christians and Muslims embark on two significant spiritual journeys – Lent and Ramadhan.  

Both are meant to be periods of reflection, self-restraint and devotion.  

However, a closer examination reveals that Ramadhan stands out as a more holistic and superior mode of worship, deeply embedding spiritual transformation into the believer’s life, while Lent often falls short, reduced to performative acts and superficial repentance. 

Lent, observed by Christians for 40 days, is supposed to be a period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter.  

However, for many, it is merely a ritualistic exercise, where sacrifices are tokenistic like giving up chocolate, alcohol or social media rather than engaging in meaningful self-reform.  

Many Christians use Lent as a temporary detox rather than a genuine act of self-discipline. 

On the other hand, Ramadhan is a complete spiritual reformation. It is not simply about abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk but a comprehensive moral and ethical training camp.  

Muslims are required to guard their speech from lies and gossip, their actions from wrongdoing, and their thoughts from envy and pride. Worship intensifies through nightly Taraweeh prayers, Quranic recitation and heightened charity.  

The discipline cultivated in Ramadhan extends beyond the month, fostering long-term self-improvement. 

Christian repentance is often seasonal and performative. Many use Lent as an excuse to appear pious while maintaining their vices in private.  

Some are abusive to their spouses and relatives, filled with malice, dishonesty and hypocrisy.  

They may attend church more frequently, but their conduct outside leaves a lot to be desired. They publicise donations for admiration rather than out of genuine concern for the needy. 

Islam, by contrast, encourages continuous repentance (Tawbah), emphasising humility and sincere self-correction.  

A Muslim repents by seeking Allah’s mercy through increased worship, ethical living and good deeds, rather than temporary self-denial.  

Worship in Islam is a daily commitment through praying five times a day regardless of the season, fasting with devotion during Ramadhan, and giving charity (Zakat) as a fundamental duty. 

Lent calls for charity, yet Christian giving is often tainted by vanity. Wealthy donors ensure their names appear on plaques and in church bulletins, while the genuinely needy remain overlooked.  

Christian societies lack structured charity systems that guarantee ongoing support for the underprivileged. 

Islamic charity, by contrast, is institutionalised.  

Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, ensures that a portion of every Muslim’s wealth is given to the poor annually.  

Beyond Zakat, there is Sadaqah, a voluntary charity given discreetly to preserve the dignity of recipients.  

During Ramadhan, this generosity is amplified, with Muslims feeding the hungry in mosques and communities without seeking praise.  

Christian societies often uphold monogamy as the ideal, yet many marriages are rife with infidelity, divorce, violence and secrecy.  

Polygamy, as permitted in Islam, acknowledges the natural disposition of men and provides a structured, honest approach to relationships. It reduces the prevalence of mistresses and broken homes. 

The greatest testimony to Ramadhan’s superiority is its lasting impact while Muslims carry its lessons throughout the year.  

While Lent and Ramadhan share similarities, Ramadhan emerges as the more profound and spiritually transformative period.  

It is not a temporary religious observance but a rigorous training in self-control, sincerity, and devotion.  

If Christians truly wish to draw closer to God, they might consider adopting some of Islam’s enduring practices – worship beyond mere rituals, charity without vanity, and repentance for genuine reform. 

— The writer is a PhD student in International Relations