“Few experiences can produce such an intense spiritual and social impact on a Muslim as fasting during the month of Ramadan” according to Aziz Junejo, the host of “Focus on Islam,” a weekly cable-television show in Seattle, USA. “Refraining from food, drink, sex, smoking and anger from sunrise to sunset are some of the basic elements of this fast, but at its core is achieving a deeper spiritual relationship with our creator. For me, Ramadan is a spiritual and moral calling to re-examine my life’s mission: to be a more thoughtful human being through reflection and introspection, and to increase my love for the creator.”

This description of Ramadan encapsulize the essence of fasting which every Muslim must undergo during the month. It moves the practice of fasting to a higher level, not just a social or physical performance, but a spiritual one.

This is similar to the Catholic pronouncements on fasting. During Lent, the 40 days before Easter Sunday is set aside by the Church for Christians to prepare themselves for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This includes fasting, which is refraining from food to bring our bodies under the control of our souls, but it is also a way of doing penance and atonement for the sins committed in the past. Although the Church guideline is to fast during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday only, it strongly recommends that Catholics try to fast during Lent, especially during the Holy Week.

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Fasting can also be considered a bridge, a connection among the diverse communities in this region. A few decades ago, there was a lack of understanding on why Muslims fast during Ramadan, and Christians fast during Lent. Meetings and other activities were held where Christians partake of food while Muslims abstain. It is only now when better understanding of religious practices brought respect and deference to fasting. Now, both Christians and Muslims adhere to “no merienda policy” during Ramadan, and adjustment of working hours to allow preparation for the breaking of the fast.

Understanding of this practice should extend further to the on-going peace initiatives among the government and the MILF, and squabbles among separatist groups. It is heartbreaking to note that there are still people displaced by armed fighting in this holy month of Ramadan. A lot of pleas have been aired by Muslims and Christians alike to allow the peaceful celebration of this month by Islamic communities. This early, some families have to leave their dwellings and transfer to evacuation centers or relatives’ homes because of fear for their lives. How can they elevate fasting to a spiritual level, when their lives and properties are in constant danger, and they have to live in an alien environment?

Ramadan should be considered a perfect time for Muslims and Christians and other tribes in Mindanao, to move forward for a more peaceful relationship as neighbors and members of the same community. This would give everyone the opportunity to be closer to God and have a thorough introspection of his/her purpose for being. Let us provide the setting by making this month special in terms of keeping the peace (no armed conflict please!), and giving support especially to those who are in need.

Eva Kimpo-Tan is the editor-in-chief of The Mindanao Cross, the oldest Catholic weekly in the southern Philippines.