Pakistani Prelate Extends Ramadan Greetings, Calls Lent–Ramadan Overlap a Sign of Interfaith Unity
Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Rawalpindi–Islamabad, Pakistan, has extended greetings to the Muslim community on the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, noting that this year Ramadan coincides with the Christian season of Lent.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Christian community, the archbishop described the simultaneous observance of Lent and Ramadan as “a beautiful and rare spiritual moment.” He said the convergence of the two sacred seasons offers Christians and Muslims an opportunity to reflect on shared spiritual values.
Arshad said Lent in the Christian tradition is marked by prayer, fasting, and charity, providing a time for repentance, spiritual renewal, and deeper communion with God. He noted that Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is similarly characterized by fasting, night prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, and charitable giving through Zakat and Sadaqah.
He emphasized that both seasons call believers to purify their hearts, practice self-discipline, and extend support to those in need. At a time when societies face division and conflict, he said such shared practices demonstrate that faith can promote mercy, solidarity, and unity.
The archbishop added that fasting fosters patience and humility, prayer strengthens the relationship between humanity and the Creator, and charity transforms faith into concrete acts of service. When members of different faiths engage in these practices, he said, they bear witness to religion’s role in serving humanity and promoting peace.
Referring to Pakistan’s religious diversity, Arshad said the overlap of Lent and Ramadan provides a meaningful opportunity to strengthen interfaith harmony in the country.
He encouraged people of different faiths to exchange greetings, visit one another, and work together in serving vulnerable communities.
He concluded by inviting Christians and Muslims to offer special prayers for peace during this period. He expressed hope that a shared commitment to prayer, fasting, and charity would help deepen faith, foster unity, and strengthen efforts toward peace and harmony in Pakistan.
