- For the first time in more than three decades, Christians and Muslims begin Lent and Ramadan at the same time
- Ash Wednesday ushers Christians into 40 days of fasting and reflection, while the sighting of the new moon marks the beginning of Ramadan, a month of daily fasting from dawn to dusk.
- This equation offers a unique opportunity for religious dialogue, collective reflection and a new call for peace
The world’s two largest religious communities are entering the holy season at the same time this Wednesday, February 18, something that has not been seen in decades.
Source: UGC
Christians around the world celebrate Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a 40-day journey of prayer, self-denial and reflection that resembles the time Jesus spent in the desert before beginning his ministry.
Meanwhile, Muslims have started Ramadan following the sighting of the new moon on the evening of Tuesday, February 17.
The holy month is expected to run from February 18 to March 19, with Lent culminating in Easter celebrations on April 5.
This rare combination of Lent and Ramadan has not happened for more than 30 years.
Luck this is due to the differences in the calendar leading to these two celebrations.
How do Lent and Ramadan fit together in 2026?
Lent follows the Gregorian solar calendar, while Ramadan is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which moves about 11 days earlier each year.
Over time, this cycle brings these two holy seasons into parallel, as was last witnessed in the early 1990s.
Experts estimate that such frames may not occur again until the late 2050s.
Although there have been years where the two seasons have overlapped by a few days, starting around the same time is still unusual.
According to a scientific journal published by the Astronomical Applications Division of the US Naval Observatory, Ramadan cycles through the seasons approximately every 33 years, bringing the times to overlap with Lent frequently.
For Catholics, Lent is observed by fasting from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday and abstaining from meat on Fridays.
Adults between the ages of 18 and 59 are required to fast, meaning they can eat one full meal and, if needed, two small meals.
Those who have reached the age of 14 and above are expected to abstain from meat.
Source: AFP
What are the rules of fasting during Ramadan?
In Islam, Ramadan is one of the five pillars, so it is the basis of faith. Except for some people such as children, the elderly, pregnant women or travelers, Muslims must fast every day from dawn to sunset.
This includes abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sexual intercourse during the day.
Each day begins with suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and ends with iftar at sunset, usually starting with dates and water before a full meal.
Mosques organize special taraweeh night prayers after the Isha prayer, where long sections of the Quran are recited.
Sacrifice becomes central in this month. Muslims are obliged to give Zakat al-Fitr before Eid al-Fitr so that vulnerable families can celebrate as well, and many give voluntary charity known as sadaqah.
How does Kenya facilitate the import of dates for Ramadan?
In preparation for this season, the National Treasury approved the exemption of the Import Declaration Fee and the Railway Development Tax for dates, an important food for breaking the fast, to make it easier for the Muslim community.
In 2025, the government of the President William Ruto it also approved duty-free import of dates for Ramadan to facilitate easy access for Muslims in Kenya.
Minister of Health, Aden Dualepraised the move saying it aims to strengthen religious harmony and national unity in the country.
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