Ramadan and Lent Reflection
Day 1: Perseverance
Living in the Holy Land, we experience faith not only in our prayers but in our daily struggles. Each morning, I see the resilience of neighbours—Muslims and Christians—holding fast to hope despite checkpoints, economic hardship, and uncertainty. Our lives are intertwined with the land’s history, sacred and contested, where every stone tells a story of perseverance. In fasting, prayer, and reflection, we remember that faith calls us to justice, compassion, and solidarity. Through small acts of kindness—sharing food, offering help, listening—we embody the enduring spirit of this land, grounded in both Quranic guidance and Gospel teachings.
— Lara Mitri
- Bethlehem
Matthew 4:4
“One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth, lives, and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient.”
Day 2: Forgiveness
‘I did not realize that by forgiving others, I would be doing a favor to myself, for it is only through forgiveness that we can free ourselves from the persistent memories of those people who have hurt us .’
‘The Anteater and the Jaguar’
— Rayek R Rizek
Surah An Nur: 24:22
"Do not let the people of virtue and affluence among you swear to suspend donations to their relatives, the needy, and the emigrants in the cause of Allah. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love to be forgiven by Allah? And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Luke 11: 4
‘And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.’
Day 3: Patience
Sabr In Arabic
In Palestine, Ramadan and Lent meet under the same sky of waiting and hope. Palestinian Muslims and Christians walk side by side, fasting, praying, and holding onto faith amid uncertainty. Our holy seasons remind us that patience is not weakness, and hope is not naïve , it is resistance. In homes lit by candles and hearts shaped by loss, faith becomes an act of love and steadfastness. We believe that justice, like faith, takes time - and that dignity, compassion, and peace will one day rise from this land where prayers never stop.
— Said Durzi Zarzar - Bethlehem
Colossians 1:11
‘May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience.’
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153
“O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
Day 6: Protection
The Christians and Muslims in Palestine always say, “we are brothers and sisters”. We protect one another. In Christian villages, mosques are protected; in Muslim villages, churches are protected. It has happened in history, it happens now.
Both communities face restrictions in reaching their holy places. Our struggle is the same, the Christians are restricted from reaching their churches especially those from the West Bank to visit their holy places in Jerusalem, the same with Muslims. Now even in the West Bank they do not let you move from Church to Church and place to place from the north to the south.
During Ramadan and Lent, we reflect on what it means to protect one another. Protection means standing together in dignity, faith, and shared belonging.
—A resident from Silwan
Surah Al-Hajj 22:40
“…If Allah did not check some people by means of others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques — in which the name of Allah is much mentioned — would surely have been destroyed…”
2 Corinthians 9:6
“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
Day 7: Submission
In the West Bank, the quiet closure of international organizations does not happen only behind office doors; it echoes through homes, streets, and unfinished dreams. Each organization that leaves takes with it more than a project or a contract, it takes livelihoods, purpose, and the fragile sense of direction many young people were holding onto. In a place where opportunity is already narrow, losing these spaces of work and service deepens unemployment, weakens the local economy, and leaves a generation standing still when they were trying to move forward.
Yet the heaviest loss is not financial. It is the slow fading of hope, the feeling that effort may no longer lead to stability, growth, or dignity. Young people who once believed they could build themselves through humanitarian work now face uncertainty instead of possibility. Still, even in this shrinking space, resilience remains. Because here, persistence is not a choice but a way of surviving, and the belief that dignity and opportunity can return is what keeps people standing, even when the doors keep closing.
— Member of an INGO
James 4: 7a
‘Submit yourselves therefore to God.’
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:112
“Yes—whoever submits themselves to Allah and does good will have their reward with their Lord; no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”
Day 8: Justice
In the West Bank, the quiet closure of international organizations does not happen only behind office doors; it echoes through homes, streets, and unfinished dreams. Each organization that leaves takes with it more than a project or a contract, it takes livelihoods, purpose, and the fragile sense of direction many young people were holding onto. In a place where opportunity is already narrow, losing these spaces of work and service deepens unemployment, weakens the local economy, and leaves a generation standing still when they were trying to move forward.
Yet the heaviest loss is not financial. It is the slow fading of hope, the feeling that effort may no longer lead to stability, growth, or dignity. Young people who once believed they could build themselves through humanitarian work now face uncertainty instead of possibility. Still, even in this shrinking space, resilience remains. Because here, persistence is not a choice but a way of surviving, and the belief that dignity and opportunity can return is what keeps people standing, even when the doors keep closing.
— Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Jerusalem
Surah Hud 11:115
“Be patient, for Allah does not allow the reward of those who do good to be lost.”
2 Corinthians 4: 7-9
‘But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.’
Day 9: Justice
This year, our fasts meet.
Lent and Ramadan walk side by side on the same land, under the same sky.
Palestinian Christians and Muslims fast together; not only from food and drink, but from despair. We fast with intention, with prayer, with a shared vision of dignity, freedom, and an end to occupation.
Our hunger becomes a prayer.
Our patience becomes resistance.
Our unity becomes strength.
Different rituals, one people.
Different prayers, one hope.
Different paths, the same cause.
May this shared fast purify our hearts, deepen our solidarity, and bring us closer to the justice we believe in; and deserve!
— Said Durzi Zarzar
- Bethlehem
Amos 5:24
“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:8
“O you who believe, be steadfast for Allah, witnesses in justice, and let not the hatred of a people cause you to swerve from justice. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.
Day 10: Hope
What then is the character of hope? It’s not, anymore, a wish that tomorrow will be better. It’s not an expectation of progress. We don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. Hope doesn’t mean that things are in any way improving or that all we have to do is sit back, wait and watch. Waiting, being passive, and feeling optimistic about the future – these are false hope. True hope is active: it is all about developing a strategy for action, for work, for getting engaged and involved.
(Bethlehem Besieged, p153)
— Revd Mitri Raheb
Surah Yusuf 12:87
“Do not despair of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah."
Romans 8: 24,25
‘Hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.’
Day 13: Dignity
“Our partners report that cases of hypothermia, acute respiratory infections and skin conditions are on the rise in Gaza. Inadequate shelter, overcrowded camps, difficulty accessing clean water and ongoing food shortages are just some of the many challenges facing displaced families. Winter conditions are exacerbating the health crisis, putting more people at risk.
Many have weakened immune systems, leaving them more vulnerable to diseases, while others are in urgent need of reconstructive surgery and ongoing treatment for wounds received during the war.
Continuing critical shortages of medicines, medical supplies and specialist equipment mean many are unable to get appropriate medical care. Embrace’s partner Al Ahli Hospital, in Gaza City, for example, remains the only hospital with a functioning CT scanner. The hospital, run by the Diocese of Jerusalem, continues to provide primary, trauma and secondary healthcare services, including surgeries, lab testing and ultra sounds. Sawsan, Programme Development Officer at the Diocese of Jerusalem, told us: “People talk about rebuilding Gaza, but what is needed now is to care for and rebuild the people.”
— Update from Embrace the Middle East, a Christian-led charity (Jan 29th).
Acts 28:10
“They bestowed many honours on us, and when we were about to sail, they put on board all the provisions we needed.”
Surah Al’Isra 17:70
Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures.
Day 14: Resistance
Nonviolence International exists because we refuse to accept this as normal.
Nonviolence is harder than violence. We are not going to kill or threaten our way to a just and sustainable future. We must use persuasion, nonviolent coercion, the rule of law, global cooperation and governance in order to survive and thrive. And we must bring on board the huge segments of humanity who succumb to greed and cruelty and elect abusive leaders out of fear or coercion.
Nonviolence is a way of resisting violence without becoming it. It is organized, courageous, and disciplined. It is about telling the truth, confronting power, and standing with those who are most impacted.
— Sami Awad and Michael Beer
Surah Al-A‘raf 7:200 – Seek refuge in God
“And if an evil whisper from Satan tries to tempt you, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing, Knowing.”
James 4:7
‘Resist the devil and he will flee from you.’
Day 15: Togetherness
Life between Muslims and Christians has always been very good. There is no conflict between Muslims and Christians in the Holy Land. You can go to Gaza, they will say they live very well together, and feel safe with each other. We are not an enemy to Jews or Christians, we have always protected the Jews and Christians in history and have lived alongside them both. We as Muslims have Christian friends and the other way around. It is hurtful when we see reports of hatred between Christians and Muslims because for us we have no problem living together, our struggle is the same. Our faith traditions differ, but our humanity and attachment to this land is the same.
— Diyar - East Jerusalem
Colossians 3:14
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Surah Al-Ankabut 29:46
Do not argue with the People of the Book unless gracefully, except with those of them who act wrongfully. And say, “We believe in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to you. Our God and your God is ˹only˺ One. And to Him we ˹fully˺ submit.”
Day 16: Struggle
Elias runs a souvenir store on Manger Square. It is a family run business, selling olive wood and locally made items to tourists since 1818. Elias has known many struggles to feed his family. Whenever there is trouble, such as during and after the siege of Bethlehem in 2000, no one comes. During Lent and Ramadan last year, his was the only souvenir shop open on the Square; he took hardly anything. He even had to hunt for his credit card machine to serve a rare customer and, when he found it, blow the dust from it. And yet he perseveres. In his struggle, he does what he can and hopes and prays for better times.
— Resident from Bethlehem
Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69
“And those who strive for Us — We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil.
Day 17: Unity
“...Our faith in the simple idea that peacebuilding is the only way forward – for humanity – and that it must be valued above all else, remains unshaken. As always, we continue to educate for peace in every way possible and to work to bring people to our side in the shared struggle to bring justice, equality and a truly peaceful shared society to our region. The violence and aggression around us threaten our dreams of peace, but we refuse to stop believing that peace is both possible and necessary.”
— Samah Salaime and the WASNS Communications and Development Team - Wahat al Salaam/Neve Shalom (Oasis of Peace Village)
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
Surah Ali 'Imran (3:103):
"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided"
Day 20: Optimism
Although we are living with deep uncertainty. The places of worship including Al Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are closed during our most holiest months is heart breaking. Movement is restricted and the aggression from the occupation feels stronger. We are witnessing missile attacks and when the interceptions occur, falling debris and shrapnel places us at risk. Palestinians do not have underground shelters to seek protection. Yet despite this, we remain optimistic because this is what our faith teaches us. We trust that God sees our hardship and will carry us through these difficult days.
— A resident in Jerusalem - Bar’ah
Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)
"For truly with hardship comes ease”
Romans 8: 28
“We know that all things work together for good, for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Day 21: Faith
For Palestinians, whether religious or not, faith is part of their
being. It sustains the belief that their struggle is not wasted. Ramadan and Lent teach that fasting is not merely abstaining from food or giving something up; it is reflection, purification of the heart, and deeper connection with God. We fast knowing there is meaning in sacrifice and reward in perseverance. To go without is to learn gratitude. So when homes are demolished, land taken, and families separated by walls, faith remains, growing stronger through patience and trust in God’s promise that no endurance is unseen.
— Yara - East Jerusalem
Hebrews 11:1
‘Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.”
Day 22: Hardship
Despite all the obstacles and challenges that my team and I are facing, I continue my work with the children. Preserving the trust of the children and their families is a great responsibility, and for the sake of that trust, we keep going no matter how difficult the road becomes.
Ramadan is here, and as you know, fasting, prayer, and Ramadan traditions used to be filled with warmth and life before the war. Today, we are living in a different kind of darkness… At many tables, not all family members gather anymore, and at some tables, no one remains to break the fast together. Because of this, these traditions have lost part of their taste and joy.
— A community member in Gaza
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:214
“…They were shaken until the Messenger and those who believed with him said, ‘When will the help of Allah come?’ Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.”
2 Corinthians 6:4
“...But as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities.”
Day 23: Generosity
Women are often the central point of both families and their communities. Mothers may have to manage the expectations of children in times of hardship and conflict. Women may take the leading role in shopping and preparing food over Ramadan and look after others while fasting themselves. The Holy Land Trust, based in Bethlehem, writes: “ Across Jerusalem and the West Bank, Palestinian women carry the weight of sustaining their families and communities under conditions of occupation, political division, and socio-economic hardship. Yet, they are also powerful agents of change, mediators, and community leaders. By connecting young females with local women leaders and role models, [grassroots organisations such as the Holy Land Trust] encourage intergenerational learning, community responsibility, and empowerment, [transforming] trauma into hope, ensuring the next generation inherits not just stories of struggle, but tools for leadership and solidarity.”
— Holy Land Trust
2 Corinthians 8:2
“For during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means.”
Surah Al-Hashir 59:9
"and give preference to them over themselves, even though they are in poverty. And whoever is saved from the greed of his soul, then such people are the successful."
Day 24: Kindness
Women are often the central point of both families and their communities. Mothers may have to manage the expectations of children in times of hardship and conflict. Women may take the leading role in shopping and preparing food over Ramadan and look after others while fasting themselves. The Holy Land Trust, based in Bethlehem, writes: “Across Jerusalem and the West Bank, Palestinian women carry the weight of sustaining their families and communities under conditions of occupation, political division, and socio-economic hardship. Yet, they are also powerful agents of change, mediators, and community leaders. By connecting young females with local women leaders and role models, [grassroots organisations such as the Holy Land Trust] encourage intergenerational learning, community responsibility, and empowerment, [transforming] trauma into hope, ensuring the next generation inherits not just stories of struggle, but tools for leadership and solidarity.”
— Tanas Alqassis
Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:82
“You will surely find the nearest in affection to those who believe are those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because among them are priests and monks, and they are not arrogant”.
Luke 10: 27
‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’
Day 27: Devotion
As we continue to witness world leaders rage unjust wars and seek dominance over others, this moment of fasting for Christians and Muslims is a vital spiritual exercise. As a Palestinian Christian, I can’t not think of the important lessons from Jesus’ forty-day fast in the wilderness. At the end of the fast, he rejects economic domination when he refuses to turn stones into bread; power must not exploit people’s hunger or control their survival. He rejects religious domination when he refuses to throw himself from the Temple; faith cannot be used for spectacle, manipulation, or claims of divine superiority. And he rejects political domination when he refuses the kingdoms of the world offered through worship of power. As a peacebuilder in Jerusalem, these temptations are painfully familiar in a time of war. In our land, we are witnessing apartheid, genocide, massacres and now a regional war. Following Jesus means resisting every ideology of supremacy and refusing violence as a path to security. Economic, religious and political dominances are not the way. True peace will not come through domination, but through justice, dignity, and courageous relationships between peoples who share this land.
— John Munayer,
Director of International Engagement
Rossing Center for Education & Dialogue
Acts 11:23
‘When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion.’
Surah Fussilat 40:30
‘Surely those who say, “Our Lord is Allah,” and then remain steadfast, the angels descend upon them,1 ˹saying,˺ “Do not fear, nor grieve. Rather, rejoice in the good news of Paradise, which you have been promised.’
Day 28: Creativity
There is no single way to worship God. God has made faith part of our daily lives, not something separate from it. Smiling at others, sharing food, opening the fast for those who are fasting, speaking against injustice, and helping those who are vulnerable are all acts that please God. Standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves is also part of faith. There are many ways to be a good believer. In Palestine, we try to live these values every day, supporting one another in the struggles we share and resisting in ways that do not harm others.
Qareem - Jerusalem
Surah Al - Qasas 28:77
And be good ˹to others˺ as Allah has been good to you. Do not seek to spread corruption in the land, for Allah certainly does not like the corruptors.
John 1:3
“All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.”
Day 29: Prayer
Asking God for something is like worship itself. Muslims spend the last 10 days in Ramadan with preparation and intention of worship. We devout our time and energy asking for our needs, mercy and forgiveness. We know God has a plan for us, even when our homes are demolished and our communities are expelled. We have trust in God and we continue praying with conviction.
— Rawan - East Jerusalem
Acts 2:42
‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.’
Surah At-Talaq (65:3):
"...And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will..
Day 30: Love
Ramadan began just as we had hoped. The Old City full of people and life on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, despite more restrictions placed on Palestinians visiting from the West Bank. These are some beautiful moments from the first day of Ramadan in Jerusalem. But unfortunately, this scene did not last long. Al-Aqsa and the Old City has been closed since the war with Iran began.
We pray that life and peace will return to our city, and that next Ramadan Jerusalem will once again be full of its people and visitors
— Kareem - Jerusalem
Surah Al Isra 17:1
Glory be to the OneWho took His servant ‘Muhammad’ by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed…
Matthew 6:21
‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’
Eid Mubarak to all celebrating
Muslims in the UK and around the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Friday and Saturday, marking the end of Ramadan. It is a time of purity, unity, and gratitude, when families and communities gather in prayer and celebration. This year feels heavy amidst all that is unfolding around the world.
Muslims are watching with broken hearts as Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, one of the holiest sights in Islam, remains closed to worshippers, with Palestinian and other Muslims restricted from praying on one of the most joyous days of the year. Seeing the mosque empty on Eid is a heart breaking sight.
This Eid, we hold both gratitude and grief, praying that all people may worship freely and live with dignity, peace, and security.
— FODIP
Surah Al Isra 17:1
Glory be to the OneWho took His servant ‘Muhammad’ by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed…
Matthew 6:21
‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’
Please note:
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The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic. This English version is a translation intended to convey the meaning, but some subtleties and depth of the original language may not be fully reflected.
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The Biblical quotations are from the NRSV.