Celebrating the Religions of the World: Ramadan and Passover

OLIVIA STELLA ‘26

As two of the major monotheistic religions of the world, Islam and Judaism have many unique customs, most of which do not overlap. However, this year, in 2023, the two overlap slightly, with one major holiday from each religion occurring at almost the same time. These holidays are Islam’s Ramadan and Judaism’s Passover. In honor of these two holidays, and two religions, it serves one well to explore some of each holiday’s traditional roots, practices, and beliefs.

Ramadan, also known as “Ramaḍān” or “رَمَضَان” in Arabic, is a holiday representing the fourth pillar (or fundamental practice) of Islam that involves fasting. Ramadan takes place in the ninth month in the Muslim calendar. This is a holy month of fasting ordained by the Quran for all Muslims who have reached puberty (and are able to keep it). Ramadan begins 10-12 days earlier each year. It occurs in every season of the year across a 33-year period, since the Muslim calendar is around eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. According to Muslim tradition, it was in the ninth month, Ramadan, that God revealed the first chapters of the Quran, Islam’s holy book intended to guide the people to the prophet Muhammad. The fasting during Ramadan begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. Many Muslims wake up shortly before dawn to eat an early meal, called suḥūr, before the fasting begins.

Known as Pesach in Hebrew, Passover is one of the most central Jewish holidays relating to their history and culture, and it is more widely observed than any other Jewish holiday. Passover celebrates the biblical account in the book of Exodus of the Israelites’ redemption after their enslavement in Egypt for 400 years, which was a result of their disobedience and lack of faith in God. The Torah, the sacred text of Jews, says to observe Passover for seven days. The centerpiece of celebration for Passover is the seder, a ritual dinner commemorating the Israelites’ freedom granted to them by their God. The story of Exodus is often recited, along with special prayers and devotions. For Passover, there are specific dietary restrictions that Jews must follow during this time. They cannot eat foods that contain chametz, which includes spelt, wheat, oats, rye, barley, and any other grains that cause dough to rise.

Ramadan and Passover may not have many similarities in terms of practices and history, but they are equally important parts of their respective cultures. They serve their purpose of guiding the followers of said religions in devotion and worship, and they honor the history of these cultures. For those who celebrate these holidays, and for those who do not, Ramadan and Passover remind people of the enduring nature of faith. They bring the people of that religion together, no matter how far apart they are in the world, as one community of worship.