While Most Now Would Probably Accept That Lent Now Has Become A Pale Shadow Of Ramadan, Its Islamic Equivalent,...

[sandyRoe]

...it still is important to some of the faithful. What are you giving up for Lent?

[jim360]

Abstinence.

[vulcan42]

New years resolutions.

[sandyRoe]

I'd advise moderation in all things, even overindulgence.

[Baldric]

"Religion & Spirituality"

[pixie373]

Everyone seems to have abandoned R&S! Who won?

[sandyRoe]

Yes I noticed that, too. Has Goodlife and his co-religionists triumphed ?

[pixie373]

Maybe he's seen the light.

[vulcan42]

It's half time and the atheists are complaining the theists had 12 disciples on in the first half.

[woofgang]

"Most would accept" sandy? What do you base that on?

[sandyRoe]

During Ramadan the faithful fast from daybreak to dusk. During Lent some might give up chocolate or other sweets. I'd say that Lent is now a pale shadow of what it once was and nowhere near as austere as Ramadan.

[woofgang]

Lent has never meant a day long fast though.

[woofgang]

I also suspect that Ramadan was formulated in the desert where people slept through the heat of the day anyway and most activity took place in the light hours before sunrise and after sunset.

[grasscarp]

OK Sandy you write "I'd say" that is hardly most. I'd say that I dont think lent is anything whatsoever to do with Ramadan.

[ludwig]

// I'd say that Lent is now a pale shadow of what it once was and nowhere near as austere as Ramadan. //

Substitute Lent for anything else christian, and Ramadan for anything else mulsim, and it's still true.

[hc4361]

Interesting point, Ludwig. The longest day in Saudi Arabia is 13 hours 42 minutes compared to some parts of the UK which is 19 hours. I think Muslims who live in countries that have 24 hour daylight during Ramadan use Mecca time for fasting.

As always, I give up alcohol, puddings and between meal snacks for lent.

[keyplus90]

I will give up smoking I never started.

[elliemay1]

I always thought it was more important to 'go on' things rather than 'go off'. Random acts of kindness etc. After all, some people give up chocs etc just to lose weight .

[naomi24]

Islam is based upon the older Abrahamic religions and the concept of Ramadan probably emanated from the Christian Lent, when the faithful spent the period fasting and in prayer, penitence, and harsh self-denial. Some still do.

I’m not giving anything up.

[mibn2cweus]

"I’m not giving anything up."

Not even a pie? :o/

[naomi24]

Haaa! You should be so lucky! No chance!! :o)