Ramadan and Lent begin almost together for the first time in over 30 years

Ramadan and Lent are starting within a day of each other, a close coincidence not seen since 1992; the overlap reflects the Islamic lunar calendar moving about 11 days earlier each year.

Thirty-four years ago the writer arrived in Aleppo during Ramadan and experienced local hospitality that shaped their view of the Muslim world. This year the starts of Ramadan and Lent fall within a day of each other, a close alignment not seen since 1992. The near coincidence arises because the Islamic calendar is lunar and shifts about 11 days earlier each year, producing a roughly 32-year cycle. Both observances are periods of fasting and reflection in their respective faiths and carry themes of prayer, simplicity and concern for others. What is known: - The last time the start of Ramadan coincided with the beginning of Lent in a similar way was in 1992. - Ramadan begins when the new crescent moon (hilal) is sighted; the article notes that many will look for the crescent on February 17 to mark the start. - Ramadan involves fasting from sunrise to sunset, increased prayer and generosity, and includes the night of power (Laylat al-Qadr) on the 27th night. - Lent is a 40-day period leading to Easter that emphasizes prayer, reflection and varied forms of fasting or abstinence according to individual or denominational practice. - The overlap is explained by the Islamic lunar calendar moving about 11 days earlier each year, so a close alignment with the Christian calendar happens only roughly every 32 years. Summary: The near-simultaneous starts of Ramadan and Lent draw attention to shared practices of fasting, prayer and hospitality across Muslim and Christian traditions and recall a personal memory of interfaith welcome in Aleppo in 1992. The exact start of Ramadan this year depends on the moon sighting announced after the evening sky observation on February 17; Easter and the culmination of Lent are scheduled for early April. Undetermined at this time.