As one of the five fundamental practices of Islam, Muslims across the world observe a month of fasting, praying and service to society. Ramzan, or Ramadan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which adult, able and healthy Muslims are expected to fast from sunrise to sundown and refrain from activities that are considered sinful. The month is observed for 29 or 30 days according to the Lunar calendar, so the date shifts by about 11 days every year. The beginning and end of the month are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon.

This practice is a celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation, where he was visited by the angel Jibril and was imparted knowledge that would go on to become the holy Quran. Hence, the month is considered holy, wherein the benefits of sawm (fasting) and salat (prayers) are heightened and people can build better relationships with each other and god. It is said that observing Ramzan gives people a chance to learn patience, compassion for the less fortunate and break bad habits.

During the month of Ramzan, Muslims wake up early to have Sehri, a meal before dawn, and end their fast at dusk with a meal called Iftar. People suffering from illnesses and women who are menstruating, breastfeeding or pregnant, are exempt from fasting. Apart from food and drink, people observing Ramzan refuse to partake in tobacco products and sexual activities.

As a service to their community, Muslims also give to charity (zakat), host iftar dinners for the poor and needy and conduct nightly prayers called Tarawih at the mosque. The practices and traditions related to Ramzan differ from place to place. Commonly, streets, mosques and houses are decorated with lights and the Quran is recited. Some Islamic nations even have laws forbidding public eating, the use of tobacco and the sale of alcohol.

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The faith of Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The followers are known as Christians who believe that Jesus is the Christ whose arrival was prophesied in the Old Testament and chronicled in the New Testament of the Bible.

Jesus Christ

According to the Bible, Jesus was born as a son to Joseph and the Virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit’s power in Bethlehem, Judea. Jesus was regarded as the awaited Messiah, the Christ whose arrival was promised in the Old Testament. Jesus moved from place to place preaching to the people. He had twelve disciples during his lifetime. He was arrested for violating the Jewish laws and tried by the Jewish authorities. He was crucified and left to die on a cross on the orders of the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate. Crucifixion was a way of executing criminals at that time. It is believed by all Christians that Jesus resurrected from the dead, three days later, and met his disciples. He was then taken up to Heaven. This belief and the belief in his teachings are the foundations of Christianity.

The Bible

The English word ‘Bible’ is coined from the Latin word ‘Biblia‘ meaning ‘holy book‘. It is a collection of religious texts sacred not only to Christians but also to Jews, Samaritans and others. The collection of text in the Bible is treated as the revelations of God. The Bible has been translated into various languages from the original writings in Armani, Greek, and Hebrew. As of September 2020, the Bible has been translated into 704 languages. Thus, the Bible is regarded as the most translated book in the world.

History of Christianity

According to the Bible, the first church was established fifty days after Jesus’s death in Judea. Most of the early Christians were Jews. Shortly after the establishment of the church, many non-Jews also began to embrace Christianity. Early Christians considered it their duty to spread the teachings of Christ to more people. One of the most important preachers was the apostle Paul who was a former persecutor of Christians. Paul converted to Christianity after he had a vision about Jesus. Paul preached the gospel and established churches throughout the Roman Empire, Europe, and Africa. Paul is also thought to have written thirteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament. Roman Emperor Constantine also converted to Christianity and tried to spread Christianity in his region.

Types and Beliefs of Christianity

Christians accept Jesus as the Son of God who was sent to save mankind from sin. Christians also believe in the Trinity that is in God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Christianity is divided into three branches – Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. The Pope governs the Catholic Church and Catholic bishops all over the world. The Orthodox branch is divided into independent units governed by a Holy Synod. Protestant Christianity differs in its views and interpretation of the Bible and the church from the Catholics.

Christianity in Modern Era

Christianity is one of the world’s biggest religions with about two billion followers all over the world. Christians form a majority of the population in nearly 157 countries. Christmas, the day that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated throughout the world by Christians and by people of all religions.

Here are a few teachings of Christ:

Love God.

 

Love your neighbour as you love yourself.

 

It is easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

 

Whatever you do for the poorest of your brothers and sisters, you will be doing it for me.

 

Forgive those who wrong you. Bless those who curse you.

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On the occasion of Mahavira Jayanti, let us all try to inculcate these pearls of wisdom from the great monk.

Amar Chitra Katha’s ‘Mahavira’ is available on the Amar Chitra Katha app as well as Amazon, Flipkart, and other major e-tailers.

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This Nowruz, let us look to Zarathushtra’s words for guidance and happiness.

Amar Chitra Katha’s ‘Zarathushtra’ is available on the Amar Chitra Katha app as well as Amazon, Flipkart, and other major e-tailers.

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“One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward, shall attain his Lord and Master.“ – Guru Granth Sahib 286

While the Guru’s birthday is on December 22nd as per the Gregorian calendar, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is celebrated on his birthday as per the Nanakshahi calendar, which usually happens in either December or January. In 2021, it will be celebrated on January 20th.

Amar Chitra Katha’s ‘Guru Gobind Singh’ is available on the Amar Chitra Katha app as well as Amazon, Flipkart and other major e-tailers.

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