Beyond Ashes, Beyond fasting

BEYOND ASHES, BEYOND FASTING BY DAN MANJANG, mnipr, MDIV. Religious observances such as Ash Wednesday and fasting are integral aspects of Christianity and Islam. They serve as opportunities for believers to reflect on their faith, seek divine intervention, and discipline themselves spiritually and physically. Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, is a call for repentance and renewal in Christianity, while fasting is a fundamental practice in both Christianity and Islam for spiritual purification and self-control. However, beyond the outward expressions of these rituals—wearing ashes on the forehead or abstaining from food and drink—lies a deeper question: Are these practices truly transforming individuals and societies, or have they become mere religious formalities? In Nigeria, a nation known for its deep religious fervor, prayer and fasting are prevalent, yet societal problems such as corruption, injustice, and insecurity persist. This article delves into the significance of Ash Wednesday, the importance of fasting in Christianity and Islam, the dangers of religious hypocrisy, and the urgent need to move beyond mere religious observance to genuine transformation and action. THE IMPORTANCE OF ASH WEDNESDAY Ash Wednesday is a solemn day in the Christian calendar that marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance leading to Easter. The tradition of applying ashes to the forehead serves as a reminder of human mortality and the need for repentance. This practice originates from biblical times, where ashes were used as a symbol of sorrow and penitence. In Genesis 3:19, God reminds humanity: "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." This verse emphasizes the transient nature of human life and the necessity of living righteously. Similarly, in the book of Joel, God calls His people to true repentance: "Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love." (Joel 2:12-13) Ash Wednesday is not just about receiving ashes; it is a call for believers to genuinely turn away from sin and commit themselves to God’s ways. It serves as a reminder that external religious expressions are meaningless without inner transformation. THE IMPORTANCE OF FASTING IN CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline practiced in both Christianity and Islam. It is an act of self-denial aimed at deepening one’s connection with God, gaining spiritual strength, and expressing devotion. The Bible presents fasting as a means of seeking God’s guidance, repenting from sin, and preparing for divine intervention. Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before beginning His public ministry: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry." (Matthew 4:1-2) Fasting is seen as a way to humble oneself before God, as exemplified by King David: "Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting." (Psalm 35:13) However, fasting is not just about abstaining from food but about genuine devotion to God. In Isaiah 58:6-7, God defines the kind of fasting He desires: "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them?" This passage highlights that true fasting must be accompanied by acts of justice, mercy, and kindness. In Islam, fasting (Sawm) is one of the Five Pillars and is most commonly observed during the holy month of Ramadan. The Quran states: "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." (Quran 2:183) Fasting in Islam is not just about abstaining from food and drink but also about controlling one’s behavior, thoughts, and speech. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized this by saying: "Whoever does not give up false speech and evil deeds while fasting, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink." (Sahih Bukhari 1903) This highlights that fasting must lead to moral and spiritual improvement. If it becomes a mere physical exercise, its true purpose is lost. BEYOND LIP SERVICE: THE DANGER OF HYPOCRISY IN RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES One of the greatest dangers in religious practice is hypocrisy—when fasting, prayer, and other religious acts become mere rituals rather than transformative experiences. Jesus strongly condemned the religious leaders of His time for their outward displays of piety without genuine righteousness: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence." (Matthew 23:25) Similarly, the Quran warns against those who engage in empty religious displays: "So woe to those who pray, but who are heedless of their prayer—those who make show [of their deeds] and withhold [simple] assistance." (Quran 107:4-7) When fasting and prayer become performances for public approval rather than genuine acts of devotion, they lose their spiritual significance. THE EFFICACY OF FASTING IN NIGERIA: ARE WE ACTING OR JUST PRAYING? Nigeria is one of the most religious nations in the world, with millions of people engaging in prayer, fasting, and religious activities daily. However, the country continues to struggle with corruption, poverty, insecurity, and poor governance. The question arises: Has our prayer and fasting helped us as a nation? While spiritual practices are important, they must be accompanied by action. The Bible teaches: "Faith without works is dead." (James 2:26) Similarly, the Quran emphasizes the need for human effort: "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." (Quran 13:11) Nigeria’s problem is not a lack of prayer and fasting but a lack of corresponding action. We pray for good governance but fail to hold leaders accountable. We fast for prosperity but tolerate corruption. We seek divine intervention while neglecting our civic responsibilities. To truly benefit from religious practices, there must be a balance between faith and action. This requires: * Personal Transformation – Fasting should lead to personal growth, integrity, and a commitment to righteousness. * Social Responsibility – Religious leaders must emphasize justice, accountability, and good governance. * Civic Engagement – Citizens must take an active role in societal development. * Education and Empowerment – Investing in knowledge and skills will reduce reliance on miracles for economic survival. Jesus said: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14) The Quran similarly states: "And say, 'Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger and the believers.'" (Quran 9:105) CONCLUSION Beyond ashes and fasting, true faith requires sincerity and action. Ash Wednesday and fasting should not be mere traditions but opportunities for personal and societal transformation. In Nigeria, where religious observance is high but societal progress is slow, there is a need to move beyond lip service to genuine change. Faith must be accompanied by action, for it is through righteous deeds, justice, and accountability that true national transformation will occur. Dan Manjang can be reached via dmanjang@gmail.com