Jesuit Bodies Extend Eid Greetings, Highlight Christian–Muslim Solidarity

March 20, 2026:

As Muslims across the world prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Jesuit organisations in Asia have extended greetings that underscore interreligious harmony, shared spiritual values, and a renewed commitment to peacebuilding.

Jesuits Among Muslims in Asia (JAMIA) and Islamic Studies Association (ISA) conveyed their warm wishes to Muslim communities, emphasising the importance of dialogue and fraternity between Christians and Muslims in an increasingly fractured global context.

In a message released ahead of the festival, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, expressed “closeness, solidarity and respect” toward “Muslim brothers and sisters.” He pointed to what he described as a “providential convergence of calendars” this year, with the Christian season of Lent coinciding with the Islamic observance of Ramadan.

Both sacred periods, he noted, invite believers to deepen their faith and align more closely with God’s will through prayer, fasting and acts of charity. Such practices, he said, not only purify the heart but also inspire concrete steps toward renewal and reconciliation.

Cardinal Koovakad called on Christians, Muslims and all people of goodwill to “open new paths” toward spiritual and social renewal. He also expressed particular concern for those who suffer in their pursuit of justice, dignity and freedom, affirming the Church’s solidarity with all who seek peace.

Describing peace as a divine gift, he emphasised that it must be nurtured through dialogue, justice and forgiveness. He voiced hope that the spiritual disciplines of Ramadan and Lent would strengthen the courage needed to build peace in a divided world.

The message resonates strongly with Nostra Aetate, the landmark declaration of the Second Vatican Council on the Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions. The document affirms that the Church “rejects nothing that is true and holy” in other faith traditions and expresses deep esteem for Muslims, highlighting shared belief in one merciful Creator as well as common practices such as prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

With Christianity and Islam representing the world’s two largest religious communities, the statement underscores the urgent need for collaboration in promoting the common good. It points to shared virtues—patience, gratitude, compassion and humility—as a strong foundation for deepening mutual relationships.

The Jesuit groups also noted that Ramadan traditions, particularly Iftar gatherings, often bring together people of different faiths, offering meaningful opportunities to dispel misconceptions and build trust. Such encounters, they said, can foster lasting cooperation and mutual understanding.

Concluding their message, JAMIA and ISA joined Muslims in praising God on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and called for strengthened bonds of respect and a shared commitment to peace across the world.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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