Chicago-Area Muslims Celebrate Ramadan as Christians Mark Ash Wednesday

Faiths coincide in holy months, with fasting and community service

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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As Muslims in the Chicago area begin the 30-day fast of Ramadan, Christians are marking the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Both religions are focused on spiritual reflection, prayer, and giving back to the community during this time.

Why it matters

The alignment of Ramadan and Lent highlights the diversity of religious observances in the Chicago region and the ways in which different faiths can come together in shared practices of fasting, charity, and community service.

The details

On Ash Wednesday, Christians in Chicago visited churches to receive ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance, while Muslims began their sunrise-to-sunset fasting for Ramadan. Both groups are using this holy time to increase prayer, charitable giving, and reflection on becoming better versions of themselves.

  • Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40-day Christian observance of Lent, leading up to Easter on April 5.
  • Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, began on February 18, 2026.

The players

Gloria Albiniak

A Chicago resident who received ashes on Ash Wednesday as a moment of reflection and spiritual guidance.

Julie Knox

A staff member at St. Petronille Catholic Church in Glendale Heights, where they were welcoming more parishioners for Ash Wednesday services.

Atya Kazmi

A Chicago-area resident who noted the importance of fasting and how it helps people become better versions of themselves.

Asma Jarad

A representative of ICNA Relief Chicago, an organization that distributed hundreds of boxes of food and essentials to families in need during Ramadan.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot going on in our lives right now so I'm just praying for all my family and for myself and to just be a better person.”

— Gloria Albiniak (abc7chicago.com)

“It's really humbling because we're all sinners and we all have things we have to repent for. We focus on more prayer, giving money and your time, and doing something charitable, and some people give something up for Lent.”

— Julie Knox, Staff member, St. Petronille Catholic Church (abc7chicago.com)

“It's coming together sometimes in all faith communities. They know the importance of fasting and how it helps us to be better versions of ourselves.”

— Atya Kazmi (abc7chicago.com)

“Ramadan is so much more than starving ourselves because it is hard. It is hunger, no coffee, no water, no drink, but it's about thinking of what we need in life. We need food but we don't need it every single hour.”

— Asma Jarad, ICNA Relief Chicago (abc7chicago.com)

“It's sad to see that there is a need but at the same time it makes us happy to know we can serve. What we're doing is helping.”

— Asma Jarad, ICNA Relief Chicago (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

After 30 days, Muslims will celebrate the end of Ramadan with the Eid holiday. For Christians, Lent will be capped off with Easter on April 5.

The takeaway

The alignment of Ramadan and Lent in Chicago highlights the diversity of religious observances in the region and the ways in which different faiths can come together in shared practices of fasting, charity, and community service during their most holy times of the year.