As Muslims enter the third week of Ramadan, Christians are entering the second week of Lent – a 40-day period of reflection, representing Jesus Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness, leading up to his death on Good Friday, and resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Both traditions call for voluntary self-denial from food (fasting) and other earthly habits (like “doom scrolling”). The goals? To re-centre one’s body, mind, and soul on prayer, discipline, spiritual growth, and compassion.

As the Vatican noted in its message, the alignment of both religious calendars should spur Muslims and Christians to work together for “inner transformation”. Which, we hope, will lead to world peace.

That’s the platitude repeated with each passing year. Our world is...