Religious holidays: Chicago-area Muslims celebrate Ramadan as Christians mark Ash Wednesday

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- People are stringing closer to their faith and trying to find ways to give back all across the Chicagoland area as two religions coincided with their most holy months of the year, with Muslims celebrating Ramadan on the same day Wednesday as Christian marked the start of Lent.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Chicagoans took time out of their day to get their ashes for Ash Wednesday. Some stopped by Union Station Wednesday morning to get theirs while others went to Holy Name Cathedral in downtown for Mass.

It's a moment of reflection and spiritual guidance over the next 40 days.

"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," said Gloria Albiniak, who received ashes

Julie Knox works with St. Petronille Catholic Church in Glendale Heights, where were welcoming in more parishioners in the evening for Ash Wednesday.

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

This year, Lent lines right up with Ramadan, as Muslims are now starting their own fast from dawn until dusk over the next 30 days. People of both religions are fasting in some way to purify themselves and get closer to their faith.

READ MORE | Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a period of fasting, reflection - and fish fries

"It's coming together sometimes in all faith communities," Atya Kazmi said. "They know the importance of fasting and how it helps us to be better versions of ourselves."

Muslims also use this holy month to rely on their daily prayer, get closer to God and increase their sense of community to help others.

"Ramadan is so much more than starving ourselves because it is hard," said Asma Jarad with ICNA relief. "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."

ICNA relief of Chicago handed out hundreds of boxes of food and essentials to families in need. They also hosted a similar event Tuesday night in Rogers Park, as organizers say this is what this month is all about.

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

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