Fasting

"When you fast, do not be grieved like the hypocrites." (Matthew 6:16) Jesus assumed that his followers would fast—"when," not "if." Lent is the main period of Christian fasting. Fasting frees you from the tyranny of the body and sharpens the spirit. It is often combined with prayer and almsgiving. The goal is not to suffer, but to draw closer to God. Source ✤

"O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may acquire taqwa." (Quran 2:183) Ramadan is a pillar of Islam—fasting from dawn to dusk for 29-30 days. Not just food and drink: it includes abstinence from evil words and actions. Fasting teaches empathy for the poor and strengthens taqwa (God consciousness). Iftar at sunset is a community celebration. Source ✤

"Fasting (upavasa) purifies body and mind, preparing for spiritual perception." (Hindu tradition) Hinduism has many fasting days: Ekadashi (11th lunar day), Maha Shivaratri, Navratri, etc. Types vary: complete fasting, fruit only, no salt, etc. Fasting is tapas (austerity) that burns away impurities. The aim is control of the senses (indriya nigraha). Source ✤

"Not eating after noon is one of the eight observances." (Uposatha) Buddhist monks traditionally do not eat after noon. Lay people can observe the Eight Precepts on Uposatha days. The Buddha rejected extreme austerity but taught moderation in eating. The goal is mental clarity and reduced sensory attachment. Source ✤

"Fasting purifies the body and calms the mind." (Taoist tradition) Taoist fasting (zhai) prepares for rituals and meditation. May include abstinence from meat, onions, garlic. Chinese Buddhist tradition has incorporated vegetarian fasting. The goal is clarity and purity. It's not so much total abstinence as pure eating. Source ✤

"Before great obligation, the body must be clean." (Candomblé Tradition) Candomblé prescribes specific abstinences (quizilas) for each Orixá and situation. Before initiation or major rituals, there are periods of food restriction. Children of Oxalá, for example, avoid certain foods permanently. In Umbanda, which is less strict, there are guidelines about avoiding red meat before spiritual work. Fasting cleanses the body to receive axé. Source ✤

In African Traditional Religions, fasting is cultivated through disciplined practice. Regular reflection and repeated habits shape the mind and heart over time. Progress is measured in consistency rather than quick results. Source ✤

"Sikhs do not prescribe ritualistic fasting; true fasting is abstaining from evil thoughts." (Sikh Tradition) The Sikh Gurus did not emphasize food fasting as a spiritual practice. The emphasis is internal: fasting from ego, greed, anger, lust and attachment. Ritual fasting can feed pride. However, dietary moderation (not gluttony) is valued. Source ✤

"Ye shall afflict your souls." (Leviticus 16:31 on Yom Kippur) Yom Kippur is the great Jewish fast day—25 hours without food or drink. Other minor fasts: Tisha B'Av (destruction of the Temple), fast of Esther, etc. Fasting is teshuvah (return), not punishment. The goal is to focus entirely on the spiritual dimension. Source ✤

"This is the month of fasting... may you be guided aright." (Kitab-i-Aqdas) The Bahai fast occurs in the 19 days before the New Year (March 2-20). Abstinence from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. It is a time for prayer, meditation and spiritual renewal. It is mandatory for healthy adults. Source ✤

"Zoroastrianism does not prescribe prolonged fasting; the body is the creation of Ahura Mazda and must be nourished." (Zoroastrian tradition) Unlike other traditions, Zoroastrianism does not emphasize fasting. The body must be strong to fight evil. However, moderation and abstinence from intoxicants are valued. Abstinence from meat on certain days for priests is an exception. Source ✤

In Ancient Egyptian Religion, fasting is cultivated through disciplined practice. Regular reflection and repeated habits shape the mind and heart over time. Progress is measured in consistency rather than quick results. Source ✤

In Sumerian Religion, fasting is cultivated through disciplined practice. Regular reflection and repeated habits shape the mind and heart over time. Progress is measured in consistency rather than quick results. Source ✤

"Before entering the temple, purify yourself." (Sumerian instruction) The Sumerians practiced purification before rituals, including abstinence from food. Priests had stricter rules. Communication with the gods required purity. Fasting was part of rituals of lamentation and supplication. Source ✤

"Priests purify themselves before entering the sanctuary." (Egyptian tradition) Egyptian priests practiced abstinence—from certain foods, from sexual relations—before rituals. Purity was essential to enter the presence of the gods. Lay people also fasted on certain festivals. Purification included ritual baths and clean clothing. Source ✤