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Fasting not Just in Islam: A Global Spiritual Practice

by Shuvo Gowala

March 10, 2025

Ramadan, A comprehensive program of spiritual and social transformation

key takeaways

Fasting is a practice that transcends Islam and is deeply rooted in various spiritual traditions around the world.

Fasting is commonly connected with Islam, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. However, it is a spiritual practice common to many religions around the world. Fasting is used in many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, to purify, discipline, and devote oneself. In this essay, we will look at the various fasting traditions found in major religions and their significance to different faiths. Many religions use fasting as a spiritual discipline, purifying procedure, or form of devotion.

Here's a breakdown of how fasting manifests in different faiths:

Judaism:Jewish tradition includes several fast days, with Yom Kippur being the most well-known. This day involves a 25-hour fast, emphasizing repentance and reflection.

Other fast days commemorate historical events and periods of mourning.

Christianity: Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter, is a time of fasting and penitence for many Christians.Different Christian denominations observe fasting in various ways, with some abstaining from certain foods or engaging in full fasts.

Hinduism:Fasting is a common practice in Hinduism, with individuals fasting on specific days of the week or during festivals.

The purpose of these fasts can vary, including spiritual purification, devotion to a deity, or seeking blessings.

Buddhism:Buddhist monks and nuns often practice fasting as part of their ascetic lifestyle.Lay Buddhists may also observe fasts on certain days for spiritual reflection.

Other Traditions:Fasting also appears in other spiritual practices, including those of the Baháʼí Faith, and in some indigenous spiritualities.

Key takeaways:Fasting serves diverse purposes across religions, including spiritual purification, repentance, devotion, and self-discipline. The forms and durations of fasts vary significantly between different faiths and even within different denominations of the same faith.

It is also worth noting that the health benefits of fasting are being explored more and more in todays society, which has some parallels to the religious practices.