Epigraph:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ‎

O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous. (Al Quran 2:183)

Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

Fasting, the voluntary abstention from food, drink, or both for a designated period, is a practice deeply embedded in numerous religious traditions worldwide. Serving as a means of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and communal solidarity, fasting manifests uniquely across different faiths.

We can Google or search in ChatGPT and often come up with unknown information quickly. It was not the case in seventh century Arabia when the Quran was revealed. There were hardly any books, most people could not read or write. The prophet Muhammad, may peace be on him, could not read or write himself. It was in these circumstances that the profound verse quoted above was revealed.

New continents of Australia and America have been discovered centuries after the revelation of the Quran, yet the truth of the verse continues to be sustained and embellished. No wonder each and every verse of the Quran, and there are more than 6000, is called an Ayaa in Arabic, which means a sign. In other words, a sign or a miracle to establish the truth of the God of Abrahamic faiths in general and Islam in particular and the Quran itself.

Islam

In Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars, obligatory for all adult Muslims. From dawn to sunset, adherents abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs to cultivate self-discipline, spiritual growth, and empathy for the less fortunate. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called Iftar. Exemptions are granted for children, the elderly, the ill, travelers, and pregnant or nursing women. Beyond Ramadan, Muslims also observe additional fasts, such as on the Day of Arafah and during the month of Sha’ban.

Christianity

Fasting in Christianity varies among denominations but is commonly associated with periods of penance and spiritual preparation. Lent, observed by many denominations including Catholics, Orthodox, and some Protestant traditions, involves a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. Practices during Lent may include abstaining from meat on Fridays or giving up certain luxuries. Additionally, some Christians observe fasting on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Ember Days. The specifics of fasting can differ, with some traditions focusing on complete abstinence and others on partial fasts or dietary restrictions.

Judaism

Fasting in Judaism is a time for atonement, reflection, and communal mourning. The most significant fast is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, a 25-hour fast where individuals abstain from food, drink, bathing, and marital relations to repent for sins and seek reconciliation with God. Another major fast is Tisha B’Av, commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. There are also several minor fasts, such as the Fast of Esther, Tzom Gedalia, Seventeenth of Tammuz, and Tenth of Tevet, primarily observed from dawn until dusk.

Hinduism

Fasting, or Vrata, in Hinduism is a common practice undertaken for spiritual purification, fulfillment of vows, or as part of religious festivals. The nature and frequency of fasting vary widely based on regional, cultural, and individual practices. Common fasts include Ekadashi, observed twice a month on the 11th day of each lunar fortnight, where devotees abstain from grains and certain foods. During festivals like Navratri, extended periods of fasting are observed, often involving a vegetarian diet and refraining from specific foods. Fasting is seen as a means to control desires, purify the body and mind, and focus on spiritual activities.

Buddhism

Fasting in Buddhism is generally associated with monastic discipline rather than a requirement for laypeople. Monks and nuns in the Theravada tradition typically refrain from eating after noon each day, consuming only liquids until the following morning. Lay practitioners may observe fasting on Uposatha days, which are bi-monthly days of observance, by following similar dietary restrictions and engaging in heightened religious activities. Fasting serves as a practice of self-restraint and detachment from sensual pleasures, aiding in the cultivation of mindfulness and spiritual awareness.

Jainism

Fasting is a central tenet in Jainism, emphasizing non-violence, self-discipline, and purification. Jains undertake various forms of fasting, ranging from complete abstinence from food and water (Santhara) to partial fasts where certain foods are avoided. During the holy period of Paryushana, Jains intensify their fasting practices, with some choosing to fast for the entire duration. Fasting is believed to cleanse karma, control desires, and progress spiritually towards liberation.

Zoroastrianism

While fasting as a form of asceticism is not part of traditional Zoroastrian practice, there are specific days known as Nabor days, during which adherents abstain from consuming meat. These days occur four times each month on the Zoroastrian calendar: the 2nd (Bahman), 12th (Mah), 14th (Goosh), and 21st (Raam) days. The term “Nabor” translates to “do not cut (or slaughter),” reflecting the practice of refraining from slaughtering animals and consuming meat on these days. Arshtad

The overarching principle in Zoroastrianism is to avoid extremes, promoting moderation in all aspects of life, including diet. This balanced approach aligns with the belief that both spiritual and physical well-being are necessary to fulfill one’s duties in the world and to uphold the faith’s ethical standards. iranicaonline.org

In summary, while Zoroastrianism does not endorse fasting as a means of spiritual discipline, it encourages moderation and designates specific days for abstaining from meat to honor particular religious observances. This approach reflects the faith’s emphasis on maintaining a balanced and healthy life to effectively combat evil and promote righteousness.

Australian Aboriginal Traditions

Central to Aboriginal spirituality is the concept of the Dreaming (or Dreamtime), which encompasses the ancestral narratives and cosmological frameworks that define the origins and cultural ethos of Indigenous Australian peoples. This spiritual system emphasizes a profound connection to the land, ancestral beings, and the continuous process of creation. Rituals, ceremonies, and oral traditions serve as mediums to honor and perpetuate these connections.

Fasting in Aboriginal Ceremonies

Unlike many other religious traditions where fasting is a prominent ritualistic practice, Aboriginal spiritual ceremonies do not universally incorporate fasting as a central element. However, certain rites of passage and spiritual journeys may involve periods of food and water abstinence. For instance, during specific initiation ceremonies or vision quests, individuals might engage in fasting to attain spiritual insights or to mark significant life transitions. These practices are not uniform across all Aboriginal groups and are deeply influenced by regional customs, environmental factors, and the specific spiritual objectives of the community.

Cultural Significance and Variations

The diversity among Aboriginal groups across Australia leads to a wide array of spiritual practices, with fasting playing varying roles depending on the community. In some regions, temporary abstention from certain foods may be observed during mourning periods or as part of healing rituals. In other areas, communal feasting rather than fasting serves as a focal point for spiritual gatherings, emphasizing the importance of sharing and connection.

Contemporary Perspectives

Today, many Aboriginal communities strive to preserve and revitalize their traditional practices, including those involving fasting, amidst the influences of modernity and external cultural pressures. Efforts to document and respect these traditions are crucial for maintaining the cultural heritage and spiritual well-being of Indigenous Australians.

In summary, while fasting is not a ubiquitous or central practice in all Aboriginal religions, it holds specific significance in certain ceremonies and spiritual contexts. The role of fasting within Aboriginal spirituality is nuanced and varies across different communities, reflecting the rich diversity of Indigenous Australian cultures.

American Aboriginal Traditions

Fasting, the deliberate abstention from food and sometimes drink, holds significant spiritual and cultural importance among various Indigenous American communities. This practice serves as a conduit for personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and communal cohesion, manifesting uniquely across different tribes and ceremonies.

Vision Quests and Rites of Passage

In numerous Native American traditions, fasting is integral to vision quests—rites of passage where individuals seek spiritual guidance and personal transformation. For instance, among the Ojibwe people, adolescents historically engaged in solitary fasting periods, often lasting several days, to invoke visions from spiritual entities known as manitouk. These visions were believed to bestow life direction and personal guardianship. Similarly, the Menominee tribe’s youth participated in fasting within isolated environments, with elders interpreting their dreams to delineate forthcoming adult responsibilities. Wikipedia

Ceremonial Fasting

Fasting is also a pivotal element in various communal ceremonies. The Sun Dance, practiced by several Plains tribes, exemplifies this, wherein participants engage in prolonged dancing, fasting, and, at times, physical endurance tests as acts of communal sacrifice and spiritual renewal. The Green Corn Ceremony, observed by Southeastern tribes, includes fasting as a preparatory act, symbolizing purification and gratitude for the harvest. Wikipedia

Cultural Revitalization and Contemporary Practices

In recent times, there has been a resurgence of traditional fasting practices among Indigenous communities, aiming to reconnect with ancestral wisdom and promote holistic well-being. This revival is often part of broader cultural revitalization efforts, emphasizing the importance of traditional ceremonies in contemporary Indigenous life. Cultural Survival

In essence, fasting within Indigenous American religions is a multifaceted practice, deeply embedded in spiritual, cultural, and communal contexts. Its enduring presence underscores its significance in fostering personal insight, cultural identity, and spiritual connection across diverse Native American communities.