Today • Islamic Date -

Next Prayer: London -

Recent Donations -

Fasting in Islam, Judaism and Christianity: A spiritual practice

Similar to Islam, fasting is mentioned in the Holy Scriptures in Judaism. The sacred day of Yum Kippur, during which a communal fast is observed by the Jewish community, is also related to the trip of Prophet Moses to Mount Sinai where he received the set of tablets containing the Ten Commandments. Prophet Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights when he was waiting for the revelation on the mountain of Sinai. It was after the period of fasting that Torah was revealed to Prophet Moses.  There are two major fasting days in the Jewish calendar, Yum Kippur and Tisha Bav. Yum Kippur is the only prescribed fast in the Bible, whereas Tisha Bav is observed in the month of Av to commemorate the destruction of temples in ancient times as well as other Jewish tragedies. During these two major fasts, the Jewish community refrain from eating, drinking, washing and wearing leather.

Fasting is also an important element of Christian faith because Prophet Jesus fasted for 40 days before he received the Gospel. He also told his followers to fast for 40 days and therefore fasting before Easter was encouraged. The period of 40 days of fasting is known as Lent and Christians devote themselves to prayers and spiritual discipline. The last week of Lent is considered to be holy week and is sometimes referred as Passiontide. Christians set this time to reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus.  In continuation with the practice of fasting, the missionaries in the early days of Christianity used to fast before setting on to a preaching mission.

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) spent a month in the cave of Hira, contemplating and worshipping Allah (SWT) after which he received the Divine message through Archangel Gabriel. Fasting has been a gateway to the spiritual world for the prophets and a means to communicate with God. The act of fasting is closely associated with spirituality, especially in Islam. Fasting gives an opportunity to glorify Allah, thank Him for His favours which are often taken for granted. Fasting in Islam is an important ritual because while fasting, Muslims try to perfect their manners in accordance with Islamic morality by controlling their behaviours and ego (nafs). During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast for an entire month comprising 29 or 30 days from dawn to dusk as prescribed in the Holy Quran.

Regardless of the difference between the three monotheistic religions of the Abrahamic faith, the period of fasting, Yum Kippur, Lent and Ramadan, is a religious activity connected to prayers, spirituality and humility. It is through fasting that the three religions aim to connect human beings with God and establish a strong relationship with Him. Fasting is a means of engaging with God for forgiveness and remembering His kind and generous attributes. Although fasting in Ramadan is a spiritual practice, one of its main features is its association with almsgiving (zakat) which continuously reminds Muslims how compassionate Allah Almighty is and that Muslims should also practice to be charitable through out the year. Muslim Aid as a faith based charity aims to assist people in carrying out their religious responsibilities through its famous Ramadan guide, zakat distribution and ‘Fast the Feeding’ programme.

*The copyright of this article is held by the Information and Public Affairs Department of Muslim Aid, UK. Use of its contents is allowed subject to acknowledgement. The opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not represent the point of view of Muslim Aid. By: Amal Imad Information & Public Affairs Department Muslim Aid

We are a faith-based British international charity that provides help to people who are victims of natural disasters or conflict or suffering from poverty, hunger, disease, homelessness, injustice, deprivation or lack of skills and economic opportunities.

020 7377 4200

Ways to Donate

Donate


  • Zakat Policy
  • Registered with

    Fundraising Regulator

Please support us further

Your donation will provide help to people who are victims of natural disasters or conflict or suffering from poverty, hunger, disease, homelessness, injustice, deprivation or lack of skills and economic opportunities.