Fasting, abstaining from food, drink, or both, is a significant spiritual discipline observed in many religions. Across different faiths, fasting holds a sacred place, fostering introspection and connection with the divine. It’s a practice that has been observed for millennia, not just for spiritual growth but also for its potential health benefits.
In Islam, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five significant pillars of faith, symbolizing self-discipline, purification, and empathy for the less fortunate. Lent, 40 days of fasting for Christians, is also a time for reflection and repentance, mirroring Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. It is a spiritual renewal leading to Easter, commemorating Jesus’ resurrection.
In Judaism, fasting is most prominently observed on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This 25-hour fast from food and drink is a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal. The Torah states, “This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you must deny yourselves” (Leviticus 16:29). Other fast days in Judaism commemorate historical calamities or serve as calls for repentance. In a 2020 Pew Research Center survey, 46% of Jewish Americans said they fasted all or part of the previous Yom Kippur.
In Hinduism, fasting is a revered practice on auspicious occasions and festivals. It signifies purification of the body and mind, aligning with the principle of self-control (tapas) and devotion to the divine. Similarly, Buddhism advocates for fasting as a means to cultivate mindfulness and detachment from worldly desires.
In Jainism, fasting is a central practice, especially during Paryushana, eight days of fasting and forgiveness. Jain fasting can be quite rigorous, with some practitioners undertaking long-term fasts. The goal is to purify the soul and detach from material concerns. As stated in the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, “By conquering the desires, one becomes happy.” Jainism also incorporates fasting as a spiritual preparation for the end of life.
While modern science has only recently begun to explore the physical health benefits of fasting, such as autophagy, a process through which the body cleanses damaged cells, religious scriptures have long emphasized the spiritual benefits of fasting. Fasting is believed to cleanse the body, mind, and soul, creating a more profound sense of purification and spiritual connection.
Modern scientific studies on fasting point to potential physical health benefits as well, suggesting that fasting can:
Boost brain health: Intermittent fasting, a widespread practice involving cycles of eating and fasting, may improve cognitive function and memory.
Promote Weight Management: Fasting can help regulate insulin levels and support healthy weight management, which reduces the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Enhance Cellular Repair: Research suggests fasting may trigger cellular repair mechanisms, potentially promoting longevity.
These modern scientific studies have sparked a broader interest in fasting and its integration into contemporary lifestyles. The convergence of scientific findings with ancient religious wisdom highlights the profound understanding of the human condition present in religious traditions. Fasting bridges physical health and spiritual well-being, offering practitioners an opportunity for introspection, self-discipline, and spiritual growth.
In our modern abundance and instant gratification world, fasting offers a countercultural perspective. It reminds practitioners of their dependence on something greater than themselves, whether God, nature, or the interconnectedness of all beings. It encourages mindfulness about consumption and appreciation for the basics of life that many take for granted.
Islam
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
– The Qur’an (2:183)
Christianity
“Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, and makes the body higher.”
– St. Augustine of Hippo
Hinduism
“Fasting can help to curb animal passion, only if it is undertaken with a view to self-restraint […] That is to say, fasting is futile unless it is accompanied by an incessant longing for self-restraint.”
–Mahatma Gandhi, acknowledged in India as Father of the Nation
Judaism
“Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.”
— Hebrew Bible (Exodus 34:28)
Baha’i
“Verily, I say, fasting is the supreme remedy and the most great healing for the disease of self and passion.”
— Baha’u’llah, Baha’i prophet