Fasting in Different Religions
Fr Theodore Mascarenhas
The practice of fasting seems to sustain the whole religious structure. What is the ultimate goal of fasting for Muslims?
For the Muslims, the motivation behind fasting is self-control. According to this monotheistic religion, when a person is overpowered by material desires and cravings, he becomes negligent of his own spiritual being and turns indifferent to the obligations imposed on him by his Creator. Therefore, to help man to counter this material onslaught, the Almighty has enforced as obligatory, the annual fast. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is neither for expiation nor as a sign of penance. Nor is it a sort of punishment; it is a religious ritual for a positive intention. This is explained very well in the Koran, “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God-consciousness” (Surat ul-Baqarah, 2:183). Fasting has a spiritual as well as a social meaning. Muslims believe that through fasting, the soul of man is liberated from the shackles of his wishes and desires, and takes the lofty step towards the Most High. Fasting shuts the doors upon temptations. Since the devil attacks man on the weaknesses of the tongue and of the body, abstinence from food and sex thwarts these assaults. Fasting leads man to become God-fearing. For this reason, every adult must practise it, along with the obligation of the daily reading of a part of the Koran and participation in community cult. Besides, also to be considered is the social dimension. Through fasting, a person is able to have a better understanding of the gifts received from God, and thus be able to open himself to others, in greater compassion and charity towards those who are less fortunate and marginalised. Fasting includes abstaining from dawn to dusk, from all carnal pleasures, for example, food and sex.
Among the Eastern religions, perhaps Buddhism is the one most known in the Western world. Can you explain to us the philosophy that underlies the idea of fasting in this religion?It is true that the Eastern religions devote a special attention to the relationship to the body. Fasting is a means of exercising control over one’s body. In Buddhism, fasting is a way of attaining a higher level of spirituality, that is of “awakening” oneself. It is an initial step in self-discipline. For Buddha, Nirvana is a state of perfect peace of mind, free from desire, anger and other worldly states that hinder this faculty. Desire — for Buddha — was the root of evil.
Among the Eastern religions, perhaps Buddhism is the one most known in the Western world. Can you explain to us the philosophy that underlies the idea of fasting in this religion?It is true that the Eastern religions devote a special attention to the relationship to the body. Fasting is a means of exercising control over one’s body. In Buddhism, fasting is a way of attaining a higher level of spirituality, that is of “awakening” oneself. It is an initial step in self-discipline. For Buddha, Nirvana is a state of perfect peace of mind, free from desire, anger and other worldly states that hinder this faculty. Desire — for Buddha — was the root of evil.
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