The Practice of Fasting in Religions Worldwide

 

The Practice of Fasting in Religions Worldwide

Fasting is a common practice in many religions. It serves as a means of spiritual purification, self-discipline or expressing devotion. Below is a list of major religions that observe fasting, along with details on when, how long and why they fast:

1. Islam  

   - Fast: Sawm during Ramadan  

   - When: The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.  

   - How long: From dawn to sunset for 29–30 days.  

   - Why: To develop self-discipline, empathy for the poor and spiritual closeness to Allah. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.  

2. Christianity  

   - Fast: Lent, Good Friday and other fasting periods.  

   - When: Lent lasts 40 days before Easter; Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter.  

   - How long: 40 days for Lent (some denominations fast only on specific days); Good Friday is a single day.  

   - Why: To commemorate Jesus' 40-day fast in the desert, repent for sins and prepare for Easter.  

3. Judaism  

   - Fast: Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and other minor fasts (e.g. Tisha B'Av, Fast of Esther).  

   - When: Yom Kippur is on the 10th day of Tishrei; other fasts occur throughout the year.  

   - How long: Yom Kippur lasts about 25 hours; other fasts vary.  

   - Why: For repentance, atonement and mourning historical tragedies.  

4. Hinduism  

   - Fast: Various fasts like Ekadashi, Navratri and Maha Shivaratri.  

   - When: Specific days based on the lunar calendar (e.g. Ekadashi on the 11th day of each lunar fortnight).  

   - How long: Typically one day, but some fasts (like Navratri) last 9 days.  

   - Why: To purify the body and mind, seek blessings and honour deities.  

5. Buddhism  

   - Fast: Uposatha or Vassa (Rain Retreat).  

   - When: Uposatha is observed on full moon, new moon and quarter moon days; Vassa lasts three months during the rainy season.  

   - How long: Uposatha is one day; Vassa is three months.  

   - Why: To cultivate mindfulness, discipline and spiritual growth.  

6. Jainism  

   - Fast: Paryushana and other fasts like Ayambil.  

   - When: Paryushana is observed for 8–10 days during the monsoon season.  

   - How long: Paryushana lasts 8–10 days; some Jains fast for longer periods.  

   - Why: For self-discipline, purification and spiritual reflection.  

7. Sikhism  

   - Fast: Not mandatory, but some Sikhs fast during Karva Chauth or Navratri.  

   - When: Varies based on personal or cultural practices.  

   - How long: Typically one day.  

   - Why: Often for personal or family well-being, though fasting is not a core Sikh practice.  

8. Bahá'í Faith  

   - Fast: Bahá'í Fast.  

   - When: The last month of the Bahá'í calendar (March 2–20).  

   - How long: 19 days, from sunrise to sunset.  

   - Why: For spiritual renewal and detachment from material desires.  

9. Zoroastrianism  

   - Fast: Generally discouraged, but some observe fasts during Muktad.  

   - When: Muktad is observed for 18 days.  

   - How long: 18 days.  

   - Why: To honour the spirits of the deceased.  

10. Taoism  

   - Fast: Occasional fasting for purification.  

   - When: Varies by tradition.  

   - How long: Typically short periods.  

   - Why: To cleanse the body and mind.  

11. Native American Religions  

   - Fast: Vision quests and other rituals.  

   - When: Varies by tribe and individual.  

   - How long: Often several days.  

   - Why: For spiritual insight and connection with the divine. 

Fasting has several scientifically proven medical benefits, particularly when practised in controlled and healthy ways. Some key benefits include:  

 1. Autophagy (Cellular Cleaning)  

   - During fasting, the body enters a state of autophagy, where it breaks down and removes damaged cells, misfolded proteins and toxins.  

   - This process helps prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and may reduce the risk of cancer.  

 2. Weight Loss and Fat Reduction  

   - Fasting promotes fat burning by reducing insulin levels and increasing growth hormone production.  

   - The body shifts from using glucose to burning stored fat for energy (ketosis), aiding in weight management.  

 3. Improved Insulin Sensitivity  

   - Fasting lowers blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.  

   - Studies show that intermittent fasting can decrease fasting blood sugar and insulin resistance.  

4. Heart Health Benefits 

   - Fasting can lower blood pressure, reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, and improve overall heart function.  

   - It reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, key contributors to heart disease.  

 5. Brain Health and Cognitive Function  

   - Fasting stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes neuron growth and protects against cognitive decline.  

   - It may help prevent strokes and neurodegenerative disorders.  

 6. Reduced Inflammation

   - Fasting decreases levels of inflammatory markers, reducing the risk of chronic conditions like arthritis, asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases.  

 7. Gut Health and Digestion

   - Fasting allows the digestive system to rest and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.  

   - It helps heal conditions like leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  

8. Enhanced Immune Function  

   - Short-term fasting promotes the regeneration of white blood cells, strengthening the immune system.  

   - It may help fight infections and reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.  

9. Increased Longevity 

   - Studies suggest that fasting activates genes linked to longevity and anti-ageing.  

   - It reduces oxidative stress and enhances mitochondrial function, which may extend lifespan.  

10. Hormonal Balance 

   - Fasting increases human growth hormone (HGH), which supports muscle growth, fat metabolism and tissue repair.  

   - It also regulates ghrelin (hunger hormone) and leptin (satiety hormone), improving appetite control.  

These benefits depend on the type and duration of fasting. Intermittent fasting, prolonged fasting and religious fasts all have varying effects, but they generally contribute to better overall health.