WORLD NEWS | Why religious fasting is observed during Ramadan, Lent and other holy days

WASHINGTON, March 24 (AP) — Muslims around the world are welcoming the start of Ramadan, a month of fasting, increased worship and enhanced charity, good deeds and community. Christians also fast during Lent, the 40-day period of penance and prayer before Easter, which marks the return of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Fasting is practiced in different religions for various reasons, including spiritual purification and self-discipline. A quick look at fasting as an act of faith:

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Buddhism

— In Buddhism, fasting is considered one of the ways to practice self-control. Monks generally do not eat solid food after noon every day.

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Christianity

— In Christianity, fasting is used as a way of purifying the body, practicing self-control, and saving resources to give to the poor.

— Many Pentecostal Christians fast in the hope that this will equip them to experience the Holy Spirit more powerfully.

— During Lent, many Christians observe a 40-day period of penance, prayer and fasting. From Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, it marks their belief that Jesus rose from the dead. This year, Easter falls on April 9th ​​for most Christians. During Lent, Christians replicate the biblical account of Jesus withdrawing desert prayers and fasting for 40 days.

— Christians usually don’t eat meat on Fridays during Lent, and some don’t even eat meat during the entire period. Some also give up coffee, candy, or other items they consider personal sacrifices. “You showed your seriousness and your willingness to suffer for your religion,” said Deanna Weber, a professor of anthropology and religious studies at Grand Canyon State University in Allendale, Michigan.

— According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Catholic Church does not consider fish, lobster and other shellfish to be meat and therefore to be eaten on abstinence days. Fish and chips Friday is common during Lent in many American communities.

hinduism

— In Hinduism, fasting is not an obligation, but a voluntary act of spiritual purification. The most common fast is Ekadashi, which falls on the 11th day of each lunar cycle, as the moon waxes and wanes. Hindus also fast during several festivals or as part of their spiritual discipline. People may fast completely or partially, or simply give up their favorite foods for a period of time.

Islam

– Fasting of all food and drink — not even a sip of water — during the Muslim month of Ramadan, sex from dawn to sunset is seen as an act of devotion and devotion to Allah and as an exercise in self-restraint.

— Islamic scholars say the benefits of fasting also include developing gratitude and compassion for the less fortunate and the poor.

— Donations and helping to feed the needy are the hallmarks of the month, which also typically sees devout people spending more time in prayer, religious studies and reading the Qur’an, the holy book of Muslims.

— Many people look to fasting to be a refreshing and purifying act.

— In Islam, fasting is one of the five pillars of faith, along with faith, prayer, almsgiving and pilgrimage, which is known in Arabic as Hajj. There are fasting exemptions, including sick people.

— Daily fasts are followed by iftar, or breaking the fast, usually during festive gatherings with family and friends.

Jainism

— Fasting is an important part of Jainism. It is seen as a way of purifying the body, including one’s negative karma or actions. Jain fasts can last from a day to more than a month. People may fast completely or partially, or simply give up their favorite foods for a period of time.

judaism

— The holiest day in the Jewish calendar includes a 25-hour fasting period accompanied by prayers for forgiveness. During Yom Kippur, the Jewish observance of Yom Kippur, life in Israel comes to a standstill — businesses are closed, roads are deserted and even radio and television stations go silent as believers fast for 25 hours and perform intensive atonement prayers.

Sikhism

— Sikhism is one of the few religions that does not regard fasting as a merit. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, considered fasting inferior to “truth” or “right conduct,” which he said was superior to fasting, penance or other austerities. (Associated Press)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)