Why the religious fast for Ramadan, Lent and other holy days

LUIS ANDRES HENAO and MARIAM FAM Associated Press

Muslims around the world have welcomed Ramadan, a month of fasting, increased worship, heightened charity, good deeds and community. Christians are also fasting during Lent, the 40-day period of penance and prayer ahead of Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Fasting across religions is practiced for a wide range of reasons that include spiritual purification and self-discipline. Here is a quick look at fasting as an act of faith:

Buddhism

In Buddhism, fasting is recognized as one of the methods for practicing self- control. Buddhist monks generally refrain from taking solid food after noon every day.

<p>Monks carry candles in front of an altar Feb. 4 Feb. 4 at Watt Munisotaram in Hampton, Minn., to mark the Buddhist holiday of Magha Puja.  Buddhist monks generally refrain from taking solid food after noon every day.</p>

Giovanna Dell’Orto, Associated Press

Monks carry candles in front of an altar Feb. 4 Feb. 4 at Watt Munisotaram in Hampton, Minn., to mark the Buddhist holiday of Magha Puja.  Buddhist monks generally refrain from taking solid food after noon every day.

Christianity

In Christianity, fasting is used as a way to purify the body, practice self-control and save resources to give to the poor.

Many Pentecostal Christians fast in anticipation that it will equip them to experience the Holy Spirit more powerfully.

During Lent, many Christians observe a 40-day period of penance, prayer and fasting. It is observed from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, which marks their belief in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This year, Easter falls on April 9 for most Christians. During Lent, Christians replicate the biblical account of Jesus withdrawing to the desert to pray and fast for the 40 days.

<p>Orthodox Christian clergy mark Palm Sunday on April 17 at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a place where Christians believe Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and resurrected, in Jerusalem. During Lent, many Christians observe a 40-day period of penance, prayer and fasting.</p>

Oded Balilty, Associated Press

Orthodox Christian clergy mark Palm Sunday on April 17 at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a place where Christians believe Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and resurrected, in Jerusalem. During Lent, many Christians observe a 40-day period of penance, prayer and fasting.

Christians often abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent, and some for the entire period. Some also give up coffee, candy or another item they see as a personal sacrifice. “You’re showing your seriousness and your willingness to suffer for your religion,” said Deana Weibel, an anthropology and religious studies professor at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan.

The Catholic Church does not consider fish, lobster and other shellfish to be meat, so they can be consumed on days of abstinence, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In many U.S. communities, Friday fish fries are common occurrence during Lent.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, fasting is not an obligation, but a voluntary act of spiritual purification. The most commonly observed 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 do complete or partial fasts or just give up their favorite foods for a certain period of time.

<p>Hindu devotees bathe and perform morning rituals July 10 during Devshayani Ekadashi, an auspicious day for devotees of Hindu god Vishnu, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh state, India. In Hinduism, fasting is a voluntary act of spiritual purification.</p>

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Associated Press

Hindu devotees bathe and perform morning rituals July 10 during Devshayani Ekadashi, an auspicious day for devotees of Hindu god Vishnu, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh state, India. In Hinduism, fasting is a voluntary act of spiritual purification.

Islam

Abstaining from all food and drink — not even a sip of water is allowed — and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is regarded as an act of piety and devotion to God and an exercise in self-restraint.

Islamic scholars say the merits of fasting also include cultivating gratitude and compassion for the less fortunate and poor.

Making donations and helping feed the needy are hallmarks of the month, which also typically sees the devout dedicating more time for prayers, religious studies and reading of the Quran, the Muslim holy book.

<p>People break their fast after dusk on March 23, the first day of Ramadan, backdropped by the iconic Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. Abstaining from all food and drink from dawn to sunset during Ramadan is regarded as an act of devotion to God.</p>

Francisco Seco, Associated Press

People break their fast after dusk on March 23, the first day of Ramadan, backdropped by the iconic Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. Abstaining from all food and drink from dawn to sunset during Ramadan is regarded as an act of devotion to God.

Many look forward to the fast as an act of spiritual rejuvenation and purification.

In Islam, fasting is one of The Five Pillars of the faith, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving and pilgrimage, which is known in Arabic as hajj. There are exemptions from fasting, including for the sick.

The daily fasting is followed by iftar, or breaking of the fast, often in festive gatherings with family and friends.

Jainism

Fasting is an important part of Jainism. It is viewed as a way to cleanse one’s body, including one’s bad karma or actions. Jain fasts could last from one day to more than a month. People may do complete or partial fasts or just give up their favorite foods for a certain period of time.

<p>Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men buy chickens Oct. 3 in Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel, before the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish year. Yom Kippur involves a 25-hour fasting period.</p>

Oded Balilty, Associated Press

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men buy chickens Oct. 3 in Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel, before the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish year. Yom Kippur involves a 25-hour fasting period.

Judaism

The holiest day of the Jewish calendar involves a 25-hour fasting period that’s coupled with prayers for forgiveness. During Yom Kippur, Judaism’s day of atonement, Israeli life grinds to a halt — businesses shut down, roads empty out and even radio and TV stations go silent as the faithful fast for 25 hours and hold intensive prayers of atonement.

Sikhism

Sikhism is one of few religions that does not regard fasting as meritorious. Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh faith, regarded fasting as inferior to the “truth” or “right action,” which he said was superior to fasting, penance or other austerities.

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