FASTING ACROSS FAITHS

Fasting has gained popularity as a health-conscious effort to take care of our physical bodies, offering numerous health benefits. Centuries before science and medical intervention, fasting was practiced not only by Christian religion but almost every existing religion that serves as a means to cultivate spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy.

Tucker Carlson, a prominent commentator, mentioned in an All-In Podcast episode, noting that "it's the affluence that kills us, and try fasting for 3 days..." He observed that while satisfying our basic need for food is essential, overindulgence (gluttony) can be detrimental, whereas abstaining from food can lead to heightened sensitivity and enlightenment. This perspective invites us to explore the diverse fasting rituals practiced in different religions and understand the profound benefits it offers:

1. CHRISTIANITY

  • Occasions: Christians observe fasting during specific periods and personal spiritual journeys. Catholics, in particular, participate in the most prominent communal fast known as Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter Sunday. In 2025, Lent begins on March 5 (Ash Wednesday) and ends on April 20 (Easter Sunday). Additionally, many Christians engage in personal fasting during their spiritual journeys or when called for a higher level of faith to seek spiritual growth or divine guidance.

  • Fasting Practices: Following Lent fast, Christians abstain from certain foods especially meat, particularly on Ash Wednesday and Fridays, as acts of commemoration, penance and reflection. Some fast due to personal commitment or call for divine intervention, some practice the Daniel Fast, inspired by the prophet Daniel, which involves consuming only vegetables, fruits, and whole grains for a set period, typically 21 days. Others may fast from specific activities or luxuries, such as television or social media, to focus on their spiritual lives. Replacing all these with time devoted to pray, reading scripture and meditation.

  • Purpose: Fasting during Lent has various purposes—joining in Christ's suffering, detaching from worldly things, making more room for God, and practicing holy habits to grow in virtue.

    Christian fasting, in general, is a way to humble oneself before God, seek guidance, and grow in spiritual strength. It allows believers to set aside personal desires, become more like Jesus, and depend more on the Holy Spirit. This practice is often undertaken during significant decision-making times, as it helps focus on hearing God's answers to prayers and fasts by denying the flesh and its needs. This fosters self-discipline, repentance, and a deeper connection with God.


As Philippians 3:18-19 reminds us: "For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things."

2. ISLAM

  • Occasions: Muslims observe fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin around March 1 and end on March 31, depending on the sighting of the moon.
  • Fasting Practice: During Ramadan, Muslims fast daily from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). This includes abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations during daylight hours. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, often starting with dates and water, followed by a larger meal. The pre-dawn meal before the fast begins is called suhoor.
  • Purpose: Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, serving to cultivate self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate. It is a time for spiritual reflection, increased devotion, and worship. The fast encourages Muslims to develop compassion and strengthen their sense of community.

 

 

3. JUDAISM  - the religion originally of the Jewish people.

  • Occasions: In Judaism, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most significant fasting day. In 2025, Yom Kippur begins at sunset on October 1 and ends at nightfall on October 2. Other fasting days include Tisha B'Av and minor fasts such as the Fast of Esther.
  • Fasting Practices: On Yom Kippur, Jews undertake a 25-hour fast, abstaining from food and drink, including water, from sunset to nightfall the following day. Additional prohibitions include refraining from bathing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. The day is spent in prayer, reflection, and attending synagogue services.
  • Purpose: The fast on Yom Kippur serves as a means of repentance, purification, and spiritual renewal. It encourages introspection, seeking forgiveness, and committing to personal growth. The physical act of fasting symbolizes humility and the subjugation of physical desires to focus on spiritual matters.

4. BUDDHISM - While it is often considered a way of life, lifestyle, or philosophy, Buddhism, when viewed through a broader lens, is practiced as a religion. Buddhists do not believe in any kind of deity or god, although there are supernatural figures who can help or hinder people on the path toward enlightenment.

  • Occasions: Fasting practices in Buddhism vary among traditions and are often observed on specific days, such as Uposatha days, which occur four times a lunar month. These days are dedicated to observance, where fasting is practiced as a way to cleanse the mind and deepen spiritual practice by abstaining from food and other distractions.
  • Fasting Practices: Many Buddhist monks and nuns follow a practice of abstaining from eating after noon, consuming meals only in the morning. Lay practitioners may adopt similar fasting practices on Uposatha days or during meditation retreats.
  • Purpose and Benefits: Fasting in Buddhism aims to aid meditation, mindfulness, and detachment from material desires. It supports focus, spiritual clarity, and the cultivation of self-discipline, aligning with the path to enlightenment.
     

5. HINDUISM

  • Occasions: Fasting is a common practice in Hinduism, observed on various occasions such as Ekadashi (the 11th day of each lunar fortnight), Maha Shivaratri, and during festivals like Navaratri. The timing and duration of fasts vary depending on regional and personal traditions.

  • Fasting Practices/ Restriction: Fasting methods in Hinduism vary widely, from complete abstention from food and water to consuming only specific foods like fruits, milk, or simple vegetarian meals. Salt is often prohibited, with "saline food". Not all Hindu fasts restrict salt, some specific ones, like the "Sawan Somwar" fast, may specifically prohibit its consumption.  . The choice of fasting method often depends on individual capacity, tradition, and the specific occasion.

  • Purpose and Benefits: Fasting in Hinduism aims to purify the body and mind, enhance self-discipline, and express devotion to deities. It is believed to create a conducive environment for spiritual practices, promote self-control, and deepen one's connection with the divine. By temporarily giving up physical sustenance, devotees can focus on spiritual growth, meditation, and prayers.


CONCLUSION
Beyond the spiritual benefits, fasting also impacts other areas of life. Physically, fasting can lead to detoxification, improved digestion, and weight management. Mentally, it enhances concentration, mental clarity, and emotional stability, fostering a deeper connection to one's faith and community.


Disclaimer:
Salt of the Earth is an electrolyte product that helps maintain health during fasting methods like intermittent and ketosis fasting. However, we do not promote its use during spiritual fasting, which follows 'pure water only'. Using our product as a supplement could undermine the purpose of fasting, which is to deny the body’s essential needs. We support spiritual fasting as we firmly believe in our Almighty God.

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