Fasting is an essential part of all world religions. Through fasting, believers are meant to better focus on their faith, come closer to God, and cleanse their bodies.

All great religious founders have undergone a phase of renunciation. Jesus withdrew into the desert for 40 days to fast before he preached publicly. Mohammed fasted before the Quran was revealed to him. Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is said to have subsisted on grasses and seeds for six years in search of the truth. Moses ascended Mount Sinai, where he fasted for 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments from God. The Hindu Mahatma Gandhi used fasting as a means of nonviolent resistance.

Even today, fasting plays a significant role in all world religions.

Christianity

In the 2nd century, fasting entered Christianity. It is practiced to reflect and renew oneself. Initially, it lasted only 2 days (before Easter). In the 3rd century, fasting was then extended to Holy Week. By the beginning of the 5th century, the 40-day fast had become nearly universally established.

In the Middle Ages, stricter regulations were in place than today. Meat and animal products were prohibited. Eggs, butter, cream, milk, or cheese were not allowed. Regions that could only produce little or no oil were permitted to consume butter to prevent a fat deficiency. Wine and liquors were also prohibited. Non-nourishing drinks, however, were allowed. Nowadays, strict rules are hardly followed anymore. Everyone can decide for themselves what to abstain from. Fasting now means living and perceiving more consciously.

The "Christian Lent" before Easter (Gothic/Germanic: fastan: (to hold) observe and guard) is perhaps the best-known fasting period in Christianity. Fasting lasts for 40 days, from Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent, after Shrove Tuesday) to Holy Saturday. It lasts for 40 days and 40 nights. The Gospel of Matthew states that Jesus was sent into the desert by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the devil.

In the past, there was also the "little Lent." It took place before Advent to prepare for Christmas. During that time, only meat and alcoholic drinks were abstained from. However, this tradition has nearly vanished now. There was also the custom of fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays, to remember that Judas betrayed Jesus. On Fridays, to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In some households, fish is still eaten on Fridays.

But otherwise, not much of the customs remains. In the Catholic Church, for example, there are only two special fasting days left: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Islam

In Islam, fasting is a divine command and one of the five pillars. It is observed to purify and sanctify the soul. It is also meant to strengthen the relationship with God and fellow humans. This affects approximately 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide.

Primarily, fasting occurs during Ramadan. This is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Additionally, Muslims are encouraged to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. Here, all food, drink (except water), and smoking are abstained from between sunrise and sunset. There is also a prohibition on sexual relations during this period.

The evening breaking of the fast happens in larger groups. This gives Ramadan a communal and familial character. Giving alms and hospitality play a significant role during this time. Those exempt from fasting include travelers, pregnant women, children, and the sick. Anyone who cannot fast for certain reasons is required to give alms and food to the poor.

Buddhism

In Buddhism, fasting or eating less is done to achieve inner purity, better meditation, as well as to attain inner peace and enlightenment. Buddha taught the "Middle Way." Self-mortification was rejected.

In Buddhism, there is no prescribed fasting period as in Christianity or Islam. However, Buddhist monks and nuns are encouraged not to eat anything after 12 noon each day. Every devout Buddhist is also urged to fast repeatedly. There are various monthly fasting days as well.

Judaism

In Judaism, fasting is practiced to atone for sins or to remember sad events. It is also intended to avoid earthly dependencies. There are various fasting days on which no food may be eaten: Yom Kippur, Shiv'ah Asar B'Tammuz, Tzom Gedalyah, Asarah B'Tevet, and Tisha B'Av.

The most well-known fasting day is Yom Kippur – "the Day of Atonement." No food or drink is permitted. Smoking, sex, work, and washing are also prohibited on Yom Kippur. The body is to be cleansed by atoning for all sins.

There are other fasting days as well, but fasting is not strictly prescribed on them. These include the eve of the monthly new moon, one's wedding anniversary, or the anniversary of a parent's death.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, fasting usually occurs before a festival or ritual. Fasting is also done here for the purification of the mind and redemption from sins. It often involves completely or temporarily abstaining from certain foods and fasting for periods.

There are no universally applicable commandments. Depending on the occasion or religious direction, the practice of fasting varies. During fasting periods, only water is often consumed, fruits are eaten, or rice without ingredients is taken. Many Hindus eat vegetarian. They refrain from meat and fish. Often, there is also a restriction on eggs, onions, garlic, and all other animal products. Vegetarianism is not an obligatory law in Hinduism but plays a significant role in various currents.

Generally, fasting occurs on special days such as full moon days or new moon days. Some Hindus also fast on the honor day of Shiva, others on Krishna's birthday. There are also Hindus who follow Gandhi's example. They fast to gain political attention.

Orthodox Church

In the Orthodox Church, fasting is meant to strengthen prayer and also calm the soul and spirit. Fasting adheres to stricter rules than in other religions.

There are four major fasting periods in the year: 40 days before Easter, the so-called "Apostle Fast" in the week after Pentecost, "Koimesis Fast" in August, and the "Advent Fast" from mid-November to December 24. Moreover, fasting is also supposed to take place on Wednesdays and Fridays. Fasting is also observed on January 5, August 29, and September 14.

During this time, there is a prohibition on meat, eggs, and dairy products. On strict feast days, wine, fish, and oil are also abstained from. Here, fasting is associated with intense prayer.

Summary

As described above, fasting has been practiced and carried out in various religious traditions for centuries in different forms. Many of the old traditional methods can be found in today's popular fasting methods such as "5-2" or "16-8."

Regardless of religious views, more and more people today are finding their way back to this form of diet, as intermittent fasting has many positive effects on the body, health, and the mind and soul. The body and mind become less dependent on the constant urge to satisfy appetite and hunger. One feels more energetic, healthier, and perceives eating and life more again, regaining greater joy in meals after the period of abstinence.

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