At a glance
Fasting usually means abstaining from food (and sometimes drink or specific ingredients) for set times. Across traditions it aims to clarify the mind, rebalance habits, deepen prayer or meditation, and cultivate generosity—often pairing restraint with charity or service.
How fasting works in major traditions
Islam — Ramadan & other fasts
When
Sacred month of Ramadan (dawn→sunset daily), plus voluntary fasts some days of the year.
Avoid
Food, drink, and marital relations during daylight; no smoking.
Goal
Taqwa (God-consciousness), gratitude, empathy for the hungry, scripture focus.
Meals
Pre-dawn suhoor & sunset iftar.
Charity
Zakat al-Fitr due before Eid; community iftars.
Exempt
Children, elders/frailty, travelers, pregnancy, nursing, menstruation, illness (make-ups/charity as applicable).
Christianity — Lent & fast/abstinence days
When
Lent (≈40 days before Easter) + specific days (e.g., Ash Wednesday, Good Friday); Eastern churches also fast before feasts.
Avoid
Varies by church: reduced meals, meat abstinence, personal sacrifices (sweets, media) to cultivate discipline.
Goal
Repentance, imitation of Christ, almsgiving, prayer.
Meals
Often one full meal + 2 light; Fridays meat-free in some traditions.
Charity
Strong emphasis on almsgiving & service.
Exempt
Children, frail/ill, pregnant/nursing; check local diocesan or parish guidance.
Judaism — Yom Kippur & other fasts
When
Yom Kippur (≈25 hours); Tisha B’Av and several minor fasts.
Avoid
Food & drink; on Yom Kippur also bathing, lotions, leather shoes, marital relations.
Goal
Atonement, reflection, return to God, communal reconciliation.
Meals
Pre-fast & post-fast meals; synagogue services all day.
Charity
Tzedakah (charity) emphasized, especially near the High Holy Days.
Exempt
Health takes precedence (pikuach nefesh). Pregnant/nursing, the ill—consult rabbi/doctor.
Buddhism — Uposatha, Vassa & monastic rules
When
Uposatha observance days; monastics keep afternoon/evening food abstinence; laypeople may adopt Eight Precepts on special days.
Avoid
Often solid food after midday (monastic), intoxicants; personal renunciations.
Goal
Mindfulness, non-attachment, compassion.
Meals
Morning alms; simple foods.
Charity
Support for monastics/temples; acts of merit.
Exempt
Lay practice flexible; health needs override.
Hinduism — Ekadashi, Navratri & vrat (vows)
When
Ekadashi (twice monthly), Navratri, Shivaratri, regional vows.
Avoid
Varies: grains, certain spices, or complete fasts; sattvic foods preferred.
Goal
Purification, devotion (bhakti), discipline.
Meals
Fruit, dairy, simple fast-friendly dishes (e.g., sabudana, kheer).
Charity
Temple offerings, food sharing.
Exempt
Flexible by family/guru guidance; health comes first.
Jainism — Paryushana & various upvas
When
Paryushana and other vow-based fasts (from partial to multi-day water-only).
Avoid
Strict vegetarianism always; fasting intensifies austerity, with care for non-harm.
Goal
Ahimsa (non-violence), self-restraint, purification.
Meals
Often daylight-bound; filtered water; meticulous care to avoid harming life.
Charity
Donations & service integral.
Exempt
Elders, illness; consult community guidance.
Bahá’í — Nineteen-Day Fast
When
19 days before Naw-Rúz (around March), dawn→sunset.
Avoid
Food & drink in daylight.
Goal
Detachment, spiritual focus, solidarity.
Community
Ends with Naw-Rúz celebration.
Charity
Personal service emphasized.
Exempt
Under 15/over 70, illness, pregnancy, travel, heavy labor, etc.
Sikh tradition — note on fasting
Approach
Ritual fasting is generally discouraged; emphasis is on honest work, remembrance of God, and langar (free community kitchen) for all.
Health & exemptions
All traditions prioritize health. Children, the elderly/frail, travelers, pregnant or nursing people, and those with medical conditions are usually exempt or given alternatives (make-up days, charity, simplified practice). Always follow medical advice and local religious guidance.
Respectful tips for visitors & allies
- Public meals near prayer spaces: consider discrete eating or supportive scheduling.
- Evening gatherings (e.g., iftar) are often open—ask if visitors are welcome and offer to bring a dish or donate.
- Avoid assumptions: practice levels vary by person and community.
When in doubt, ask a volunteer or faith leader. People are happy to explain local practice.
FAQs
What’s the difference between fasting and abstinence?
Fasting generally limits all food (and sometimes drink) to certain windows or very small amounts. Abstinence avoids specific items (e.g., meat, alcohol) without necessarily reducing total intake.
Can non-adherents join a fast?
Often yes, informally—especially during community events (e.g., sharing an iftar). If you want to adopt formal requirements, speak with a faith leader.
How do athletes or people with medical needs handle fasting?
Health takes precedence. Many traditions provide exemptions or alternatives. Consult a doctor and local clergy for safe options.
