The Concept and Purpose of Fasting in Islam and Christianity; A comparative study
Abstract
Fasting for religious and spiritual reasons has been a part of human
custom since pre-historic times. It is a universal phenomenon within both
Eastern and Western cultures. Over the centuries, abstaining from food has
been undertaken by the people for a variety of purposes, one of the most
significant being religious reasons. Many religions acquire fasting as an act of
penance, obligation and or faith. The concept of fasting is relatively the same; a
partial or total abstinence from all foods, or a selected abstention from
prohibited foods for a set period of time. Fasting, in almost all cases, is an
important act of the devout, and is observed in Islam and Christianity. In both
the religions it is exercised as a sign of sacrifice to Allah and have prescribed
specific days and times for fasting. Hence fasting in Islam and Christianity has
an important place in both religions. In this article, concept and purpose of
Fasting in Islam and Christianity is discussed. In Islam, fasting for a month
made an obligatory practice during the holy month of Ramadan, from Fajr
(dawn), until Maghrib (sunset). Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the
Pillars of Islam, and thus one of the most important acts of Islamic worship.
Therefore every Muslim receives the blessed month of Ramadan with
repentance, sincerity, resoluteness and earnestness. This is a month when a
Muslim tries to see what displeases Allah and also contemplate on his belief and
increase his faith by actively increasing worship, prayer and reciting the
Qur’an. It is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but also refraining
from any falsehood in speech and action, from any ignorant and indecent
speech, and from arguing and fighting, and lustful thoughts. It is the month of
giving back and assisting those in need. Fasting was a symbol of sadness,
mourning, atonement for the sins, a reminder of disasters as well as self -
degradation in Christianity. Islam radicalized this doom and gloomed the
concept of fasting into an enlightened concept of triumph over the forces of evil.
While, in Islam the month of fasting is a month of worship. Muslims welcome
this month each year with energy and happiness and are saddened when the
month departs. This is contrary to the atmosphere of mourning; Fasting is for
the living in Islam. Nevertheless, fasting is observed in various ways and for
different reasons. Islam has taken the lead in reforming the institution of
fasting.
S.M Ramzan, Prof. Dr. Hafiz Salah ud Din. (2018) اسلام اور عیسائیت میں '' روزے'' کامفہوماور مقصدیت؛ایک تقابلی مطالعہ, Al-Azhāar, Volume 4, Issue 1.
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