Do Other Religions Have a Fasting Ritual?

Fasting is a qadim form of worship as its history is as old as mankind. One can find the worship of fasting in other religions and faiths than Islam. Even though Christianity and Judaism have different rituals, fasting as a religious ritual is available in both religions. As for religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, fasting is not a form of worship, but rather a way to train and nourish the nafs and spirit. Before Islam, different kinds of fasting was known among the Arabs.

As for fasting in the Islamic faith, it became an obligation in the 8th year of hijrah when the following verse was revealed:

“O believers! Fasting counted days is decreed upon you as it was decreed upon those before you. Those of you who are ill or are on a journey fast the amount they missed on other days. Those who have great difficulty in fasting (those who are capable but with hardship or those who are not capable) should give a ransom to feed a poor for a day. Whoever does good willfully - that is better for himself. That is best for you if ye but knew!” Allah the Exalted (swt) refers to it as follows, "Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard to distinguish between right and wrong. So, whoever is present this month, let them fast..." So whoever of you witnesses this month, let him fast during it. And those of you who are ill or are on a journey should fast the same amount they missed on other days. Allah intends ease for you, He does not intend hardship for you. So that you may complete the amount, and to glorify Allah and be grateful to Himso that He may guide you to the straight path." (Baqarah, 2/183-185)

Besides these verses, our beloved Prophet expressed that the fast of Ramadan is among our most fundamental principles with the following words:

“Islam is based on five principles: To testify that there is no deity but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger, to offer salah (prayer), to pay zakat (obligatory charity), to perform Hajj, and to observe fast during the month of Ramadan.” (Muslim, Iman, 1)