Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Hinduism
Buddhism
Fasting & Discipline
Voluntary abstention from food is practiced across every major world religion as a means of purification, repentance, spiritual focus, and solidarity with the poor. From Ramadan to Yom Kippur to Lent and beyond, fasting disciplines the body so that the spirit may grow stronger.
Across the World's Religions
Christianity
- Pratique
- Fasting (nesteia) — Lent, Ash Wednesday
- Key Text
- Matthew 6:16-18; Isaiah 58:6
Judaism
- Pratique
- Tzom — Yom Kippur, Tisha B'Av
- Key Text
- Leviticus 16:29-31; Joel 1:14
Hinduism
- Pratique
- Upavasa (fasting on sacred days)
- Key Text
- Bhagavad Gita 17:8-10
Buddhism
- Pratique
- No eating after noon (Vinaya rule)
- Key Text
- Patimokkha, Bhikkhu rules 37-40