The document defines fasting as willingly abstaining from food, drink, or both for a period of time. It discusses the benefits of fasting which include reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes as well as increased stress resistance, slowed aging process, and maximum life span. The document then summarizes fasting practices in several religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Islam during the month of Ramadan. Fasting is observed differently between religions and involves abstaining from certain foods and drinks at specific times.

2. Definition of Fasting
Willingly abstaining from some
or all food, drink, or both, for a
period of time

3. Benefits of Fasting
(Based on Scientific Research)
Reduced risks of Enhances Increases
stress Slows aging
cancer, maximum life
resistance, process
cardiovascular span
diseases and insulin
diabetes resistance
and immune
disorders

4. Fasting in Buddhism
 Buddhist monks and nuns who follows the
Vinaya rules commonly do not eat each
day after the noon meal.
 This is not considered a fast but rather a
disciplined regimen aiding in meditation
and good health.

5. Fasting in Christianity
 Fasting is a practice in several Christian
denominations or other churches.
 Some denominations do not practice it
considering it an external observance
 However, many individual believers
choose to observe fasts at various times at
their own behest

6. Fasting in Catholicism
 Fastingand abstinence were more strictly
regulated before 1956.
 The church had prescribed that Roman
Catholics observe fasting and/or
abstinence on a number of days
throughout the year.
 One of it was on Lent (40 days) preceding
Good Friday.

7. Fasting in Roman
Catholicism
Food Intake reduced
1 full meal 2 small meals
1 small meal (morning) + 1 small meal (evening) ≠ 1 full meal
18 – 59 years old

8. Fasting in Roman
Catholicism
Complete
abstinence of Avoid meat
food the whole Partial
day abstinence –
Consume
meat once in
the day

9. Fasting in Hinduism
 Fasting is a very integral part of the Hindu
religion.
 Individuals observe different kinds of fasts
based on personal beliefs and local
customs.
 It is generally known as ‘viratham’ among
the Tamil speaking population

10. How is Fasting observed in
Hinduism?
 Fast once a
week
ANCIENT
HINDUISM  Have fruit
TRADITION juice or 1 or
2 fruits
 Break fast in
the evening
after sunset

11. Fasting in Hinduism

12. Fasting in Hinduism
Those required to fast –
3)Devotees who carry Kadavis during Thaipusam
5)Devotees who take part in Fire-walking ceremony

13. Fasting in Taoism
 Refrain from evil thoughts and evil spirits
 Cannot listen to music
 Consume only vegetarian food
 Taoist Fasting days are:
1st, 8th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 28th, 29th,
and 30th lunar day, as well as, every
Festival Day.

14. RAMADAN
 Muslim calendar = Movement of Moon
 Islamic calendar only has 354 days
 Islamic festivals seem to move forward
A way to allow Muslims to experience
Ramadan in 4 seasons

15. Ninth month of Worship and
Muslim calendar contemplation
The Muslim Calendar:
RAMADAN Muharram
Safar
Rabiulawal
Rabiulakhir
Jamadilawal
Jamadilakhir
Rejab
Syaaban
The day when the holy Ramadan
Al-Quran (Holy Book of Syawal
Zulkaedah
Islam) was sent down Zulhijjah
from Heaven

16. Stringent rules must be
followed closely from
dawn until sunset for
the entire month
THE RULES
Greater sympathy
Eating, drinking, smoking and for the needy and
intimate physical contact poor
between husband and wife

17. THE RATIONALE
Greater Cleanse the
Generate body of
concentration empathy for
on the spiritual overindulgence
the hungry

18. The procedure
 Pre-fastmeal (sahur) – Occurs before dawn
(before 5.30am)
 Fast from dawn to sunset
 Break fast at sunset (iftar)
 Dates (Rich in sugar and iron – Instant
energy booster)
 Prayer
 Dinner