Fasting is hailed by all religions for its mysticism and its spiritual purification , physicians , scientists , and philosophers have also extolled the properties of fasting as a healing process for the body and mind . While the common denominator is the same , abstinence from food , drink , and other peasurable activities for a given period , fasting traditions vary from one religion to another.

In Islam , throughout the holy month of Ramadan , Muslims refrain from food , drink and other corporal pleasures , from dawn to dusk . Muslims must also renounce falsehood in speech and action , indecency , discord and injustice . Ramadan inspires a sense of brotherhood and solidarity , urging Muslims to share meals , help the poor , and bond with their needy and hungry brothers and sisters. The holy Quran orders Muslims to fast , as was prescribed for those who came before them , meaning the Christians and the Jews.

It is reported that when the Prophet Muhamed (PBUH) came to Medinah , he found the Jews fasting the day of Achoura. When he asked why , he was told this was a great day for the Jews because God saved Moses and the tribes of Israel from their enemies , Moses fasted on that day and so do all Jews. , so the Prophet too fasted on that day , and ordered his people to fast as well .

The Bible is replete with accounts of fasting , from moses who fasted 40 days and 40 nights while on the mountain with God , and King David who fasted when one of his sons was sick. In Judaism fasting comprises abstinence from all food and drink , during seven calendar days , five of which are considered minor and two major. Minor fasts are observed between sunrise and sunset , the major fasts are longer , from sunset to sunset the next day. those are Yom Kippur , the Day of Atonement , and Tisha B'AV, a 25 hour fast " Izedakah " , or charitable acts may reduce the length of certain requirements.

All Christians fast , though the tradition and rules of fasting differ with the various denominations . Christian fasting involves " abstinence from eating meat from mammals or fowls , or soups and gravy made from both of them ". Fasting is also abstinence from sin . " Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert , to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights , afterwards he was hungry " (Mathew 4:1-2).Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches fast on Wednesdays and Fridays , their penitential days . Roman Catholics observe Friday as a memorial to the day Jesus was crucified. Christians fast to " discipline the body , so we can focus more intently on the spiritual.And we fast to do penance". (Appetente Sacro-Pope Clement XIII,1759)." Dost thou fast ? Give me proof of it by thy works !"

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