Fasting and the unity of religions
This month is considered a holy month by Muslims. They fast from dawn till dusk every day during Ramadan which ends with Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
I admire the strength of those who go on a fast. Yes, you need tremendous strength of mind to be able to fast for such a long time.
My Muslim friends do it year in year out and they tell me that it is only the first few days that are a little difficult. But after that, fasting is much easier to do.
And it is not just fasting that is enjoined on them during this period; they are also to carry out activities that help others, especially the poor and the unfortunate.
They tell me that Ramadan is not just about feasting at the time of the breaking of fast, although this is what gets mentioned most or gets the most publicity. My friend Ariff says it is about instilling self-discipline and compassion.
“We are not to eat from dawn to dusk. Every Muslim learns to discipline himself in this way. Also, it helps us feel for the poor and unfortunate; we now know how a person without food feels and, therefore, we will always help those who need food or other aid to survive.
“We have to have a kind heart, a forgiving heart throughout. We are not to lie or cheat or do anything considered bad. We have to ask for forgiveness of our elders and others and come together in amity,” Ariff adds.
So, Ramadan is not just an observance of a fast; it actually helps mould Muslims into better persons.
In fact, all religions enjoin upon their followers to perform fasts at one time or another. However, they all have different ways of fasting.
Christians, for instance, fast during Lent. Some of my Catholic friends eat only one meal a day but most of them just go without meat during Lent. Here, too, the practice helps develop self-discipline.
Just like Ramadan, Lent is a period of self-reflection and helping others. It is also a preparation for Easter.
Fasting is an integral part of the life of a Hindu. Every day of the week is allocated to fasting for a particular deity or aspect of God. Monday, for instance, is a day of fast for Shiva, Thursday is dedicated to one’s Guru or the great guru Dakshinamurti, and Friday is for Ganesha and the Mother Goddess.
But the better known fasting periods are those based on the phases of the moon. For instance, some Hindus fast on Pournami (full moon) and Ammaavaasai (dark moon) days. Some fast on the 11th day of the waxing and waning moons. Most Hindus fast during Maha Shivaratri or the Night of Shiva.
Hindus are allowed freedom to choose how they want to fast: total abstinence from food, one meal a day, eating only fruits, drinking only liquids, drinking only water, or a combination of these. There are Hindus who fast for a few days, going without food or water, as part of their self-discipline routine.
It depends on their health and their willingness to stretch their control over their body and mind. Those carrying out fasts are always reminded to seek a balance.
Fasting, say the ancient Hindu seers, has a host of benefits including enhancing one’s physical and mental health, giving rest to the organs, especially the digestive system, and strengthening the will. It helps one become a better person.
Folk wisdom, or grandma’s wisdom, says that when you are ill, it is better to go on a fast of some sort. That’s the time we look for some strengthening soup or eat plain bread.
Science also talks of the benefits of undertaking a fast now and then. Research shows that those who go on a fast usually live longer.
Just last month, scientists from the University of Southern California said fasting not only protects against immune system damage, it also induces immune system regeneration.
Also last month, Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center’s Heart Institute said fasting lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
So, fasting is good for us. It has lessons for us, too. What is the use of going on a fast if we do not put those lessons to good use?
Since Ramadan is a time for reflection and doing good deeds, it is a good time to reflect on the fact that all religions recommend fasting and that all religions are an attempt at turning us into better people.
That means, we must learn to respect all religions. We can hold on to our religious beliefs, but if we understand that every religion is trying to make its followers better, then we should have no quarrel with any religion. We should live and let live.
