Ramadan is here again, and Muslims will fast from sunrise until sunset for the whole month. It is an obligatory act, and is one of the pillars of Islam (Rukun Islam), apart from performing the daily prayers, paying the annual tithe, and performing hajj (at least once in a lifetime for those who can afford it).
Fasting is deemed obligatory based on a number of verses in the Quran and Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet), most notably in Quran 2:183 where Allah said: “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.” (Yusuf Ali English translation).
As Muslims, we are also reminded again (and again), how fasting will create discipline, and build good character, especially our empathy towards less fortunate members of the society. What I found interesting is that, Islam is not the only religion that espouses fasting to be closer to God.
Many Christian denominations for example, observe fasting during the Lent, which lasts for 40 days before Easter. Catholics are required to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent, and to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by eating only one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. The Jews on the other hand, fast on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It is a complete fast, meaning no food or drink is consumed for 25 hours, from sunset on the evening before until the following nightfall.
Hindus fast on various occasions, such as during the festival of Navratri, which lasts for nine days, and during the month of Shravan, which is considered an auspicious month. Fasts can vary from complete abstinence from food and water to a restricted diet of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. And unlike other religions who fast on certain times of the year, fasting in Buddhism can be performed at any time, since it is a form of self-discipline and believed to enhance Buddhists of their spiritual practice. Fasting can vary from complete abstinence from food and drink, to a restricted diet of simple foods, like rice and vegetables.
Seen from this angle, the Islamic version of fasting seems to be of something in between the extremes: observed just 30 days of the year during the ninth month of the Hijri calendar, and the complete fast is only observed during the day (just 12 hours on average, for a country closer to the Equator like ours).
The practice of fasting varies across religions, reflecting the specific philosophical principles of each respective faith. While all aim to bring one closer to God and attain His grace, the methods employed are unique to each religion and grounded in their distinct belief systems.
Associate Professor Dr. Khadijah Mohd Hambali of the Department of Aqidah and Islamic Thought at the Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, asserts that the approach of comparative religion is to evaluate a religion within a fair context and refrain from denigrating other religions. She explains that Comparative Religion is a scientific discipline that involves a detailed study of religion to gain academic insight into religious phenomena, and to develop accountable statements based on this understanding.
She adds, “We acknowledge that people have followed religious practices for a long time, and that there are multiple religions in existence, as evidenced by history. Religious diversity is an inherent aspect of existence and life. However, when diverse religious groups hold differing and even contradictory views regarding truth and the concept of salvation, a problem arises. Although truth and safety are fundamental teachings of religions, differing claims can lead to conflicts. As a result, humanity has developed new ways of thinking about religious diversity.”
Three major schools of thought exist regarding religious belief: religious exclusivism, religious inclusivism, and religious pluralism. Religious exclusivism holds that truth is exclusive to a single religion, and any truth claimed by other religions is seen as false. Individuals who hold this belief are known as exclusivists. In contrast, religious inclusivism acknowledges that the truth may belong to one religion, but other religions may also possess some elements of truth. However, these religions lack the complete essence of truth. Those who hold this viewpoint are called inclusivists. Finally, religious pluralism asserts that truth is shared by all religions, and individuals who subscribe to this belief are referred to as pluralists.
As a true devil’s advocate, I asked: If finding the truth is the way to be more spiritually content, wouldn’t it be more practical to be immersed in the different religions before settling in one belief system that one is comfortable in, just like what the controversial movie “Mentega Terbang” was trying to say?
Dr. Khadijah, responding to the importance of understanding different religious beliefs, emphasizes that Islam offers a precise and sound answer based on the principle of Tawhid. “Tawhid emphasizes elements of rationalism and intellectualism that align with human reason, making it crucial for Muslims to develop a strong self-identity and understanding of their own faith before studying other religions,” she said.
Further, according to Dr. Khadijah, religious practices such as fasting serve as essential means to deepen one’s faith in God. Fasting demonstrates one’s obedience to the demands of religion, particularly Islam, which places Tawhid as the foundation of faith. Tawhid encompasses three essential elements: a firm belief based on conviction, sincere submission in the heart of every believer, and the internal drive to align one’s daily activities with the values of one’s faith. By embracing these principles, individuals can better integrate their faith into their daily lives.
“The confidence to practice fasting stems from faith, which serves as the primary internal force that activates, motivates, and mobilizes all of our mental and physical capacities towards fulfilling Allah’s commands in life. The shahadah, or declaration of faith, is not merely an expression but a powerful testimony that affirms the central position of Allah in the lives, actions, and thoughts of every Muslim guided by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. This testimony asserts that there is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger,” she concluded.
In essence, the practice of fasting during Ramadan is a unique and integral part of Islamic faith that has deep spiritual and religious significance. It is both a symbol of faith, and a tangible expression of devotion. To all Muslims, may you have a blessed and fruitful Ramadan filled with spiritual growth and self-reflection!
The author is the Director of Corporate Communications Centre, Universiti Malaya, and may be reached at nahrizuladib@um.edu.my. This writing was published at apakhabartv.com: https://apakhabartv.com/2023/03/24/duality-of-fasting/
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