• Meaning and Significance of Fasting in Comparative Perspective: A Study With Special Reference to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

    Author(s):
    Muhammad Akram (see profile)
    Date:
    2016
    Group(s):
    Biblical Studies, Islamicate Studies, Philosophy of Religion, Religious Studies
    Subject(s):
    Religions, Religious ethics, Ethics, Comparative, Ritual--Study and teaching, Judaism, Christianity, Islam
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    Fasting, Comparison, Comparative religion, Comparative religious ethics, Interreligious studies, Religious studies, Ritual studies
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/pkjv-5856
    Abstract:
    Though the ritual of fasting is common to most of the known religious traditions, its practice and symbolic value may vary considerably. This paper aims at a comparative study into the meaning and significance of this ritual with special reference to the three Semitic religions namely Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Some interesting similarities and dissimilarities in this connection are noted. It is discerned that quite often fasting is observed in these religions to commemorate certain events of religious significance during specific days of the year. Moreover, feasts and festivals which occur before or after various fasting periods in the selected religious traditions remind us of the social significance of this ritual. However, sometimes fasting also signifies the spontaneous individual expression of thankfulness to or repentance before God. It is observed that fasting in these religions is envisioned to facilitate self-control, invoke mercy and sympathy for others, create a sense of bondage, establish and assert religious identities, and release negative feelings like guilt consciousness. In the final analysis, it is maintained that as a form of asceticism fasting does not necessarily imply the negation of body or society. Rather, by facilitating self-control and freedom from one's inner fears and other emotional weaknesses it can also lead to a deeper affirmation of the self and greater integration into society.
    Metadata:
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    Published as:
    Journal article     Show details
    Publisher:
    Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan
    Pub. Date:
    2016
    Journal:
    Hamdard Islamicus
    Volume:
    39
    Issue:
    2
    Page Range:
    37 - 60
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    3 years ago
    License:
    All-Rights-Granted
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