The surge in scientific research on intermittent fasting and its effect on health is a relatively recent phenomenon, probably dating to the 1930s. It is interesting to note that from ancient times, many religions of the world have built the power of fasting into prescribed spiritual practices. The convergence of religion and science in the context of Fasting indicates that it is a practice good for the body and the soul. Fasting is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset. Traditionally observant Jews fast six days of the year. Hindus observe Ekadasi as a day of fasting, every eleventh day of the 15-day cycle of the waxing and waning lunar cycle. Fasting is a practice in several Christian denominations and churches. The Bible sets aside one whole day a year for fasting, The Day of Atonement. In the Baháí Faith, fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset during the Baháí month of `Ala (March 2 – March 20). Buddhist monks and nuns following the Vinaya rules commonly do not eat each day after the noon meal. Many such examples of prescribed Fasting abound in almost every religion of the world.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 22:39:04 +0000
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