Fasting in Baha’i Faith
Bijan Nafea
INTRODUCTION
Once each year Baha’is around the globe abstain from drinking and eating from sunrise to sunset for 19 days from the 2nd until the 20th of March. For Baha’is, fasting is more than the physical endurance of thirst and hunger; it symbolizes detachment from the physical world. Fasting is a spiritual act which should result in improvement of one’s character and empathy towards others.
EXEMPTIONS
Baha’is who are younger than 15 or older than 70, people who are ill or physically weak, laborers with physically demanding jobs, long journey travelers, and women breastfeeding are exempt from fasting.
Fasting and prayer are considered by Baha’u’llah, the prophet founder of the Baha’i Faith, as the two pillars “that sustain the revealed law of God.”
WHY FAST?
Throughout human history fasting has been an important religious practice. Upvaas (which means “near + reside”) in Hinduism or Rozah (fasting) in Islam, as well as others, are annually practiced by adherents of religions at different times and for different durations.
Fasting is a period of meditation, prayer and spiritual recuperation. Abdul-Baha, son of Baha’u’llah says:
This physical fast is a symbol of the spiritual fast. This Fast leadeth to the cleansing of the soul from all selfish desires, the acquisition of spiritual attributes, attraction to the breezes of the All-Merciful, and enkindlement with the fire of divine love… Fasting is the cause of the elevation of one’s spiritual station.
The physical symptoms of fasting, such as thirst and hunger, are not intended as punishment or to cause us to suffer. Baha’u’llah says:
Even though outwardly the Fast is difficult and toilsome, yet inwardly it is bounty and tranquility.
The following prayer summarizes the essence of the Baha’i Fast:
O Divine Providence! As I am abstaining from bodily desires and from all occupation with food and drink, even so purify and sanctify my heart from the love of anyone save Thyself, and shield and protect my soul from corrupt inclinations and satanic qualities, that my spirit may commune with the breaths of holiness and fast from the mention of all else besides Thee.
- Abdul Baha
To read more about the Baha’i Fast -