Bahá'í year 164

What is fasting? One definition is that it is the voluntary abstention from nourishment. While this is true on the physical level, when fasting is done in connection with spiritual or religious principles it goes far beyond abstaining from food and drink. Most cultures and religions have practiced fasting, although in different forms. Sometimes it is just abstention from certain foods, food only, or food and drink. Fasting can also include abstention from sexual acts and even smoking. The duration of the fast can be for different periods of time.

Within the Bahá'í Faith, Bahá'u'lláh established the guidelines in the Kitáb-I-Aqdas. Along with obligatory prayer, it is one of the greatest obligations of a Bahá'í. The duration of the fast is from sunrise to sunset during the Bahá'í month of `Alá', or between March 2nd through March 20th. It is the complete abstaining from both food and drink and also includes smoking (although the ban on smoking is only binding on Bahá'ís of Middle Eastern background at this time). The fast is binding on all Bahá'ís who have reached the age of maturity, which is fifteen years of age. Observing the fast is an individual obligation. No Bahá'í administrative institution enforces it, as it is between each Bahá'í and God.

There are some who are exempt from observing the fast. Travelers on a journey of at least nine hours (two if on foot); those who are sick or whose health would be in danger from a fast. Pregnant or nursing women or those who are menstruating are also exempt. Individuals who engage in heavy labor can also be exempt from fasting. Although these individuals are exempt from the fast they are advised to be discreet and restrained in the partaking of food and drink during the fast period. Any Bahá'í exempt from fasting for any part of a day is exempt for the entire day. Unlike the followers of Islam, Bahá'ís are not required to make up any missed days of fasting at a later date.

The fast is as much a spiritual obligation as it is a physical one. Bahá'u'lláh wrote, ". . . Thou hast bidden all men to observe the fast, that through it they may purify their souls and rid themselves of all attachment to any one but Thee . . ." So it is that the attitude one has is just as important as the abstinence from food and drink. Observing the fast is only acceptable if it is done purely out of love for God.

---By Lloyd Madansky