I want to know if there is fasting in christianity and judaism like in islam?

Answer 1

Fasting is not required of christians. It is personal matter between you and your savior. If god calls you to fast, then you should fast. It is popularly believed among christians that fasting and praying does bring your relationship with god closer.

Here is a link you can look at for futher information

http://www.answers.com/topic/fasting-and-abstinence-christianity

Answer 2

I don't know about the jewish, but there is a type of fasting in christianity that you could compare to ramadan.

It's also a month and it's before Easter. It's called lent, and instead of giving up all food and drink during the day for a month, you give up one thing only - but something you assume you can't live without - for an entire month.

Common choices are cigarettes, alcohol and chocolate ;)

Answer 3

In Christianity,
On three occasions in the Bible, people fasted for forty days. This is not a prescribed practice; these were very unusual circumstances. The first occasion was when Moses received the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 34:28) The next occasion was when Elijah encountered God before the anointing of Elisha. (1 Kings 19:8) The third occasion for such a fast was when Jesus was in the wilderness and tempted by Satan. (Matthew 4:2)


There are many reasons given in the Bible for fasting. The fasting itself is an act of sacrifice and when we fast and experience hunger, we are reminded of God and His sacrifice for us. While fasting denies the flesh comfort, it feeds the spirit strength. Fasts are voluntary, part of religious tradition or done in obedience to God. When you decide to fast, be clear with yourself and with God about why you are fasting, how long you will fast and use the time normally spent preparing and eating food to deepen your relationship with God. The fast should serve a purpose; there should be a significant reason for it.

And in Judaism,
Observant Jews fast on up to six days of the year. With the exception of Yom Kippur, fasting is never permitted on Shabbat, for the commandment of keeping Shabbat is biblically ordained and overrides the later rabbinically-instituted fast days. Yom Kippur is the only fast day which is explicitly stated in the Torah.

Yom Kippur is considered to be the most important day of the Jewish year and fasting as a means of repentance is expected of every Jewish man and boy above the age of bar mitzvah and every Jewish woman and girl above the age of bat mitzvah. It is so important to fast on this day, that only those who would be put in danger by fasting are exempt, such as the ill, elderly, or pregnant or nursing women, as endangering one's life is against a core principle of Judaism. Those that do eat on this day are encouraged to eat as little as possible at a time and to avoid a full meal. For some, fasting on Yom Kippur is considered more important than the prayers of this holy day. If one fasts, even if one is at home in bed, one is considered as having participated in the full religious service.

Answer 4

I don't know about Judaism but in Christianity yes, we are to fast and pray. Christians are NOT suppose to make a big show of it when we do.

Answer 5

Yes. Pentacostals believe in fasting as do some other Christian beliefs, though I'm at a loss for what they are. I believe the Mormons practice some form of fasting as do Catholics.

Answer 6

Yes, Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights he ate nothing . Satan tempted him to get food by changing stones into loaves of bread. ( Matthew 4:2)

One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, "Why don't your disciples fast s we do and as the Pharisees do?" (Matthew 9:14)

I go with out food twice a week, and I give to God a tenth of everything I earn. ( Luke 18:12 )

The chief Jewish fast was that of the Day of Atonement known as "the autumn) fast.

The especially devout customarily fasted on the second and fifth days of the week.

Answer 7

Yes, Jesus taught his disciples that they should fast.

Matthew 6:16-17 -- "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face"

But it is usually a personal matter, determined personally, not regimented.

Answer 8

Yes, there is, but it's voluntary (except for Catholics during Lent). Christians can decide to fast any time they want, for however long they want.

Answer 9

they do have fasting but as far as i know .. its not a complete fast for a month... as in eating and drinking nothing for a certain period of time each day.

Answer 10

Jews fast