I know that you are suppose to pray and fast?
But why do you suppose to fast? what good does that do? And how can that actually help you get your prayers answered?
2007-10-08 22:01:22 · 25 answers · asked by Imdatchick 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In my personal opinion, fasting is a way to show God that you are sincere and it humbles you to be more willing to accept His will. I think it can show God that you are more interested in the things of the Spirit than physical things. When we pray for something, God will not grant it unless He already wants to, but sometimes He won't grant something unless we pray for it. Fasting can work that way too. As for whether fasting works, I can definitely testify that it does. I have found it to be a powerful source of strength to resist temptation. One of my favorite passages about fasting in the Bible is Isaiah, Chapter 58. Enjoy!
2007-10-08 22:05:25 · answer #1 · answered by drshorty 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
According to the Quran, every Muslim (who can) must fast in the month of Ramadan (2:183-185). And fasting has to be done collectively at the community level. Unlike a Buddhist monk or a Hindu saint, a Muslim does not have to go to a mountain or a forest retreat to develop his/her spirituality through fasting and prayer. Moreover, it is not necessary for this type of retreat-based, solitary spiritual development to be done in Ramadan. That can be done in any month. This shows that a Muslim cannot advocate a spirituality that is based on individual and subjective experience. Therefore, in Islam, individual and subjective spiritual development is not the purpose of fasting in the month of Ramadan.
Since the Quran prescribed fasting specifically in the month of Ramadan, it is important to know the significance of this special time. A special feature of the Quran is that whenever it gives a command for action, it also provides the wisdom behind it. It tells what the final result of that action will be in this world, if it is successfully carried out. In this way the Quran provides a pragmatic test for people to see whether or not they are moving toward that desired result. Regarding fasting, the Quran says:
O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint. [al-Baqarah 2:183]
Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. [al-Baqarah 2:185]
In the above verses, three results of fasting in Ramadan have been mentioned: 1) Taqwaa: learning self-restraint, 2) Takbir: glorifying Allah because of being guided, and 3) Shukra: being grateful.
2007-10-09 05:15:08 · answer #2 · answered by UgLy M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "acceptable fast" is discussed in the biblical Book of Isaiah, chapter 58:3-7, and is discussed metaphorically. In essence, it means to abstain from satisfying hunger or thirst, and any other lustful needs we may yearn for. The blessings gained from this are claimed to be substantial. Christian denominations that practice this acceptable fast often attest to the spiritual principles surrounding fasting and seek to become a testament to those principles. The opening chapter of the Book of Daniel, vv. 8-16, describes a partial fast and its effects on the health of its observers. Fasting is a practice in several Christian denominations or other churches.
Other Christian denominations do not practice it, seeing it as a merely external observance, but many individual believers choose to observe fasts at various times at their own behest, and the Lenten fast observed in Anglicanism is a forty day partial fast to commemorate the fast observed by Christ during his temptation in the desert.
Fasting during these times also includes abstention from animal products (meat and often fish), olive oil (or all oils, according to some Orthodox traditions), and wine (which is interpreted as including all alcoholic beverages).
Fasting can take up a significant portion of the calendar year. The idea is not to suffer, but to use the experience to come closer to God, to realize one's excesses, and to engage in almsgiving.
God Bless.
2007-10-09 05:14:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It gives you a chance to detoxify your body more completely than usual, and gives some systems of the body a break from constant wear and tear. Reduces food addictions, sharpens the mind. Don't worry about the prayer; prayer does nothing. Do some yoga instead.
2007-10-09 05:07:41 · answer #4 · answered by The Instigator 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Everybody is right. Many religions practice fasting and non-religious people practices' fasting because of the benefits.
By fasting...
You are focused on God, his communication with you and you practice deep introspection of yourself , your life, your feelings.
You begin to regurgitate bad emotions, feelings and ect. then you can deal with them accordingly.
Health wise, you dispel toxins in your body and your mind (negative thoughts and emotions). You loose some weight.
2007-10-09 10:17:45 · answer #5 · answered by inalignmentwithlife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the purpose of fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God and to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with Him.
2007-10-09 05:17:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is so that you take your focus off of something that you consider life sustaining so that you can put your focus on God as the true sustaining power in life. You can do it with food or t.v. or books or relationships... it's not just a food thing IMO
2007-10-09 05:09:04 · answer #7 · answered by whit 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Fasting is making a sacrifice to God. Christ sacrificed for us by dying on the cross because He loves us. Shouldn't we give Him sacrifices in return?
2007-10-09 05:06:35 · answer #8 · answered by Atticus Finch 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
pray and fasting is one of the way to teach us how to lead a good life..iam not that religious..but mostly based on my experience everyone that i c fasting and pray..their prayers are answered..this is bcoz God c how hard they need it. :)
2007-10-09 05:05:27 · answer #9 · answered by kay 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Cleansing as well, to rid the body of "wicked" toxins. My husband once did, and from fasting he became weak and off balance..etc..I think some ppl feel at this weakness they are more open to receive their spiritual God...and at his mercy to be heard..body and mind humbled at his "feet"......
one idea
peace&blessing to you
Rue
2007-10-09 05:06:33 · answer #10 · answered by Unitsi 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋