Encyclopedia of Islam

fasting

  

227  J

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Muslims, mostly Shia, also fast on Tuesdays and 

Thursdays throughout the year, but especially 

during the months of Shaaban and Rajab.

In addition to fulfilling a religious require-

ment, fasting is associated with a variety of other 

benefits. For some, it presents an opportunity to 

focus on one’s spiritual life. Indeed, many Sufis are 

known to include extended fasts in their religious 

practice. For others, the feelings of hunger are an 

important reminder of the plight of less fortunate 

members of the community. For still others, fast-

ing may be performed as an act of expiation for a 

broken promise. Finally, fasting is seen as provid-

ing beneficial health effects.

See also 

asceticism

; 

dietary

 

laWs

; 

Feasting

; 

Food

 

and

 

drink

.

Michelle Zimney