Why do most Muslim traditions involve fasting?

Answer by  RunawayJim (964)

The real reason is that a lack of food in muslim nations of the past caused religious leaders to create fasting. There are many examples of this in all religions.

Answer by  Devierue (317)

Fasting is, for one, considered to be cleansing of both body and soul. For the record, there ARE Christian traditions that involve fasting/sacrifice; consider Lent.

Answer by  tamkees (3203)

The holiest holiday for Muslims is Ramadan, which involves daily fasts followed by nightly feasts. Christian feasts don't involve fasting, but fasting is biblically encouraged as a form of discipline, obedience and prayer. Fasting is seen in both Islam and Christianity as a spiritual cleansing of sorts, a way to focus on the spirit thereby coming closer to God.