Fasting: Made Mandatory for All Prophets, From Adam to Muhammad (PBUH)

Whenever Ramadan is mentioned, I am reminded of an anecdote shared by a well-known Islamic influencer on social media. During his bayan (lecture) on the Holy Month, he recounted an interaction with a young girl who posed a question that prompted him to pause and reflect. He explained that it wasn’t that he didn’t have an answer; rather, he struggled to find words convincing enough for a 6-year-old. Her question was, “If Allah SWT is so Merciful, why does He make us fast? Doesn’t He know it’s so difficult?”

What this little girl didn’t realize was that she was voicing the sentiments of many around the world who view fasting as a hurdle in their daily lives—a burdensome task or a non-essential ritual that seems out of place in our so-called ‘modern, scientific society.’ This critique often intensifies, particularly when fasting is perceived as something exclusive to Muslims. But the question remains: Is Ramadan only for Muslims?

As the world prepares to observe Ramadan 2026, it is essential to dispel certain misconceptions.

Was Ramadan Meant Only for Muslims?

We will let the Creator of this universe provide the answer. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183), He commands:

“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).”

This verse from the Holy Qur’an demonstrates that fasting was mandated for earlier prophets and, by extension, their communities, long before it became mandatory for Muslims.

So, why aren’t followers of other religions practicing it? The simple answer is: they should. And some do; however, many do not. Why? Because it requires effort, and as humans, we are often inclined to seek ease, leisure, and comfort. The notion of refraining from eating, drinking, and indulging in certain activities for an entire month is an inconvenience many wish to avoid.

But do their religions call for fasting? Here’s a brief overview of fasting practices in some of the world’s major religions:

Christianity: While the Bible, as it is read today, does not directly mention it, there is no denying that Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness immediately after His baptism, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This fast was significant as it prepared Him for His public ministry and demonstrated His reliance on God rather than physical sustenance. Today, many Christians observe Lent, a period of fasting. Interestingly, this year, both Lent and Ramadan began on the same day—February 18th.

Judaism: Fasting does not prominently feature in ‘modern’ versions of the Torah. However, Prophet Moses is known to have fasted for 40 days and nights during his encounter with the Almighty on Mount Sinai. This happened after the Israelites sinned by creating the golden calf, and during this time, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. Although not specified in the Torah, some Jews observe a fast on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

Hinduism and Buddhism: In Hinduism, each day of the week corresponds to a specific deity, and many fasts are observed throughout the month and year. Examples include Sankashti, Angarki Chaturthi, Ekadashi, Gokulashtami, and Vat Pournima, the latter being for married women seeking to extend their husbands’ lifespan. Fasting is viewed as a means of physical and spiritual purification in Hinduism, with ‘Vrata’ (another term for fasting) seen as a pathway to spiritual growth and devotion.

In Buddhism, both Theravada and Mahayana traditions observe fasting, particularly on Uposatha days and during Vassa, the Buddhist Lent.

We will continue to serialize these short reports on Ramadan throughout this Holy Month. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series.

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