In terms of the concept of religious abstinence, there is no denying that it has been a core element of many religions throughout history, but its definition varies from one faith to another. This paper will explore how religious abstinence can be seen as an act of self-mastery instead of being treated as mere choice. It will also present examples of such practices within different religious traditions and explain their implications.
Religious abstinence refers to the avoidance of certain behaviors, activities, or substances for reasons based on faith or spiritual beliefs. Such abstinences may include sexual relations outside marriage, eating pork, drinking alcohol, practicing magic, etc. The Quran, for example, prohibits Muslims from consuming intoxicants because they are harmful to the body and soul. Similarly, Hinduism prohibits meat consumption since the cow is considered sacred.
Some forms of abstinence go beyond what is mentioned in religious texts, like celibacy and fasting.
The idea behind religious abstinence is that humans have control over their actions and are responsible for them. Abstaining from something does not necessarily mean that one lacks freedom; instead, it shows that one has taken responsibility for their choices and decisions. In other words, it can be seen as a form of self-mastery rather than mere choice.
A person who refrains from using drugs demonstrates mastery over themselves by resisting temptation.
Such self-mastery is especially evident when it comes to sex before marriage. The Bible says that Christians should not engage in premarital sex because it goes against God's design for human sexuality. The Prophet Muhammad taught Muslims to wait until marriage to experience intimacy with their partner. This kind of abstinence challenges society's notion that sex before marriage is normal and encourages people to exercise control over their bodies and desires. It also means that those who practice it will avoid many problems associated with unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and broken hearts.
This does not mean that all forms of religious abstinence are positive or healthy. Some may lead to mental health issues, such as eating disorders due to extreme dieting restrictions. Others may cause conflicts between individuals and communities.
The Baha'i faith prohibits its followers from marrying outside the religion, which limits their options for romance and companionship. Such rules can create tension within families and limit opportunities for socializing.
While some may see religious abstinences as a denial of personal liberty, they are often a matter of exercising self-control and taking responsibility for one's actions. They can have positive consequences on individuals' physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
There must be balance in implementing them to avoid harmful effects.