Fasting is an act of abstaining from food, drink, or both for a certain period of time according to the rules laid down by a religion. Fasting has different meanings across religions, but it is generally practiced to attain spiritual elevation, mental clarity, moral excellence, communion with God, penitence, self-discipline, and purification of body and soul. It is often considered one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside prayer, zakat (charity), hajj (pilgrimage) and shahada (testimony of faith).
Fasting can be done once a week, like on Friday or Saturday, and also several times a year during Ramadan. The month-long fasting during Ramadan is observed by millions of Muslims around the world who refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and having sex from dawn until dusk. In some parts of India, women observe Nirjala Ekadashi, which is a day of fasting without water even. In addition to these, there are other days when people voluntarily give up their favorite foods or activities.
Many religions encourage fasting as part of their belief system, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and others.
Not all religions impose restrictions on sexual desire during fasting periods. Some religions allow married couples to have intimate relations after breaking their fast, while others do not.
The purpose of this article is to examine how religious fasting calendars regulate sexual desire, behavior, and marital relationality. This will help us understand how different cultures view sexuality in relation to religion and how it influences social life. It will also provide insights into how human beings manage their desires and how they negotiate relationships within societies that impose restrictions on them. Let's start with an overview of fasting practices across different religions and their impact on sexuality.
Christianity
Christians often abstain from meat on Fridays, observing what is called "Fish Friday". There are no specific rules regarding sexual conduct during these times, although some Christians may choose to abstain from sex for spiritual reasons.
Lent, a period leading up to Easter, involves abstinence from certain types of food, such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and oil-based foods. Some Catholic churches discourage sex during Lent, but not all denominations agree. Sex is considered a natural expression of love and a gift from God, and should not be denied unless necessary.
Judaism
Jewish communities follow various dietary laws that restrict the consumption of pork, shellfish, and other animals that don't have cloven hooves and chew cud. They observe Sabbath every week, which begins at sunset on Friday night and ends at sundown Saturday evening. Sabbath fasting is observed by refraining from work, business activity, and driving, among other things. Sexual relations are only permitted between married couples who observe this tradition. The Talmud prescribes a list of prohibitions against sexual behavior during the day. Fasting is also practiced on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and some people may abstain from eating or drinking water until the end of the fast.
Hinduism
In Hinduism, fasting is an important practice associated with many deities. Shiva, Vishnu, Hanuman, Krishna, Durga, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and others are worshipped through fasting and rituals. During these times, people may give up meat, alcohol, sex, or leather products. Many Hindus believe in celibacy and do not engage in sexual intercourse while observing their fasts. Others may wait to have sex until they break their fasts after the religious observances. In some cases, fasting is done for purification purposes, and sexual desire is seen as a distraction from spiritual goals.
Many Hindus see it as an integral part of life and enjoy intimacy within marriage.
Buddhism
Buddhists observe various types of fasting, including vegetarian diets and meditation retreats. Some monks and nuns choose to abstain from all physical pleasures, including food and sex.
Lay Buddhists are encouraged to follow the five precepts of right action, which include refraining from killing living beings, stealing, telling lies, committing sexual misconduct, and intoxication. Sexual desires can be controlled by following these precepts, but there are no specific rules regarding when and how often one should abstain from sex.
Sikhism
Sikhs practice fasting during certain festivals like Baisakhi, Lohri, Teej, and Magh Bihu. They also refrain from eating meat, eggs, onions, garlic, and other items prohibited by the religion. Sikhism does not prescribe any restrictions on sexuality, except that sexual relations must be between married couples who have agreed upon it. Fasting is considered an act of self-discipline and devotion to God. It helps individuals focus on their spiritual growth rather than worldly pleasures.
Islam
Fasting in Islam is practiced during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, using perfume, or having sexual intercourse from dawn until dusk. This is done to purify the soul and body and bring them closer to Allah. After breaking the fast at sunset, married couples may engage in intimacy as long as they don't break any other religious laws.
Some scholars believe that fasting makes people more sensitive to physical urges and discourage excessive indulgence. Others say that marital intimacy can be a form of worship if performed with love and care.
Religious fasting calendars regulate sexual desire, behavior, and marital relationality through different means. Some religions encourage abstinence while others allow for intimacy within
How does observance of religious fasting calendars regulate sexual desire, behavior, and marital relationality?
In most religions, observing fasting calendars involves abstinence from food and/or drink. This may have an effect on both physical and mental states, including mood and sexual desire. While there is limited empirical research investigating this relationship between fasting and sexuality, some studies suggest that fasting may reduce sexual drive and arousal by affecting hormone levels (e. g. , testosterone).