Many people of diverse faiths across the world are fasting this month!
From February 28 to March 29, 2025, Muslims throughout the world are marking the holy month of Ramadan with special devotions, fasting, charity and celebratory meals called iftars to break the daily fast. Many mosques in the city host iftars all month, served free to the community. Take the Ramadan quiz to test your knowledge of the meaning behind this tradition (courtesy of Interfaith America). And if you are not Muslim, find out how you can support students observing Ramadan (from the University of Calgary).
Meanwhile, many Christian communities are keeping their own fast, called Lent, which started Wednesday March 5 and lasts 40 days! It ends with Easter, a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. This year, the period of Lent coincides for all Catholics, Eastern and Western Orthodox Christians, and Protestant groups who observe the tradition, known as the Great Lent in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
With global populations of 2.1 billion and 2.4 billion respectively, Ramadan and Lent impacts many families around the world, although not every Muslim or Christian is expected to or chooses to observe these fasts.
Two other somewhat smaller global faith traditions that also have fasts. In the Bahá'í faith (approx. 5 million worldwide), adults who are fit and able abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset during the final month in the Bahá'í calendar (March 2-20 this year) leading up to the New Year (Naw-Ruz) which falls on the Spring equinox. In a somewhat similar way that the Muslim and Christian communities prepare in advance for their fasts, Bahá'ís also mark 4 or 5 days before the fast (Ayyam-i-Ha) with particular hospitality, generosity and charity. The 19-day fast is a spiritual practice that helps Bahá'ís strengthen their observance of the tenets of their faith. Learn more about this annual cycle in their fascinating blog article.
With the Jewish feast of Purim happening on March 13-14 this year, some Jews (approx. 16 million worldwide) fast on the day leading up to this holiday known for its joyful energy, costumes and tasty hamentashen pastries. Known as the Fast of Esther, Jews who observe this fast follow in Esther's footsteps as she entered a period of abstinence in gathering her courage to confront the persecution of her people, although other explanations can also be found. Today, this is considered a 'minor' fast day and is observed from daybreak until sunset on the eve of Purim (March 13 this year), during which time people abstain from food and drink of any kind. The fast is broken as Purim begins at sundown. Like other holy days that involved fasting, Purim is marked with sharing food with those in need.
Fasting can be a beneficial practice that fosters compassion for others’ suffering, charitable giving, and meaningful social and spiritual connection. However, fasting isn’t for everyone, especially those at risk for eating disorders. There are other ways to fast, including abstaining from using apps or devices. With National Eating Disorders Awareness Week winding up, we recognize that religious fasting can be a source of tension for some. We encourage people with eating disorders to talk to their health providers and spiritual advisors to avoid anything that can compromise mental and physical health, or to seek alternatives to traditional fasting such as giving up giving up the phone, texting, gaming, etc. to honour the purpose of the religious tradition.
We wish wonderful holy days and fast periods to all of those observing these religious practices this month! May you benefit and bless others lives through your efforts!
