What is the big deal with the muslim fast of 40 days?

Question

I've spent many days without food or water throughout the day(between sunrise and sunset) because i was busy working and didnot even say i was fasting. They eat before sunrise and eat after sunset anyway and they eat lots of meat to give them strength!

I've seen some Hindu Brahmins fast for 9 days during Navratri( a Hindu festival). They donot eat anything for the 9 days. Only one clove a day and water for 9 days!

Answer 1

not eating all day now and then is not a big deal, do it for a month and it drains you.  and just because we can eat meat does not mean we gain strength...just because during lent you can't eat meat, doesn't mean it's harder for you, trust me.  People have lived without meat for a long time.

also, yes, compared to some traditions, fasting isn't that hard.  Such as nailing yourself to a cross, or putting spikes through your body.

The point of it is that it is hard, and it does remind you of the fact that you get to eat food at the end of the day, when people around the world DONT get to eat.  It's not suppose to be completely torture like, it's suppose to bring enough for contemplation.

Answer 2

first of all, its not 40 days - its 29/30 depending on the lunar month that year. And the way your question is phrased implies that you believe muslims do this to show off...That view couldn't be more wrong. As well as teaching patience and sacrifice, fasting teaches HUMILITY.

Muslims do not ask that other people see fasting as a big deal... Infact, fasting is only part of the bigger picture - The important thing is the holy month of Ramadan itself.

This month is about much more than not eating/drinking. Its about sacrifice, repention of sins, and cleansing (of both the biological system, and the soul).

Muslims believe that during this month, the Qur'an was revealed to the angel Gabriel (yes, the same angel who was sent to Mother Mary), who then revealed it to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

During this month the devil (or "shaytaan") is caged, so he cannot spread evil during this month - therefore any evil that exists during this month comes from humans themselves.

During this month, the doors of forgiveness are open so Muslims spend day & night praying for forgiveness of past sins...they pray for the strength to keep up the good work all year round.

Muslims also give zakaat during this month - 2.5% of their income goes to charity. If everyone in this world gave zakaat there would be no such thing as poverty. There would be PEACE all around because global unrest always arises due to financial stresses. The word Peace in arabic is ISLAM.

so to answer your question, first of all muslims do not see fasting as a big deal and you're right, neither should you. But if you look at al the benefits of the month of Ramadan COLLECTIVELY...it is a big deal.

Answer 3

it is  More for show  than real fasting as you say they eat at night and often more than they generally would.

Answer 4

There is  a Ramadan section if you want a proper answer.

Answer 5

It's 28 days, pal, not 40.

It's about their spirituality, and commitment to their religion, same as your Hindu reference, which you seem to be OK with.

Answer 6

You are right but muslims love to be pampered and expect non muslims to be very respectful to them during ramadan and not do things like eat in front of them or tempt them with food.

They also love to boast about it.

There is nothing spiritual about their fasting nor is there any humility.

http://www.faithfreedom.org

Answer 7

Peace and blessings be upon you.

And who said that the God want us suffer or made the worship something difficult.

None of our worships is hard ,but our religion is ease not difficulty.

For the fasting wisdom: he wants us feel the hunger and thirst to feel the people who don't find food to eat or water to drink ,for this to be a motive for us to help them and You can see the poor take the breakfast with the rich in the same table in ramadan.

Then want the people who adapt for eating ,, the people who are not as you or the hindu , to control themselves , to control their desires not to let their desires to control them.

Want these people to relax their bodies and want them healthy ; if you asked the doctor will tell you that if you stay for 9 days with only clove this is not healthy , but muslims fasting is used as a method of treatment.

it is only 30 days and sometimes 29 according to the moon.

Answer 8

Its not about showing off... its a religious fundamental that Muslims are ought to perform covertly. There is no possibility of any ''Ria'' or display in observance of fasting.

There are numerous benefits and significance of observing fasting. I can describe them to you if you wish.