Fasting Before Islam: A Journey Through Ancient Faiths

In the study of Islamic Jurisprudence (Ushul Fiqh), fasting is recognized as Syar’u man Qablana—a law revealed to those who came before us. This means that fasting is not a practice exclusive to Muslims; rather, it was a mandatory act of worship for the nations preceding the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Allah (SWT) confirms this shared spiritual heritage in the Holy Qur'an:

يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." (QS. Al-Baqarah: 183).

While we are familiar with the Ramadan we observe today, the history of fasting is vast and ancient. Let’s explore how the civilizations of old practiced this sacred act.

What Does "As It Was Decreed Before You" Mean?

Scholars have interpreted the phrase "as it was decreed upon those before you" in three primary ways:

Similarity in Obligation: The strongest opinion suggests that the similarity lies in the fact that it was mandatory (Fardhu).
Similarity in Duration: Some believe the length of the fasts was once the same.
Similarity in Method: Others argue the method—abstaining from food and drink—remains the universal constant.

Regardless of the specific interpretation, the consensus is clear: fasting has been a fundamental pillar of faith across every divine religion and even within ancient cultural traditions.

Fasting in Ancient Civilizations

The practice of fasting was not limited to monotheistic faiths. It was deeply woven into the fabric of:

Ancient Egyptians: Used fasting as a tool for spiritual purification.
Greeks & Romans: Observed fasts for religious discipline and before consulting oracles.
Ancient Indians: Practiced various forms of asceticism and fasting for mental clarity and devotion.

The Tradition in the Torah and Judaism

The Torah contains numerous passages praising the act of fasting and those who observe it. Strong historical narrations indicate that Prophet Musa (AS) (Moses) fasted for forty days.

In modern Jewish tradition, various fasts are still observed:

A week-long fast commemorating the destruction and fall of Jerusalem.
A specific one-day fast observed in August.

Fasting in the Gospels and Christianity

The Gospels emphasize fasting as a profound act of worship. They offer guidance on how to fast with sincerity, specifically prohibiting Riya’ (showing off) or displaying outward sadness to gain sympathy.

The most famous and ancient Christian fast is Lent, observed before Easter. Historically, this period reflects the fasting traditions of Prophet Musa (AS), Prophet Isa (AS) (Jesus), and the Hawariyyin (his loyal disciples). Over time, church leaders established various other types of fasts to mark different liturgical seasons.

Summary of Fasting Traditions

Faith/Culture	Historical Practice
Islam	30 Days of Ramadan (Obligatory).
Prophet Musa (AS)	Observed a 40-day fast.
Judaism	Commemorative fasts for Jerusalem; the fast in August.
Christianity	The Great Lent; fasts of the Disciples.
Ancient Cultures	Fasting for purification (Egypt, Greece, India).

Conclusion

Fasting is the "thread of devotion" that connects humanity throughout history. By understanding that we fast just as the Prophets and righteous people did before us, we feel a deeper connection to the global history of faith and the ultimate goal of attaining Taqwa (God-consciousness).

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