"Fasting is a time of rejuvenation and spiritual liberation! As a physician, the author has talked with co-workers and friends who have concerns about starvation, hunger, or weakness during the Fast. Understanding the difference between hunger and appetite,
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as well as their causes can help us to more effectively manage the desire to eat during the Fast. Drawing upon the Bahá'í Writings, and nutritional knowledge, this booklet offers insights and assurances for those looking to fast for the first time, those who
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have fasted before but would like to be more prepared this year, and those who would like some passages and discussion questions for deepening their knowledge of the Fast." To read more, visit the Bahá'í Book Store
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Book Excerpts
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"The Bahá’í writings teach us that the physical abstinence is not the primary purpose of the 19 day fast but, rather, symbolic of something greater. As such, this book is not intended to draw attention away from the greater. Instead, it is intended to help you to focus on the greater by offering both spiritual, psychological, and physical insights, knowledge, and awareness that will help relieve you from the unnecessary and potentially overwhelming concerns, doubts, and feelings you may experience about fasting."
"Fasting, in the Bahá’í sense, is essentially a spiritual practice. It is a time of reflection and meditation, allowing us to break from some of our daily routines as well as some of the material comforts which cater to our physical and psychological desires" "Bahá’í fasting is to be distinguished from some of the extreme fasting practices around the world. The intention of a Bahá’í fast is not to take extreme measures to make a political statement, to promote the Bahá’í Faith, or even to improve our physical health. Rather, the practice and principles of the Bahá’í fast are based on moderation." |
"Cultural or social norms may interpret the idea of dietary deprivation as being harmful to one’s health. One concern may center on the idea that the human body requires three meals each day so fasting from sunrise to sunset weakens the body by depriving it of essential nutrition. This worry about deprivation can be so overriding to some that it can paralyze their ability to fast. The requirement of these meals has no scientific basis in an otherwise healthy individual."
"The physical symptoms we feel during the Fast are not intended to punish or cause us suffering. According to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, they are intended to serve as a “symbol” and “reminder” of something greater. They should not be the main focus of our spiritual journey during those 19 days. Following proper dietary habits is one way to moderate or even avoid weakness, lightheadedness, headaches, shakiness, or even irritability so these physical symptoms don’t become overly burdensome or debilitating." "There is no “one size fits all” recommendation for when and how physical activity is safe during fasting." "As with any journey, however, how well you prepare for Fast can have a direct effect on your experience, especially during the first days of the Fast." |
About the AuthorDr. Saeid Mirafzali is a board-certified physician specializing in Internal Medicine. He has over 20 years of patient care experience.
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