روزہ کا تصور اسلام اور غیر سامی ادیان کا (تقابلی مطالعہ)

The Concept of Fasting: A Comparative Study of Islam and Non-Semitic Religions

Abstract

The concept of fasting, the divine command is present in the Semitic religions with clear commandments and nothing is hidden. Such fasting is obligatory in the Semitic religions. The objective of this study is to compare the concept and philosophy of Islam with non Semitic religions about fasting. This is an analytical approach and data is gathered from books, articles and online sources. In non-Semitic religions, there are no divine religions, no divine command, and fasting is not obligatory. Yet fasting is present in every non-Semitic religion. As in Hinduism, fasting is considered as a ritual and fasting is observed with great enthusiasm. Especially in this religion women observe fast. There is no concept in Sikh wine after only Guru Nanak Sahib fasted. In Buddhism, only Buddhists go hungry and thirsty. People of Jainism also fast on certain days. But other than that, they believe in monasticism. The people of Sabi religion have no specific days for fasting and there are no fasts. In Confucianism, fasting is not called abstaining from food and drink, but according to them, fasting is for the soul and the mind. The comparison of Islam makes it clear that Islam neither teaches monasticism nor coercion in religion. The special purpose of fasting in Islam teaches man to purify himself, fight, meditate and attain Taqwa. It teaches equality and a sense of responsibility. Fasting is present in every religion but every religion has different style and method of keeping it.