The Truth about Fasting: Quran vs The Holy Bible

Can you remember the last time you gave up one thing to do another? Perhaps you chose coffee with a friend over chores. Or, maybe you skipped the gym to relax. In everyday life, we are used to making sacrifices based on our priorities. This is the concept behind fasting: to give up one thing we care about to focus on something greater.

As Christians, Christ should be our number one priority. This is what Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 16:24, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” The Bible never requires us to fast, but it is one way to refocus our eyes on Jesus - to keep Him first in our lives.

Muslims also fast, but for very different reasons than Christians. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Overall, the Bible and the Quran give totally different instructions on fasting. Let’s first look at what the Bible says about fasting and then compare it to the Quran. 

What does the Bible say about fasting?

Biblical fasting is not a commandment. Instead, it is a time of intentional undivided attention to the Lord. Christians can choose to fast at any time. Scripture gives several reasons for fasting, which include: seeking the Lord’s guidance, mourning our sins with repentance, and wanting to have a deeper relationship with God. Consider these verses: 

“So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He listened to our entreaty.” Ezra 8:23

“When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 1:4 

“Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them.” Jonah 3:5

In the pages of Scripture, we find countless examples of fasting. Moses, for instance, fasted for a full 40 days and nights while God was giving him the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). We also see Daniel fasting to seek the Lord (Daniel 3:9), David fasting for his son by Bathsheba (2 Samuel 2:16), and Esther calling for a fast before going to the King of Persia (Esther 4:16).  Believers in the book of Acts prayed and fasted to know who to send out to share the Gospel (Acts 13:2-3 and Acts 14:23). Even Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days and nights, and rebuked temptation with truth from Deuteronomy 8:3 that man doesn't live on bread alone, but on God's words (Matthew 4:1-4). 

Along with the stories of fasting, God’s Word also explains what fasting is not. In Matthew 6:16-18 Jesus specifically clarifies that fasting is not a performance, a holiness competition, or a badge of honor. It is not a measure of righteousness (Luke 18:9-14), and it certainly does not save. Fasting is also not an opportunity to demand things from the Lord. In fact, Isaiah 58:3-5 includes a warning about using fasting for anything other than humble worship of God. 

What do the Quran and Hadith say about fasting? 

The Quran teaches that every Muslim is required to fast: 

“O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah.” Surah 2:183

Fasting is so foundational to Islam that the Quran sets aside an entire month for it– the month of Ramadan. Both the Quran and Hadith mandate Ramadan fasting for every Muslim, except in certain cases like pregnancy or illness (Surah 2:184 and ​​Sahih Bukhari 4504). From sunrise to sunset, Muslims avoid food, water (sometimes spit), sex, lying, and even anger. If a Muslim misses even a single day, he must make it up later (Surah 2:184). You can read more about Ramadan here.

But Islamic fasting is more than a command, it is one of many “good works” a Muslim must compile to earn Allah’s forgiveness. In fact, the Quran refers to fasting Muslims as those for whom “Allah has prepared a great reward and forgiveness.” Surah 33:35 Fasting is also a prime opportunity for Muslims to have their other good deeds multiplied (Sahih Bukhari 1894). 

The Hadith describes fasting as a “shield or protection from the fire [Hell] and from committing sins…” (Sahih Bukhari 1904). What a stark contrast from Psalm 3:3, which calls the Lord our shield!

Besides a ritual and good deed to earn Allah’s favor, fasting is a punishment for wrongdoing. In Surah 5:89, Muslims are told that a three-day fast is the penalty for “thoughtless oaths.” Surah 2:196 also says fasting will make up for not taking a pilgrimage to Mecca.

What makes Christian fasting different from Islamic fasting? 

The key distinction between fasting in the Bible and fasting in the Quran is the reason behind fasting: Muslims must fast to try to save themselves. Christians fast to draw closer to a God who loves them and saves them through His sacrifice.

Christ knew that as humans, we would never be able to deal with our own sin, much less perfectly follow every commandment. This is why He came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17) and pay the price for our sin. And those who believe in Jesus are covered by the blood of Jesus.

But Muslims do not know such freedom. Allah expects perfect submission and obedience from Muslims. They must cover their own sins with good deeds and live in constant fear of disappointing Allah. The God of the Bible wants us to have a relationship with Him; fasting is one way to connect, but the god of the Quran is completely shut off from a connection with his worshipers.

Muslims are left utterly empty and hopeless after fasting. This is why sharing the gospel with Muslims is so important! If this information has stirred your heart to action, you can give here to reach Muslims with the Gospel.

Tips for talking to your Muslim friend about fasting

Though you and your Muslim friend probably have wildly different understandings of fasting, maybe it is something you both have done. Use this point of common ground as a conversation starter. Here are a few tips: 

• Be compassionate and understanding 

• Listen well and ask questions about their experience with fasting and Ramadan

• Share your experience with fasting 

• Share some Bible verses on fasting to highlight the differences between why you fast and what the Quran says

• Ask if you can pray with them or for them   

For more help on witnessing to Muslims, read here. 

Prayer 

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of fasting. Please use my interactions and conversations with my Muslim friends to exemplify your love for them. Help them come to the understanding that only your truth will satisfy and set them free. Amen.