Fasting

Fasting is abstention from eating and sometimes drinking. It is practised in many religions.

For example, many Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan each year. They avoid consuming any food or liquid from dawn until sunset.

Some Christians fast during Lent. They might eat less, avoid specific foods, or occasionally avoid eating altogether in this period. Eastern Orthodox Christians fast during certain seasons throughout the year.

Several Jewish festivals involve fasting. For instance, during Yom Kippur many Jews fast for 25 hours. Some Jews also fast the day before Purim.

There are many different reasons why people might fast and ways they fast.

The photograph shows an iftar (meal to celebrate the end of the Ramadan fast) in the hills near Islamabad, Pakistan.