PhD Proposal Sample: Exploring the theological interpretations of fasting in different religious traditions

Introduction

Fasting is a popular practice that has its roots in different religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. It involves voluntary abstinence from food, drink or both for a specific period of time (Trabelsi et al., 2022). Based on religious practices, this abstention may be complete, partial, lengthy, short or intermittent in nature. While fasting practices and motivations may vary from one religion to another, the theory behind fasting is often linked to strong theological interpretations. Exploring fasting rituals can provide valuable insights into the nature of faith, spirituality and human existence. 

By examining the theological interpretations of fasting across different traditions, this study seeks to understand the fundamental spiritual principles, religious foundations and cultural influences that influence the practice of fasting in each religion. Using a comparative approach, the research tries to enhance the current understanding of fasting as a religious phenomenon. It also attempts to get new insights into fasting under the broader theological and philosophical frameworks of different religions.

Research aims and objectives

Several studies in the past have focused on understanding the relationship between fasting and its health benefits on the human mind and body (Halawa, 2020; Trabelsi et al., 2022). However, there is little evidence about the theological interpretations of fasting in different religious traditions. Thus, this research aims to systematically examine fasting from a theological perspective. To achieve this aim, the research will explore the following objectives:

• Identify similarities and differences in fasting practices observed in different religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism.
• Examine the key theological concepts and principles of fasting in religious contexts.
• Conduct a comparative study of different religious texts to understand the various approaches taken by individuals during fasting. These include purpose, duration and the types of food prohibited while fasting.
• Explore the role of historical, cultural and social factors in influencing the development and evolution of fasting practices.
• Understand the techniques used by contemporary religious leaders to apply fasting practices in modern contexts.

Preliminary literature review

Religious fasting is a common practice that is followed all over the world to satisfy the prescribed religious requirements. While fasting rituals are observed by billions of people across the globe, their effects may vary between religious communities (Ismail, 2024). Religion is considered a key feature of human life that helps in understanding the social, economic and cultural aspects behind different traditions (Smart, 1996). It regulates the way in which humans lead their lives and connect to God. Existing literature links religious practices, such as fasting, as noble acts that motivate individuals to follow the right path (Ford, 2013; McGrath, 2018). As fasting practices involve refraining from eating or drinking, it gives individuals the patience to refrain from their psychological and physical desires for a specific period. It gives individuals better control over the things that keep them from glory.

Fasting in Christianity

In Christianity, theological interpretations of fasting are centred on Christ. These interpretations reflect the ways of engaging the human body in sanctification. It motivates individuals to remember the nature of the believer’s community and express their spiritual interests by following religious practices (Wimmer, 1982). Furthermore, Azize (2014) added that in religious studies, fasting serves four different purposes. These include improvement of the physical body, strengthening the human will, providing unique conditions for self-observation and encouraging self-remembering among individuals. On the other hand, Muhsinin (2015) observed that in Catholicism, fasting represents self-denial, an effort to apologise and a way to unite oneself with God. However, Watson (2000) argued that Jesus did not tell the disciples to observe fasting when he was gone. He suggested that fasting could be considered an individualistic practice that ignored the community.

Fasting in Islam

Similar to Christianity, fasting is a significant ritual in Islam. A large number of Muslims observe fast during the holy month of Ramadan. In religious texts, fasting during Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam recognised by the Prophet Muhammad (Hoffman, 1995). Furthermore, Akram (2016) noted that in Islam, there are two categories of fasting, firstly fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, which is compulsory for all adult Muslims with a few exceptions and secondly fasting to compensate for certain sins. In another study, Muhsinin (2015) observed that in Islam, fasting is considered a form of gratitude to God. Through fasting, individuals get an opportunity to thank God for the blessings and gifts in their lives. The study also highlighted that fasting brings a sense of social togetherness in communities. However, studies also show that in today’s contemporary world, fasting has become more than a religious practice. This is because different religious traditions have established a moderate form of the practice (Grab et al., 2022). For example, every year the holy month of Ramadan receives significant attention from media outlets based in Islamic as well as non-Islamic countries.

Fasting in Judaism

Earlier studies linked fasting practices in Christianity with the biblical patterns observed in Early Judaism. In both religions, fasting is associated with the philosophical beliefs and traditions (Alfian, 2022). However, in Judaism, fasting means complete abstinence from all kinds of food and drinks. Diamond (2004) noticed that there are three types of fasts in Judaism. These include statutory public fasts, fasting on special occasions and private fasts. While some of these statutory fasts are compulsory in the Jewish calendar, others are voluntary. In another study on theology, Akram (2016) observed that in Judaism, fasting is seen as a means and not as a way to end in itself. This means that fasting is seen as a public and private way to prevent misfortunes by attracting God’s mercy. Fasting is also observed to manifest good actions, show regret for one’s sins before God and purify oneself.

Fasting in Hinduism

In Hinduism, fasting is done to purify the mind and body. It helps in developing the quality of detachment. Fernandes (2011) observed that a large number of Hindus fast on special occasions. With Hinduism being a diverse culture with people following multiple gods, fasting is observed as a mark of respect to the personal gods or as part of their penance. As per Hinduism, observing the right type of fast can provide an individual liberation from the cycle of life and death. Fernandes (2011) further claimed that there is great significance of animal life in the Hindu culture, due to which several Hindus practice strict vegetarianism. While it is a personal choice to show a preference for vegetarian food over non-vegetarian food, some individuals practice vegetarianism under societal pressure. In addition to this, Grab et al. (2022) claimed that understanding fasting in Hinduism can be complicated, as some Hindus may fast on specific days based on the significance to their gurus, while others may only fast during a specific occasion or festival.

Research design and methodology

Due to the nature of the study, the research employs a qualitative methodology. As a result, it will collect and evaluate information from religious texts, theological studies, academic journals and books. This approach is essential in taking a phenomenological approach towards the study. Moreover, it will help conduct a systematic review of the literature and compare the theological interpretations around fasting in different religions. As a primary source of information, the study will draw meaningful insights from traditional books referred to by Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus that are commonly known as the Bible, Quran, Tanakh and Bhagwat Gita. A thorough examination of primary religious texts will be conducted to identify key passages and teachings related to fasting.

In addition to this, the research will use literature from academic journals, theological books and other relevant writings as a secondary source of information. Starting with an investigation of the historical development of fasting practices in different religions, the study will move further to examine the works of modern theologians, religious leaders and research scholars. This will give a brief overview of the evolution of fasting practices over time. Furthermore, it will give an insight into the modern interpretations and applications of fasting in different religions. Finally, a systematic comparative analysis of the findings will be conducted. Based on this analysis, the study will identify common themes of fasting in each religion, unique aspects of fasting and challenges faced in following traditional fasting practices in the contemporary world.

Research contributions

The above studies provide valuable insights into fasting within different religious contexts. However, there exists a gap in the literature regarding a comprehensive comparative analysis of the theological interpretations of fasting across these major religious traditions. This proposed research aims to address this gap by conducting a systematic theological review and a comparative analysis of existing traditions to get a clear understanding of the multifaceted nature of fasting in different religions. In theology, comparative studies are essential in getting a practical understanding of religious diversities (Clooney, 2019). It also helps in interpreting the world in the light of faith and willingness to see new truths of one religion in light of another. Comparative analysis of theological interpretations is also necessary to contribute to the existing literature by interpreting the meaning of truth of one’s own faith by critically investigating other faiths (Fredericks, 2010).

In academic theology, scriptural reasoning is a common practice to get a third space distant from intellectual reductionism and religious reductionism (Avcı, 2018). Since religious scholars often bring together their sciences and faiths, it is important to understand that scriptural reasoning is not just an intellectual undertaking but an attempt to uncover answers to contemporary questions with the help of traditional scriptures (Kepnes, 2006). By reviewing the existing theological studies and religious texts, the current research will not try to favour the practices of a specific region but reach a common ground to identify the similarities around fasting practices in different religions. Moreover, instead of reaching a conclusion or satisfying members of a specific community, the study will embrace the fasting practices of different religions and find ways to overcome the challenges faced by religious leaders in promoting their values and traditions. The current research will be grounded in the theoretical framework of systematic literature review and comparative theology. This approach will allow a deeper engagement with different religious traditions and help in maintaining a respectful and open perspective towards various theological perspectives.

Research significance and limitations

The research can be significantly valuable to the existing literature around fasting in theology. It has the potential to add value to the current understanding of fasting as a complex religious phenomenon that is often associated with theology, spirituality and social practice. By examining fasting through a systematic and comparative approach, the study will contribute to the discussions about the nature of fasting and its relevance in different religions. However, the qualitative nature of research makes it difficult to draw significant conclusions. Additionally, several religious texts are published in local languages, which leads to the need for translation. This often makes it difficult for researchers to understand the original meaning of the text, as the true essence of the scriptures is often lost in translation. Furthermore, comprehensive interviews with religious leaders can further add value to the research and help in getting first-hand information about the fasting practices in different religions.

Conclusion

The act of fasting may appear similar across different faiths. However, the theological interpretations and spiritual significances attributed to this practice can vary greatly between different religions. The practice of fasting is not just limited to a physical act. In religious contexts, it carries deep spiritual, moral and social implications. This research proposal outlines a comprehensive study of the theological interpretations of fasting across major religions followed in the world. The study conducts a systematic literature review and employs a comparative theological approach. The aim of this study is to contribute to the theological literature and offer a better understanding of fasting, which is considered a complex religious phenomenon. By getting an in-depth understanding of fasting practices, rituals and challenges faced by different religions, this study attempts to find its deep theological, spiritual and ethical principles. The proposed research has the potential to improve interfaith dialogue by offering valuable perspectives on the role of fasting in spirituality. It also provides an insight into the relationship between traditional religious beliefs and modern practices.

Resources 

Akram, M. (2016) Meaning and significance of fasting in comparative perspective: A study with special reference to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Hamdard Islamicus, 39(2), pp.37-60.

Alfian, A. (2022) Exploring Fasting in Christianity and Islam, Jurnal Studi Agama, 6(1), pp.29-41.

Avcı, B. (2018) Comparative theology and scriptural reasoning: A Muslim’s approach to interreligious learning, Religions, 9(10), p.297.

Azize, J. (2014) Fasting in Christianity and Gurdjieff, Journal for the academic study of religion, 27(3), pp.285-302.

Clooney, F. (2013) A catholic comparativist’s view of scriptural reasoning in the anglican context, Journal of Anglican studies, 11(2), pp.217-232.

Diamond, E. (2004) Holy Men and Hunger Artists: Fasting and Asceticism in Rabbinic Culture, USA: Oxford University Press.

Fernandes, M. (2011) Anthropological and Culinary Customs of Some of the Major Religions in India–Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Christian Religion, Cardinal Paul Poupard Foundation Chair of Inter-Religious & Inter-Cultural Dialogue, p.117.

Ford, D. (2013) Theology: A very short introduction, USA: Oxford University Press. 

Fredericks, L. (2010) The New Comparative Theology: Interreligious Insights from the Next Generation, New York: T & T Clark.

Grab, W., Weyel, B., Lartey, E. and Wepener, C. (2022) International Handbook of Practical Theology, De Gruyter.

Halawa, A. (2020) Impact of intermittent dietary restriction on the health-related outcomes of faith-based fasting, Journal of Ethnic Foods, 7, pp.1-10. 

Hoffman, V.J. (1995) Eating and fasting for God in Sufi tradition, Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 63(3), pp.465-484.

Ismail, A. (2024) Linguistic and Contextual Analysis of Fasting in Surah al-Baqarah: A Jewish-Christian Heritage in 7th Century Arabia, Jurnal Al Bayan: Jurnal Jurusan Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, 16(1), pp.258-280. 

Kepnes, Steven (2006) The Promise of Scriptural Reasoning, Malden: Blackwell Publishing

McGrath, E. (2018) Theology: The basic readings, John Wiley & Sons. 

Muhsinin, M. (2015) Puasa Menurut Islam dan Katolik, Al-Hikmah: Jurnal studi Agama-agama, 1(2).

Smart, N. (1996) Dimensions of the sacred: An anatomy of the world’s beliefs, University of California Press. 

Trabelsi, K., Ammar, A., Boujelbane, A., Puce, L., Garbarino, S., Scoditti, E., Boukhris, O., Khanfir, S., Clark, C., Glenn, M. and Alhaj, A. (2022) Religious fasting and its impacts on individual, public, and planetary health: Fasting as a “religious health asset” for a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable society, Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, p.1036496. 

Watson, P. (2000) Let God Be God: An Interpretation of the Theology of Martin Luther, Wipf and Stock Publishers.

Wimmer, J. (1982) Fasting in the New Testament: A study in biblical theology. New York: Paulist Press.