Fasting is a type of worship (Rite) in almost all religions. Only the name, form, timing, and duration vary. Generally, fasting is a form of concern, withhold food and drink, away from the fun atmosphere that is different from the atmosphere of fun partying.
SGF Brandon in his book A Dictionary of Comparative Religion mention some motivation fasting in tribal religions, among others (1). Marking the preparation of adolescents who entered religious life, (2) As an expression of mourning, (3). As a form pertaubatan. A belief that suffering by refraining from eating and drinking can reduce anger the gods, is common in the world.
According to the teachings of Islam, fasting is a worship refrain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations during the day to avoid a disgraceful deed. The purpose of fasting is expressed in the Qur'an Surah Al-Baqarah verse 183 which means,''O ye who believe, fasting has been obliged to you as required to those before you, may you be cautious.''
Piety in the broad sense includes understanding: (1). Fear of Allah SWT for a painful punishment for those who ignored the order and violating his ban, (2). Obedience to God Almighty to carry out the command and away from his ban, (3). The love of Allah, the Creator of the Universe, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, the always taqarrub (closer) to Him.
According to the adherents of Judaism, Moses before receiving revelation from God on Mount Sinai fasted 40 days, began rising star rises at dawn to dusk. According to their beliefs, people who will receive the revelation of God should be holy and spiritual. If it is not holy, he can not communicate with God, because God is holy.
Christians are fasting from morning until dusk, and can be extended up to morning again by reading the prayers. In Christianity, fasting is not mandatory but voluntary. Because in Christianity there are many denominations (flow), the fast implementation vary widely, both dates, abstinence, and duration.
Achievement of Quality According to Hindu religion is part of the penance of fasting, namely physical and spiritual exercises to atone and improve the durability of facing various kinds of suffering. Term fasting in the Indonesian language derived from Sanskrit, namely upawasa, which means away from what is nearest, or what is most dear, such as eating, drinking, sexual relations and so on.
Fasting is primarily in Hinduism is the day of Nyepi, in order to welcome the new year Saka. Time for just one night, and at night the Hindus away from the pleasure in total, is filled by reading the Vedas and mantras-manetra, stop all activities that are unimportant and do not use fire (observe geni).
In Buddhism, the worship of fasting called upasota run starts at 12:00 and 18:00. Long fasting is up to each individual masng associated with the level of virtue to be achieved by each individual. Upasota in Buddhism is voluntary.
According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, among the great religions, only Confucianism which has no doctrine of fasting as other religions. When you dive in depth, the teaching of fasting in religions that have a goal to achieve a high spiritual quality, that is inner purity that were conducive to good behavior.
In Indonesia, a Muslim majority, preparations for the month of Ramadan was incredible, a supply of food and drinks to break the fast, Lebaran clothes, money tithes, charity malls, infak, and sadaqah, welcomes guests Lebaran, homecoming, etc. . Activities Muslims face during Ramadan and Lebaran it has the effect of increased economic activities that benefit all walks of life.
But in our observations, the activities of Muslims more about the physical aspect or outward. The function of fasting to increase faith and piety, inner purity, and social solidarity into reality seems less successful.
This needs the attention of the preachers, religious teachers, kiai, scholars, religious teachers, professors of religion, and others that in conducting da'wa and functionalization tarbiyah more emphasis on fasting. (10)
Source : Drs H Ibnu Djarir, Chairman of the MUI's Central Java Province- Indonesia
