An exploration of why numerous faith traditions practice fasting

NPR | By Deena Prichep

Published March 7, 2026 at 7:44 AM EST

Christians are in the season of Lent. Muslims in the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is a part of both faiths' observances. Other religions include periods of fasting as well. What accounts for fasting's longevity across religious traditions?

Deena Prichep

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Opinion: The immorality of betting on war

Scott Simon

Traders on prediction markets bet on nearly anything. One made more than half a million dollars betting on the U.S. strike against Iran. But should people wager on human suffering?
A neuroscientist heads to the Winter Paralympics

Emily Chen-Newton

Sydney Peterson is among the U.S. athletes heading to the 2026 Winter Paralympics. A neuroscientist in training, Peterson is studying movement disorders, similar to her own condition.
Hear what United Airlines is doing to inspire passengers to use headphones

Scott Simon

Tired of listening to other people's music, shows, and phone conversations in flight, the people at United Airlines have written a rule that lets them kick you off the plane if you don't put on headphones.
What's Trump's plan for the U.S. security initiative called, 'The Shield of Americas'?

Scott Simon, Franco Ordoñez

A regional coalition of Latin American countries will make up "The Shield of Americas," which becomes official this weekend in Miami. What does the Trump Administration want from this new initiative?
NPR News

Native Americans react to Sen. Markwayne Mullin's DHS appointment

Eric Westervelt, Kirk Siegler

Many tribes are encouraged by Trump's choice of Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a member of the Cherokee nation, as the new DHS Secretary. ICE agents have been accused of racially profiling Native Americans.