Fasting a healing process for the body and the spirit

Picture of the famous Grand Mosque in Xian China, built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Source: http://www.lonelychina.com/xian/great-mosque-xian.html

Today is the first day of Ramadan. As ordained in the Quran, in the month of Ramadan the Muslims begin the day with an early breakfast and stay without food or drink until dusk. For the Muslims this is a month of self-regulation and self training when we learn virtues of piety, humility, are aware of God and fear Him, in the hope that this discipline will go beyond the month of Ramadan.

I understand that in many religions, there is a system of fasting.

In Buddhism, fasting is recognized as one of the methods for practising self-control. The Buddha advised monks not to take solid food after noon. In Buddhism, fasting is an initial stage of self-discipline to acquire self-control.

The Hindus believe that fasting is a means of showing that one can deny one’s physical needs for the sake of spiritual gains. The Hindus believe that fasting brings about a harmonious relationship between the body and the soul. The Hindus usually fast on new moon and annual festivals; practices vary, sometimes 24 hours of complete abstinence from any food or drink but more often an elimination of solid foods with occasional drink of milk or water; enhancement of concentration during meditation or worship, purification or a sacrifice.

The Baha'i abstain from food and drink sunrise to sunset during month of Ala from March 2-20; to focus on love of God and spiritual matters.

The Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. I was told that they take two small meals and one regular meal, with meat forbidden. Catholics believe that fasting teaches self-control, penance and solidarity with the poor.