WATCH — Why fasting is an important part of some religions
Hear from leaders from the Muslim, Catholic, Jewish and Hindu faiths
Every week, CBC Kids News takes a deep dive into a topic that’s been making headlines. Click the video above or below for this week’s KN Explains.
This month, two important religious fasts are happening for the Muslim and Christian faiths at similar times — Ramadan and Lent.
Judaism and Hinduism also include fasting as part of their spiritual journeys.
There are other religions where people fast and some where they don’t.
Fasting is usually defined as a period of time with little to no food or drink.
Faith leaders we spoke to said fasting turns ordinary time into sacred or special time.
Sometimes, fasting doesn’t involve food or drink, but avoiding something that gives a person joy, such as video games. This is called abstaining.
Typically, religious people fast or abstain to achieve something spiritual, to give thanks to their God or to remind them to love and share gratitude for what they do have.
But how do most faiths fast differently?
Is it OK to ask somebody why they are fasting?
There are a lot of questions, but don’t worry, we have answers. Watch the video below to learn more.
KN Explains: Fasting for faith ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Yousef Abdel Rahman / CBC
VIDEO CREDITS: Host, Ainara Alleyne; Senior Producer, Lisa Fender; Creative Producer, Marielle Torrefranca; Video Producer: Marielle Torrefranca; Associate Producer: Angelica Cooper Editor, Janna McGinn; Graphic Designer: Yousef Abdel Rahman; Copy Editor: Chris Bilton.
