traditional iftar meal

Table set for the traditional iftar meal that concludes the daily fast during Ramadan

Fasting

For Muslims and Latter-day Saints, fasting is a practice that promotes spiritual growth and temporal well-being and brings faithful members closer to God.

Muslims

Muslims participate in a worldwide fast each year during Ramadan. From dawn until dusk for a lunar month, Muslims refrain from food, drink, tobacco, and other physical gratifications. A Muslim who is fasting gives regular offerings to the poor at the end of Ramadan and throughout the year. Fasting often develops feelings of reverence, devotion, spiritual strength, and empathy.

man paying fast offering

Latter-day Saints contribute to helping the poor as part of their monthly fast

Latter-day Saints

Latter-day Saints usually fast on the first Sabbath of each month. They fast by abstaining from food and drink for 24 hours or a period of two meals. They are encouraged to fast for a special purpose, such as seeking God’s blessing for a family member or receiving divine guidance. Fasting includes prayer, reflection, and offering money or other resources to help people who are poor, hungry, or in need of shelter.