As a Bahá'í, I began fasting at the age of 15, when it becomes a spiritual obligation. While each year I’ve observed the Bahá’í Fast myself in the Manchester office at DWF, this year, the Bahá’í Fast and Ramadan coincide, making it particularly special and exciting.
What is the Bahá'í Faith?
The Bahá'í Faith is an independent global religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh in the 19th century in Persia (Iran). It teaches the unity of humanity, oneness of God and oneness of religion. The Bahá’í Faith teaches that all of the world’s great Faiths come from one God, and each were sent to humanity at different times with teachings that addressed the needs of humanity at that period. Bahá’í’s therefore accept the divine origins of Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and all the other major religions. The central principles of the Bahá’í Faith include universal peace, harmony of science and religion, gender equality, universal education, eliminating prejudice and eliminating extremes of poverty and wealth. Its purpose is to build communities rooted in justice, unity, and service to humanity.
One key spiritual obligation for Bahá’í’s is the Bahá'í Fast, which is observed annually from March 1st/2nd to March 19th/20th, fostering spiritual reflection before the Bahá'í New Year (Naw-Rúz), which falls on the vernal equinox, symbolising spiritual renewal and the arrival of Spring.
The Bahá'í Fast: A time of reflection and spiritual renewal
The Fast is a period of spiritual rejuvenation, reflection, and discipline, helping to refocus individuals on their spiritual journey. It involves abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, echoing a practice shared by many religious traditions, including Islam.
It is however guided by compassion and flexibility, reflecting the principle of moderation and consideration for individual circumstances. Those exempt from observing the Fast are children under 15 and adults over 70, those who are ill, pregnant, nursing, menstruating, or traveling, and individuals engaged in heavy labour.
Spiritual reflections, community bonding and breaking the fast
During this time of the year, Bahá'ís are encouraged to increase their prayers, study sacred writings, and continue engaging in acts of service. This period fosters a heightened sense of mindfulness and gratitude, cultivating a deeper connection to God and to the community.
Communally, the Fast strengthens bonds among friends. Although it is a personal act of devotion, many of us gather for prayers before dawn or to break the Fast at sunset, sharing meals and fellowship, reinforcing the sense of community and collective spirituality. At sunset, the Fast is broken after saying some prayers (either individually or collectively), and there are specific prayers that have been revealed for the Fast. There is no fixed meal to break the Fast with. Often we tend to break the Fast with friends or family, regardless of faith or background, as the primary purpose is togetherness and fellowship during this special time of the year.
At the end of the Fast Bahá’í’s celebrate Naw-Rúz, a festival marking the start of the Bahá'í New Year, with friends and family from all backgrounds and faiths. This year it falls on the 20th of March, commencing on the evening of the 19th. Naw-Rúz is personally one my favourite festivals. It's characterised by community, joy, prayers, music, and feasting (of any kind of food!).
While the Bahá'í Fast and Ramadan have unique practices and meanings, the beauty of these obligations are that they share a common purpose of fostering spiritual growth, unity, and compassion; underscoring the shared spiritual heritage of humanity.
As we reach the end of the Bahá’í Fast , I’d like wish everyone a very Happy Naw-Rúz and hope this year brings everyone joy and happiness!