How the Prophets Fasted: Ancient Fasting Traditions Before Islam and Christianity

Fasting of the Previous Prophets

Fasting of Prophet Adam (AS):

According to the book Umdatul Qari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, it is said that the term Ayyamul Bidh (White Days) is related to the story of Prophet Adam (AS) when he was first sent down to Earth. At that time, his body was scorched black by the sun. Then, Allah revealed to him to fast for three days: the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month. After fasting the first day, one-third of his body turned white. After the second day, two-thirds turned white. By the end of the third day, his entire body had returned to its original color.

Fasting of Prophet Isa (Jesus, AS):

As mentioned in the book Bayaan al-Ma’aani, the Christians were commanded to fast for 40 consecutive days every year, following the example of Prophet Isa (AS). Their fast was stricter than today's Islamic fasting: they refrained from food and drink for 24 hours a day during those 40 days. Later generations lightened this burden by avoiding only food that had a soul (i.e., animals), allowing consumption of vegetables and other non-living food. This tradition is still practiced by some Christians today.

Fasting of Prophet Dawud (David, AS):

The most beloved type of fasting to Allah is the fasting of Prophet Dawud (AS). According to a hadith in Bukhari and Muslim, he would fast every other day — fasting one day, then eating the next. He also had a preferred pattern of night prayer: sleeping half the night, praying for one-third, and then sleeping again for the final one-sixth.

Seven Virtues of Fasting in Ramadan (Fadilah Puasa)

From Maqasid al-Sawm by Imam Izzuddin ibn Abd al-Salam:

1. Elevates Status:
   “When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Muslim)

2. Forgives Sins:
   “Whoever fasts in Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins are forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

3. Suppresses Desires:
   “O young people, whoever can afford to marry, let him marry… but whoever cannot, let him fast, for fasting is a shield (against desires).” (Ahmad, Bukhari)

4. Encourages Charity:
   Fasting helps melt away egoism and trains the heart to empathize with others’ suffering.

5. Increases Devotion:
   Awareness of the suffering in Hell motivates greater acts of worship to avoid it.

6. Gratitude for Hidden Blessings:
   Imam Izzuddin explains that fasting teaches people to appreciate hidden blessings like food, water, and comfort — blessings often unnoticed until they are lost.

7. Prevents Sinful Acts:
   A full stomach may lead to arrogance and sin. Fasting redirects focus to basic needs and suppresses sinful tendencies.

The Creation of the Intellect and Desires (from Tanbihul Ghafilin)

Abu Laits al-Samarqandi narrates that when Allah created the Intellect (Aql), it immediately obeyed Allah’s commands. Allah then praised it as the noblest of creations. But when He created Desire (Nafs), it was arrogant and disobedient. Allah punished the Nafs by casting it into Hellfire for 100 years, but it still did not submit. Then Allah placed it in the Hell of Hunger (Juu’), and after 100 years, it finally acknowledged: “I am Your servant, and You are my Lord.”

This shows why fasting is prescribed — to control the rebellious nature of the soul.

As Imam al-Ghazali said in Ihya' Ulum al-Din:

“Happiness lies in controlling one’s desires; misery lies in being controlled by them.”

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