Sawm (Fasting): Difference between revisions

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The [[Adverse Effects of Islamic Fasting|adverse effects of Islamic fasting]] are numerous and encompass such issues as [[health]], national economy and productivity, crime rates, public safety and social behavior. In practice, Islamic fasting is unlike medical fasting. It is more accurately described as delayed eating; Muslims simply turn their eating habits upside down and gorge at dusk and at dawn.

Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast. Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is a healthier way compared to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref>

Once the month of Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims then observe Eid ul-Fitr ("Festival of Fast-Breaking"), a day to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Eid celebrations include the unprecedented large-scale slaughter of at least a hundred million [[animals]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_ul-Adha#Traditions_and_practices|title= Eid ul-Adha/ Traditions and practices|publisher= Wikipedia|author= |date= accessed October 18, 2013|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FEid_ul-Adha%23Traditions_and_practices&date=2013-10-18|deadurl=no}}</ref> In the Netherlands alone, which has little over a million Muslims, a 100,000 animals were slaughtered in 2010 for Eid al-Adha ("Festival of Sacrifice").<ref>[http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=214020 <!-- http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fabna.ir%2Fdata.asp%3Flang%3D3%26Id%3D214020&date=2011-06-01 -->Netherland Muslims slaughtered 100,000 animals for Eid ul-Adha] - Ahlul Bayt News, November 21, 2010</ref> And in Pakistan, 7.5 million animals (2.5 million cows and 5 million goats) were slaughtered.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.travelwireasia.com/2010/11/bakra-eid-the-cost-of-sacrifice/|title= Bakra Eid: The cost of sacrifice|publisher= Travel Wire Asia|author= |date= November 16, 2010|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.travelwireasia.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fbakra-eid-the-cost-of-sacrifice%2F&date=2013-10-18<!-- http://archive.is/i2qSF -->|deadurl=no}}</ref> Muslim children are often present and observe this, as it is considered a family affair.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.arabnews.com/news/468058|title= Celebrating Eid Al-Adha in the US|publisher= Arab News|author= Sameen Tahir-Khan|date= October 18, 2013|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arabnews.com%2Fnews%2F468058&date=2013-10-18|deadurl=no}}</ref>