TWENTY-ONE DAYS WITHOUT FOOD
Why would someone decide to stop eating? We know that the body needs food in order to function well. However, many people fast at some time during their lives. Why is this?
Some people fast for political reasons. In the early 20th century, women in England and the United States weren’t allowed to vote. In protest, many people fasted for days. They hoped that fasting would bring attention to this injustice. Gandhi, the famous Indian leader, fasted 17 times during his life. In 1943, he went without food for 21 days.
He fasted to bring attention to his country’s need for independence.
Fasting is also a spiritual practice in many religions. Every year during the month of Ramadan, which is a religious holiday, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
Of course, not everyone fasts for political or religious reasons. Some people occasionally fast just because it makes them better. The American writer Mark Twain thought fasting was the best medicine for common illnesses.
Choosing to go with or without food can be very dangerous. However, that doesn’t stop people from fasting for political, religious, or health reasons.
“... not everyone fasts for political or religious reasons.” means that
