Nineteen-Day Fast

The Báb, the founder of the Bábí Faith, instituted the Badíʻ calendar with 19 months of 19 days in his book the Persian Bayán, and stated that the last month would be a period of fasting. The Báb stated that the true significance of the fast was abstaining from all except the love of the Messengers from God. The Báb also stated that the continuation of the fast was contingent on the approval of a messianic figure, Him Whom God Shall Make Manifest. The Baháʼí fast resembles fasting practices of several other religions. Lent is a period of fasting for Christians, Yom Kippur and many other holidays for Jews, and the fast of Ramadan is practiced by Muslims. The Baháʼí fasting most resembles the fast of Ramadan, except that the period of fasting is defined as a fixed Baháʼí month. In contrast, Muslims fast during a lunar month, whose specific Gregorian dates vary yearly. ==Definition==

Baháʼu'lláh established the guidelines of the fast in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, his book of laws. ==Spiritual nature==

Along with obligatory prayer, it is one of the greatest obligations of a Baháʼí. It is intended to bring the person closer to God. ==Laws concerning fasting==

There are laws and practices associated with the Nineteen Day Fast that Baháʼu'lláh established in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, his book of laws. • There is no mention of abstention from sexual relations while fasting. Exemptions from fasting Various exemptions are provided in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas from the obligation of fasting. However, one meeting the exemptions may still choose to fast if they so wish, except for the ill. Baha'u'llah has stated that in "time of ill health it is not permissible to observe these obligations..." The Universal House of Justice has counseled the Baha'is that the decision of whether or not to observe an applicable exemption should be made with wisdom, keeping in mind that the exemptions were set down with good reason. Regarding those engaged in heavy labour, Baha'u'llah has stated, "[I]t is most commendable and fitting to eat with frugality and in private." • Those who are ill. • Those who are younger than 15 or older than 70. • Those who are engaged in heavy labour. • Women who are pregnant. • Women who are nursing. • Women who are menstruating (instead they must perform an ablution and recite the verse Glorified be God, the Lord of Splendour and Beauty 95 times a day). Exemptions are also given to those travelling during the fast. Exemptions are granted when the travel is longer than 9 hours (or 2 hours if travelling by foot). If the traveller breaks their journey for more than nineteen days, they are only exempt from fasting for the first three days. Also, if they return home, they must begin fasting right away. ==See also==