Comparative Theology · Common Ground
Jesus fasted forty days
In short
- 1.Matthew 4:2 records a forty-day fast.
- 2.Moses and Elijah fast for forty days too.
- 3.Muslims are the community that still fasts in this way.
The claim being examined
The Gospels open Jesus's ministry with a forty-day fast in the wilderness.
The Islamic position
Fasting is a pillar of Islam, and Muslims fast the month of Ramadan every year following the same prophetic practice.
Analysis
Fasting is continuous across the Abrahamic tradition: Moses in Exodus 34:28, Elijah in 1 Kings 19:8, Jesus in Matthew 4:2. The Qur'an frames Ramadan as prescribed for earlier communities too.
From the Qur'an
Qur'an 2:183
O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become mindful of God.
From the Bible
Matthew 4:2
nesteusas hemeras tesserakonta
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Read it in their BibleExodus 34:28
Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water.
Read it in their BibleSources
The Holy Qur'an · The Bible (NIV / KJV) · Common Ground collection
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